Do you have a low breastmilk supply, breastfeeding from one side only, blood in your breastmilk or a baby who bites. while breastfeeding? Read answers to readers breastfeeding questions.
low milk supply
I struggled breastfeeding my first baby due to low milk supply. Can you suggest anything to help next time?
Good news – the milk supply is usually greater with a second and subsequent child. Initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery and breastfeed on demand. This can be as often as 8–12 times a day. Stimulating a good milk supply early through regular feeding will assist maintaining a good supply in the months ahead. Mothers need to remember to eat three meals a day and ensure rest or some early nights. If you are concerned about low supply discuss with your LMC, ask for a referral to a Lactation Consultant as a review of the mothers medical history may guide recommendations. Options such as expressing after feeds, taking natural supplements, reviewing feeding technique may be explored.
breastfeeding from one side only
One of my breasts works better than the other. Can I just breastfeed from one breast?
It is very common to have a slight difference in size and easier flow from one breast. Yes, you can breastfeed from one breast, however to avoid discomfort, possible breast infection and providing an alternative to the one breast – it is usually recommended to keep offering both sides. With an older baby (over six months) the baby may prefer one side and natural weaning with reduction in milk flow may occur on the least preferred breast.
heavy use of breast pumps
Can heavy use of breast pumps change the shape of your breasts more so than if I was just breastfeeding?
Being pregnant changes the shape of your breasts due to the increase in glandular tissue and the ducts that transport milk. There are also individual variations in breast elasticity. The changes in shape between pumping and breastfeeding are unlikely to be significant if the breasts are regularly emptied.
red streaks in breast milk
What does it mean when there are drops of blood in my breast milk?
If the mother is expressing firmly behind the nipple or using a breast pump on high suction, sometimes a small blood vessel may burst into the duct. More gentle expressing and the bleeding should stop. If it occurs while breastfeeding, it may be due to similar, temporary occurrence and usually spontaneously resolves. Persisting blood in the milk requires follow up by your Health Care provider.
biting my nipple
My baby keeps biting my nipple – what can I do as it is so painful?
An older baby may clamp down at the end of a feed to get your attention so anticipation and removing your baby before this happens may prevent being bitten. A younger baby may have a tonic bite reflex – gentle holding down baby’s jaw with mother’s finger during feeds may help. Demonstrate a wide open mouth to baby when latching. If biting occurs say ‘no’ and carefully remove baby and re-latch. Try this each time.
breast milk storage
Can I mix breast milk from different ice cubes I have stored?
Yes - when unfreezing for use, mixing from different batches is not important, gently shake to blend any fat that has separated. Remember, do not add fresh milk on top of already frozen milk when storing.
weaning at 10-months
How can I wean my 10-month-old from breastfeeding?
Drop one feed for a few days and introduce the alternative breast milk substitute – by cup or bottle. Try dropping another feed and replace this. At this age, the baby should be taking solid foods before the breastfeed and the need for fluids gradually reduces. The last feeds to drop are last feed at night and the morning feed. Note: some babies wean quickly and easily whilst some babies enjoy their breastfeeding and take longer to wean.
stopped feeding but still have milk
It is now two years since I have breastfed and I am still producing milk. Is this normal?
The human breast differs from those in other mammals in that it takes longer to stop milk production. Some women can continue producing milk for a long time or even with stimulation re-lactate. Eventually your milk production will cease.
breastfeeding & painful sex
My baby is six weeks old and sex is so painful. Is this because I am breastfeeding?
It is probably due more to the birth process. Some mothers have reduced vaginal secretions due to hormonal changes. The use of a lubricant can help. If ongoing discomfort persists, see your doctor – there may be some medication that can be prescribed to assist. This pain is not directly attributable to breastfeeding.
my baby is losing weight
Are there people who just can’t breastfed?
There can be a number of causes for insufficient weight gain in a baby. One of the indicators of good milk supply is changes and increase in the size of the breasts during pregnancy, and increase in breast size with the initiation of a good milk supply during the first week after delivery. If there were insufficient breast changes – seek advice from your Lead Maternity Caregiver (LMC) or Lactation Consultant.
my baby nods off when breastfeeding
My 5 week old baby likes to sleep during feeds. I feed her one breast first for 8 minutes - then she nods off. Should I wake her?
If your baby is gaining weight well, you may have a very efficient let-down and your baby is receiving all she needs. Wet napkins - six or more daily, and soft yellow motions should be expected. If she is sleepy and has a slow weight gain – you may need to wake your baby to ensure she takes sufficient milk at each feed. The recommendation is to allow your baby to feed on the first side until she spontaneously comes off. After this, offer the second side but this may not always be required. You should feel strong rhythmic bursts of sucking, hear your baby swallowing or feel your breasts becoming softer during a feed.
freezing breastmilk
how long does breastmilk keep for?
Frozen breast milk may be kept for two weeks in a freezer box inside a refrigerator; three months in a front opening freezer or fridge/freezer; or six months in a chest freezer at a constant -20 degrees C.
