Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Guidance and treatment of Mastitis , engorgement and sore nipples

The post-natal experience is absolutely incredible, but can also be filled with many challenges, hurdles, and a million questions. 

Having the right information, guidance, and hands on treatment can optimize this new journey for you, and your little one.

Challenges with breastfeeding, especially when you're starting out, are very common, and you are not expected to power through them alone. 

Painful Nipples? 

Initially the nipples can become very raw and tender as they become used to feeding. This can vary from mild to severe pain and/or breakdown. 

If you are experiencing raw, painful or cracked nipples here are some of the best treatment options:

• Laser light Therapy

Low level laser therapy, also termed biomodulation, is an evidence based treatment for skin healing. The laser is applied directly to the nipple, the energy from the laser facilitates tissue healing and reduces inflammation. The nipples are able to heal faster and with improved resilience moving forwards. It is quick, and completely pain free. You can feed your little one straight after. Depending on the severity of your nipple condition you may require a few sessions while you also learn to optimize babies latch.

• Fixing the Latch

Problems with latching may be simple or complex, and typically require an assessment of moms nipples, babies mouth, and a look at how baby is latching and feeding, before the right advice can be given. 

• Nipple shields

These can be useful in certain situations. They may assist baby latching related concerns when the nipples are shy or inverted. They can also be used to relieve the nipple skin if mom is really struggling with pain and breakdown. Correct guidance relating shape, size and correct use of these is important.

• Nipple creams

There are a number of options, those containing Lansinoh are highly recommended. They are baby friendly and can be applied straight after a feed to help the skin heal between feeds. Keeping the area clean and moist will help accelerate healing.

• Hydrogel dressings

Lansinoh and Medela both have hydrogel dressings which can be placed in the fridge to cool and then be placed on the nipples after a feed. Hydrogel is a commonly used dressing for open skin wounds as it facilitates wound healing.

• Sunshine

A little time with the nipples in the sunlight can do wonders for natural skin healing.

Engorgement, blocked ducts or  Mastitis? 

These are all common breastfeeding related problems that can be distressing for both mother and baby. The good news is that they are very effectively managed with physio and some useful tips and tricks for further independent treatment and prevention.

Treatment options include:

• Ultrasound

Ultrasound sends sound waves through the tissues causing fluid to move and loosen which makes is easier to flow 

• Massage

The correct application of massage can help to move the lymph and milk in the correct direction to facilitate flow and release of milk both before and during breastfeeding or pumping

• Hot/cold compress

Alternating these two can help to cause alternation of constriction and dilation to improve circulation. Depending on the presentation one may be preferred over the other 

• Cabbage leaves

They cause vasodilation which helps in many cases to open ducts and improve milk flow

• Reverse pressure softening

A useful trick to soften the area around the nipple to allow a more effective latch when the breast is too engorged and tight for baby to get a good latch 

• Breastfeeding positioning

Positioning babies chin towards the area in the case of a blocked duct may help to increase suction to that area helping to unblock

• Changing your bra or going bra-less can make all the difference 

Some useful Prevention tips:

• When your milk first comes in your breasts may fill up and become very large and hard. When baby feeds, they will only remove what they need and may not empty your breasts fully. Your breasts will learn to make the right quantity of milk based on how much your baby takes. Milk supply is based on demand. If you are finding that your breasts are still very hard and painful after each feed, you may express a little extra until they feel softer to touch and pain free. Do not over express in this early stage, as this will just signal your breasts to produce more and more milk. 

• Nurse on demand

• Allow baby to finish first breast before switching to the other side

• Ensure correct latch and position

• If baby is not nursing hand express or pump frequently

• Moist heat prior to feeding

• Massage and compress known blockage zones during feeding