Finding Relief from Nipple Soreness

Nipple soreness is often the number one complaint among breastfeeding moms. And for some, it can be the main reason that they stop breastfeeding altogether. The truth is nipple soreness is not that uncommon, particularly in the very beginning of the breastfeeding relationship. However, this initial pain or tenderness often subsides after only a few days.

Nipple soreness can also occur for other reasons. For example, some breastfeeding moms experience soreness due to dry, cracked and even bleeding nipples as their breasts adjust to nursing a newborn with a voracious appetite. It usually takes a couple of weeks for the nipples to toughen up and become less sensitive. For other breastfeeding moms, nipple soreness may be caused by a poor latch or a yeast infection (also known as Candida).

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help relieve nipple soreness so you can continue breastfeeding your baby comfortably:

• To ensure a proper latch, your baby’s mouth should completely cover the nipple while nursing.

• To avoid a yeast infection, be sure to change your nursing bra and breast pads frequently, and allow your breasts to air dry immediately after a feeding.   

• Try applying pure lanolin or a special nipple cream directly on the breasts in between feedings, which can help soothe sore nipples. Lanolin and nipple creams are perfectly safe for your baby, so you don’t need to wipe them off before a feeding.

• You can also apply cooling gel pads to the nipples for relief before and after feedings.

If you’ve tried some of these suggestions and you’re still experiencing nipple soreness, you may want to talk to a lactation consultant to rule out any other issues (e.g. make sure your baby isn’t tongue-tied).  Typically, after observing one nursing session, a lactation consultant can quickly pinpoint what may be causing your chronic nipple pain and prescribe the appropriate form of relief.

What’s the Difference between a Lactation Consultant and a Breastfeeding Specialist?

This is a popular question that we get from our breastfeeding moms. With so many resources and “specialists” out there, it can be rather confusing, particularly if you’re a new mom who’s struggling with breastfeeding. How do you know if the person giving you advice about breastfeeding is actually qualified to do so?

A “lactation consultant” is a healthcare professional who has received at least 90 hours of lactation education, undergone more than 1,000 hours of lactation-specific clinical training, and passed the exam given by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. By passing this exam, a lactation consultant is then certified and may use the letters “IBCLC” after her name. Additionally, all IBCLCs must renew their certification via continuing education units every five years and via re-examination every 10 years. These measures are considered the standard in the field.

On the other hand, you may encounter a breastfeeding specialist, counselor or expert who refers to herself as a lactation consultant. She may even have credentials like CLE or CLC after her name, indicating that she’s completed some coursework to earn a certificate. Although this training is valuable for teaching breastfeeding classes and helping with basic breastfeeding, it does not make a specialist qualified to consult with moms and babies on more challenging breastfeeding issues. Only an IBCLC is guaranteed to have the extensive education, training and clinical experience to provide this level of care and support. In other words, a breastfeeding specialist who is not a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is not considered a legitimate lactation consultant.

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center, we have a staff of eight IBCLCs, who are available 365 days a year to provide support for breastfeeding patients and the hospital’s mother-baby nursing staff. We also have a well-trained staff of certified lactation counselors (CLCs) available for breastfeeding support. We take pride in being able to offer advanced, comprehensive breastfeeding care for our new moms and babies.

Happy Breastfeeding Week!

At MoBap, we recognize that every mom has her own personal goals and expectations with breastfeeding, and we want you to know that we’re here to support you in any way we can. We commend all new moms, especially those who’ve chosen to provide such a healthy start for their little ones. You’ve already done so much for your baby on this journey, so now’s the time to celebrate YOU!

This week (August 1-7), we’re honoring breastfeeding moms by celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2013. This year’s theme is “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers,” which promotes the importance of breastfeeding peer counseling, including mother-to-mother support, as well as support from trained healthcare workers, lactation consultants, community leaders, and friends and family.

At MoBap, we’ve seen firsthand how valuable peer counseling is for breastfeeding moms. More importantly, we value the wonderful support that moms provide to one another in our breastfeeding support groups. It’s just one more reason why we’re incredibly proud of each and every one of you!

So, from the lactation consultants at MoBap, we hope you enjoy your special week that celebrates breastfeeding, not only here, but worldwide! Be sure to take a moment to celebrate yourself and all that you’ve done for your little one.

Introducing Solid Foods

Parents often get conflicting and confusing advice about introducing solid foods to their infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six month before slowly introducing solid foods. However, some Western countries, like the United States, introduce solids as early as four months. 

There are a number of solid foods you can introduce to your baby, including cereal, fruits, veggies and meats. Normal, healthy babies should be given a variety of foods. In order to help maintain your milk supply, consider offering solids after your baby has nursed. Also, whatever solid foods you offer should include two important minerals – iron and zinc. 

So how do you know when to introduce solids? Your baby will usually display some signs of readiness: 
• Hand-eye coordination
• A developed immune system
• A mature digestive system
• The presence of teeth
• A growth spurt that’s unresolved with more frequent nursing

Introducing solids can be a fun, pleasant experience for both moms and babies. Whether you introduce solids at four months or six months, breast milk will still be your baby’s primary food source until the age of one, offering continued protection from illnesses. 

-Sue, IBCLC

Proper Breastfeeding Positions

Breastfeeding, one of the most natural acts in the world, takes practice. And learning how to support and hold your baby takes coordination and patience. During the first several weeks postpartum, positioning your baby at the breast is an important first step in achieving a successful latch. In fact, achieving a proper position and successful latch can help prevent sore nipples (a common complaint among many breastfeeding moms).

There are four main types of breastfeeding positions: 1) the cradle hold, 2) cross-cradle hold, 3) football hold, and 4) side lying. However, the most important factor in any breastfeeding position is to make sure both you and your baby are comfortable.

The following are a few suggestions to help you establish a successful, comfortable breastfeeding relationship with your baby, regardless of which nursing position you use:

• Bring your baby to your breast – not the other way around.
• Support your breasts using either a C-hold (four fingers underneath the breast and thumb on top) or a V-hold (support your breast between your splayed index and middle fingers).
• Use your arm and hand – plus pillows or folded blankets – to support your baby’s head, neck, back and hips, while keeping them in a straight line.
• Experiment to find a nursing position that you find most comfortable.

Finally, consider alternating between different breastfeeding positions. Many women find that this is the best way to avoid getting clogged milk ducts. 

Now, relax, take a deep breath, and nurse your baby.

April (IBCLC)

Boosting Milk Supply

Many new moms are often concerned with having an adequate milk supply. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help establish and maintain your milk supply, including massaging/compressing the breasts; incorporating skin-to-skin care; resting adequately; eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet; drinking to satisfy your thirst; and pumping after nursing.

If you’re already doing these things and are still concerned about your milk supply, you may want to try a galactagogue – a food, herb, or medication that’s used to increase milk supply. Some of the most common galactagogues include fenugreek, blessed thistle, brewer’s yeast, oats, flaxseed and Mother's Milk tea. However, before using a galactagogue, be sure that your baby is latching correctly, nursing frequently, having adequate wet/stool diapers, and gaining enough weight. You may also want to consult with your doctor or lactation consultant before introducing a galactagogue. Galactagogues should always be a last resort and used with caution.

Lactation Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious way to help boost your milk supply, try making your own lactation cookies. I highly recommend this recipe from epicurious.com: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/LACTATION-COOKIES-1252680

I recently brought these cookies to a Mother/Baby hospital staff presentation as a healthy snack option. And you can imagine everyone’s surprise when I informed them that they were eating lactation cookies. These are really delicious!

Feel free to browse other recipe websites for a different lactation cookie recipe or create your own by substituting alternative grains, fruits and nuts. Although there are many variations, every lactation cookie recipe should contain three main ingredients commonly believed to enhance milk supply: oatmeal, brewer’s yeast and flaxseed. 

Bon appetit!

Vickie (IBCLC)