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vii) Breastmilk allowed to dry on the skin is soothing and helps it to heal. (viii) Alternative feeding positions offer some respite to the damaged area as the baby latches on. You can try putting his body under your arm, feeding while lying down (see description of sleeping with a baby p.20), or putting him on your tummy - in the bath is nice. These positions will vary the place under stress and allow it to heal, even though the baby will probably still be nursing frequently. Feeding from the least sore side first will mean that he is not as hungry and less likely to damage the sore side further. Some women find honey beneficial, others find that the nipple needs to be kept moist as drying makes the skin crack. You will have to try these suggestions to see which work for you. Find someone who is breastfeeding happily and ask if you can look at the position of their baby on the breast. There are some helpful pictures in books and on video that show correct positioning well (see “Bestfeeding: getting breastfeeding right for you” and the Royal College of Midwives video “Successful Breastfeeding”). There are also some that show incorrect positioning so do not assume that all the photographers know about breastfeeding. Soreness can be a misnomer: the pain of feeding with damaged nipples is excruciating and mothers frequently end up in tears over it, worried that the baby will starve if they stop to put things right, and about their disappointment if they give up. | ||
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CATHERINE HOLLAND Tel: 0701 7415310 Email: catherine@catherineholland.co.uk | |
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