Breast feeding problems


Breast feeding introduction


Breastfeeding is beneficial to both the mother and the child. Breast milk is the source for the required nutrition for the baby and supports the baby’s growth and development. Breastfeeding has an added benefit of protecting the baby and the mother from most illnesses and diseases.

Why is breast feeding essential?


While there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding below are some of the main advantages:-
  • Nutrition: Since breast milk is the best source of nutrition the mother’s breast milk will change as the nutritional needs of the baby changes.
  • Protection from illness: Babies who have been breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes. Those babies are less prone to infections and stomach bugs.
  • Antibodies: The mother’s antibodies are in the breast milk which help the baby develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
  • Convenience: Breastfeeding can be done anywhere anytime without having to worry about mixing a formula or cleaning the bottles. It is especially convenient during travel and at places where the baby cannot get its routine food.
  • Good for the mother: Breastfeeding has shown to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

Breast feeding recommendations


Breastfeeding is the most recommended way to feed a newborn, and is immensely beneficial for both the mother and the infant. Below are some of the best breast feeding practices as recommended by leading medical organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When to do exclusive breastfeeding?


The infant should be exclusively fed with breast milk for the first six months which is optimal for growth and development of the baby. Unless advised by your doctor no foods, water, or other liquids should be given to the infant during good period

When to combine other foods along with breastfeeding?


After exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months the baby can slowly be introduced to foods according to the baby’s nutritional needs. But still breastfeeding must be continued.

How long should one continue breastfeeding?


As long as it is desired by both the mother and the child breastfeeding can be continued. for as long as mutually desired by the mother and child, with recommendations extending up to two years of age or beyond.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the tips for new mothers getting started on breastfeeding?


  • Start immediately: The mother should start breastfeeding ideally within the first hour of the birth. To help better with the process, skin-to-skin touch of the child and the mother must be encouraged immediately after the delivery.
  • Feed timings: Whenever the baby exhibits symptoms of hunger the mother should give the feed. Newborns need to be fed at least 8-12 times a day during the initial days. The more the baby is fed the milk supply will be better.
  • Positioning the baby: The baby must correctly hold on to the breast for easy and pain-free breastfeeding. The baby must be positioned such that it has taken both the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and the nipple. When the baby has latched on properly the baby’s mouth will be open wide, with the chin touching the breast and the lips flanged outward, and.
  • Keep away from pacifiers and bottles: Until the baby is comfortable with breastfeeding please avoid pacifiers and bottles. Early usage of pacifiers and bottles can interfere with the baby’s ability to latch correctly.
  • Staying together: The baby and the mother must sleep in the same room always so the baby can be fed at any time.
  • Working mothers: If the mother has to return to work they can pump the breast milk and store it. At room temperature freshly expressed breast milk can be stored for up to 4 hours. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the problems faced during breastfeeding?


Breastfeeding is one of the most cherishable experiences for a mother. During this period there could be challenges as well. But they could be solved with the right support system and knowledge. For a first time mother it is a learning for both her and the baby. But even for a mother who had children before it is still a new learning for the new born child. Both the mother and the child could learn together. Consulting with an expert like a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor is recommended.

Though every mother and child have their unique journey during breastfeeding, below are some of the most common problems:-

Sore or Cracked Nipples


Soreness is usually experienced by the mother in the first week as her body adjusts. The mother experiences persistent pain, cracking, discomfort or even bleeding. Sore or cracked nipples could indicate that the baby is not latching properly. If the latching is shallow it causes the nipples to be pinched and irritated. Try the below methods to deal with sore or cracked nipples:-
  • Ensure that the baby’s mouth is open wide and takes in both the nipple, and a large portion of the areola. The baby should take the nipple deep in the mouth.
  • Changing positions distributes the pressure to different parts of the breast, which may help alleviate discomfort.
  • After the baby has finished feeding just express just rub a few drops of milk on your nipples since breast milk has natural healing properties.
  • After the baby has been fed, let the nipples air dry.
  • Ask your doctor for a cream or ointment to help soothe and heal the cracked nipples.

Breast Engorgement


Engorgement means that the breasts are overly full with milk becoming hard and causing pain. Breasts can get engorged a few days after birth when the milk is just coming in. Engorgement makes it difficult for the baby to latch. Try the following methods to deal with engorgement:-
  • Try frequent breastfeeding and on demand.
  • Before the baby starts to latch just express a few drops of milk so that the areola softens and the baby can latch on easily.
  • While feeding gently massage your breasts to help the milk drain.
  • Apply cold compress after a feed to reduce the swelling and pain.

No adequate amount of milk


Though most mothers are able to generate the required amount of milk in some it is a genuine problem that their supply is in-adequate. When the baby is not getting enough feed they do not gain weight, and are crying due to hunger. Try the following solutions:-
  • The body produces more milk when you breastfeed more. Frequent feed will signal your body to increase supply.
  • When the baby latches properly the baby takes in more milk which in turn triggers more milk production.
  • Use both the breasts one at each time of breastfeeding. So they both become empty and encourage more production.
  • While the baby is feeding, gently squeeze your breast to encourage milk flow.
  • If you pump after feeding it signals the body to produce more milk.
  • Drink plenty of water, take a healthy diet to maintain milk supply.

Blockages of the Milk Ducts


The mother feels a lump which is tender or sore due to blocked milk ducts in your breast. Lumps are formed due to undrained milk. If the blocked duct is not treated it causes mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast with flu-like symptoms. The mother feels feverish, fever, and a painful, red area on the breast. Solution to deal with Mastitis are as follows:-
  • Continue to breastfeed from the affected breast since when you continuously feed the blockage will clear automatically.
  • By massaging the affected breast the lump might move towards the nipple. While your baby is feeding the lump will clear away.
  • Taking a warm shower to free up with milk flow.
  • Keep changing the feeding positions to drain the affected area.
  • If the symptoms of mastitis such as fever, body aches, and worsening pain persist for more than 24 hours, please seek medical advice.

Baby is not latching properly


Sometimes babies refuse to breastfeed or do not latch properly. Babies refuse to breastfeed due to fast or slow milk flow, teething, or tongue-tying. To help the baby with taking the feed:-
  • Maintain a good skin-to-skin contact with the baby, since it helps the baby to relax and reset their feeding instincts.
  • Try different feeding positions to find the one position which is comfortable to both the mother and the baby.
  • Maintain a calm environment during feeding and minimize distractions during feeding.
  • Tongue-tying is a condition where the strip of skin connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual. The tongue cannot move freely due to which the baby cannot take the milk properly. A doctor can easily diagnose and treat this condition.

Helpful tips for breastfeeding mothers


  • Find help from an expert: The help could be a professional or a trusted family member. Many mothers have questions in the earlier phases so please arrange someone to help you and provide timely advice.
  • Please remember that you will not master breastfeeding in one day. It takes time so be patient with yourself and with the baby too. Please remember that the baby is also learning and only depending on their natural instincts.
  • Stay positive and enjoy these precious moments with your baby.
  • Since breast milk is 90% water, please take fluids throughout the day. Best to keep a water bottle handy next to you.
  • Please take care of your diet in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
  • Fatigue has a negative impact on milk production and your mood. So whenever your baby rests please take rest. Try and get extra help for household chores.

About Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert newborn and pediatric care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care!

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