If you are concerned about your baby’s milk intake, there are lots of ways to ensure your baby is getting the optimum amount of milk. It is quite common for mothers to have an abundance of milk at the start of a feeding session which slows down later in the session which can result in a baby falling asleep or fussing at the breast. These techniques can be used to alleviate concerns regarding; the sleepy baby, the baby who pulls at the breast, the colicky baby, or the baby who suffers from jaundice.
- Get the best latch possible: When your baby should feed with greater ease and you should feel no pain. If you think you need help getting your baby to latch on correctly why not speak to an expert? They will be able to give you tips on how to position your baby and things to watch out for when latched on correctly.
- Learn how to tell when your baby is getting milk: Some mothers find it hard to tell if their baby is feeding or just sucking. You can tell the difference by making yourself familiar with your baby’s actions. When he is getting milk he will have an open mouth followed by a pause at the chin, followed by a closed mouth type of suck. The longer the pause the more your baby has consumed. When they are not feeding you will see a more rapid type of sucking motion with no pausing at the chin.
- Use the breast compression technique: Once you notice your baby is sucking without drinking, use the breast compression method to increase milk flow. Only use compressions when you notice your baby is sucking but not feeding.
- Switch sides: If compressions don’t work and the baby is still refusing to feed, switch sides and try repeating the process. Keep going back and forth as long as the baby is getting reasonable amounts of milk.
- Use a lactation aid: if you are still having problems you can use a lactation aid made from a bottle and a feeding tube. Once the baby feeds by finger feeding or using a lactation device, try breast feeding again after a minute or two.
Don’t give up if you’re having problems getting your baby to feed as practice really does make perfect! Talk to your G.P. or a lactation expert who will be able to provide you with support.
