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Sunday, 06 May 2018
1. Nipple stimulation: This is a technique that is done by using your thumb and index finger roll the nipple for 30sec and touch with a cold cloth right before offering the breast to your baby. This helps erect and evert the nipple.
2. Hoffman Technique: This is done to help loosen the adhesions at the base of the nipple. It can be done during pregnancy and after delivery for up to 5 times a day. Place the thumb of both hands on each side of the base of the nipple. Gently push in firmly against your breast tissue while at the same time pulling your thumbs away from each other. This stretches pit the nipple and loosen the tightness at the base which will make it move up and outward.
3. Breast Shells : For many years this was recommended for use from third trimester of pregnancy but research has shown that these don't make much of a difference. However, some mums claim it helped them. Basically, breast shells are small plastic that are worn inside the bra. The inner piece fits over the nipple and works by applying gentle but constant pressure to the areola trying to break the adhesions under the skin so as to draw out the nipple. Worn for few hours per day while pregnant and 30mins before breastfeeding after delivery. Not to be worn at night.
4. Nipple Everter: This is a device that uses vacuum to gently draw out flat or inverted nipples making it easier for baby to latch and feed. Best to use prior to latching baby on and can be repeated multiple times during the day.
5. Breastpump: A well-fitted breastpump can be used to draw out a flat or inverted nipple immediately before breastfeeding to help make latch on easier for baby. Usually after the first few feedings the baby's constant sucking will help to further break the adhesions and help the nipple tissue to protrude.
6. Pulling back on the breast tissue during latch on: Using your hand with thumb on top and four fingers underneath, pull the breast tissue toward the chest wall. This will help the nipple to protrude.
7. Nipple Shield: This is a nipple shaped silicone that is placed over the mothers nipple during feedings so that latch on is easier for baby. It has holes in it that allows baby to get milk while sucking. This can have a negative effect especially if baby becomes used to the shield and wouldn't want to try latching directly. So learn to remove the shield once baby is latching on and nursing well. Better to use this under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
8. Surgery: This is when a nipple surgery is done to correct an inverted nipple. This carries a huge risk because if the milk ducts are affected during the surgery it will greatly affect breastfeeding. And for some mothers their nipple remain inverted even after the surgery. Also to note that some opt for nipple piercings which as with surgery can greatly damage the milk ducts and affect breastfeeding.
9. Exclusive Pumping: When you have tried all these and your baby is still not able to latch and stay on the breast, you will need to maintain demand on your breast by pumping to be able to provide breastmilk for your baby.
EXTRA TIPS TO HELP YOU.
•Start preparing yourself from pregnancy. •Latch baby on within the first hour after delivery •Get baby to open mouth wide to be able to grab a good mouthful of the breast •If baby is upset . Take a break, soothe baby and try again •Hand express to empty breast if engorged before attempting to latch baby •Avoid prolonged use of artificial nipples to encourage baby to have preference for the breast •Try different breastfeeding positions and find what makes you and baby more comfortable. •Clean the nipple after feed and use nipple cream for soreness •If the nipple inverts when baby pauses during feeding you will have to pump again or use nipple everter to protrude the nipple before offering it to baby again.
Remember PERSISTENCE AND PATIENCE is necessary. And nipple inversion tends to be better with the next baby. You are doing a great job and at the end of thr day what matters is a healthy well fed baby.
Love, The Milk Booster |
