I love this time of the year as the days gradually get darker and we edge closer to Christmas and New Year. This year is especially special, as I am planning my very own winter wedding for the 13th December!
So whilst I am looking forward to the cold dark December days, I wanted to help you enjoy them too by preparing you for what may lie ahead.
Unfortunately, this time of the year also brings with it many bugs and lurgies, which make breastfeeding young babies all the more challenging. If you know what to expect and how to manage colds and snuffles if/when they do affect you and your little one, it may not seem too bad.
Your baby…..
Colds and chest infections in young infants may affect their ability to breathe whilst breastfeeding. This could lead to your baby pulling off the breast frequently and possibly not going back onto the breast again, once he/she has pulled off. You may find that feeds become shorter and a lot more frequent, as your baby struggles to get the nutrients and calories needed in a 24hour period. This all adds up to a tired, hungry and very frustrated baby (and mother!)
You..
You may worry that your baby is not getting enough milk and may try to offer baby more breast feeds, with or without much success. Offering the breast more frequently is a good thing to do, but please don’t feel panicked if your baby is not interested. When a baby is sick, the appetite is suppressed, so that the body does not need to focus on digesting food, when all energy is needed to fight the infection. All the padding your baby has accumulated comes into play when he/she is sick and not feeding.
You may initially find that your breasts feel uncomfortably full but then you begin to worry that your supply is drying up as your baby is not feeding. If your breasts feel very full and your baby is not breastfeeding, you should express your breasts as frequently as your baby usually feeds. This will maintain your supply until your baby is well enough to breastfeed again. This will also give you a back up of milk in the fridge, that you can offer baby instead of the breast – to ensure that he/she is getting some milk. Expressing the breasts frequently will also prevent you from developing mastitis, which is always a good thing. Once your baby goes back onto the breast, your supply will readjust to meet your baby’s demands.
If you feel that your supply has significantly decreased, I would suggest that you get onto my milk increasing routine – which is outlined in my on line breastfeeding program, Chapter 10 ‘ Sensible routines for Breastfeeding mothers – Increase my milk routine’ www.letsbreastfeed.com/post-natal.shtml#order as soon as possible for best results.
Old fashioned steaming is great for unblocking little noses as well as nasal saline solution drops, warmed in your bra and dropped into baby’s nose just before feeding.
I hope this will help you to avoid developing mastitis or unnecessary declining milk supply.
With much love,
Geraldine
Let’s Breastfeed is dedicated to helping your breastfeeding dreams become a reality. If I can’t see you in person, you can still have me in your living room with my Let’s Breastfeed Program.
www.letsbreastfeed.com/post-natal.shtml#order
