Comments on: Three Strikes and You’re Out

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:04:25 +0000

There is lots of data to show that any amount of breastfeeding for any amount of time is beneficial for moms and babies. Many mothers continue to breastfeed after returning to work, you just need to plan ahead. As long as you consistently remove milk from the breasts either by breastfeeding or pumping you can maintain your milk supply. Some moms are able to breastfeed throughout the work day, while others express and save the milk for later use. It’s important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules-do what works best for you and your baby.

Many babies will readily switch from breast to bottle although some may prefer a particular artificial nipple. Some mothers avoid the use of bottles altogether and care providers offer a mother’s expressed milk using a cup, teaspoon, or eye dropper.

Mastitis seldom occurs if a mother and baby are breastfeeding well, but can occur when mothers wean too quickly or babies are positioned poorly. The secret to breastfeeding is correct positioning of the baby at and on the breast, and the secret to weaning is to wean gradually, dropping no more than one daily feeding every 5-7 days. This will give the breasts a chance to respond to the change in demand.

As for permanent breast changes, it is the weight gain and weight loss that occurs as a result of pregnancy that most affects breast size and shape, not how babies are fed.

You can always breastfeed for 2, 4, or 6 weeks and wean when you return to work. More often moms find that breastfeeding makes the return to work easier by helping them maintain that special bond with their baby, even when they’re apart.

If you have additional questions please contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in your area – see http://www.ilca.org.

Good luck!

By: Abby

Abby — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:11:21 +0000

I am 27 weeks pregnant and trying to decide if breastfeeding is for me. I want to because of the health facts and cost but I will only be able to for the first month because I plan on going back to work. I have a lot of concerns, including mastitis, weaning, switching from breast to bottle, and the affect breastfeeding will have on my breasts. If you could advise me on any or all of these please do.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 04:18:30 +0000

When breast pain does not resolve despite what you know to be adequate treatment, consideration needs to be given to other causes. Pain in the absence of fever or inflammation is likely not mastitis.

Mastitis is usually characterized by fever and/or inflammation (the breast is red, hot, and tender to touch) and the infection typically resolves with appropriate treatment e.g. dicloxacillin. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has a wonderful protocol on the management of mastitis that you might want to access.

The importance of evaluating positioning, latch, and the extent to which the baby is breastfeeding effectively i.e. milk transfer is taking place, cannot be overstated. Other causes of breast pain include fungal infection, engorgement, plugged duct etc.

In addition to watching the mother and child breastfeed, you might want to contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or another health care provider with expertise in breastfeeding management.

To find an IBCLC in your area visit the ILCA website.

By: Timothy Kibirige

Timothy Kibirige — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:39:21 +0000

How can recurrent mastitis in non-breastfeeding women be treated. Symptom is recurrent pain. Yet when I tried scanning the breast, there were only signs of a normal breast. I prescribed cloxacillin and piroxica and there was a change in the pain but the dose is getting finished and my patient is still complaining about the pain. Please advise.