Many new moms that have been trained by lactation experts find it easier to breastfeed after delivery. Fortunately, there are a number of experts that have been trained in this area in Kenya, making it much easier for a mum to seek their services. To get the best out of your meeting with a lactation expert, it is important to have some questions to help guide the conversation even as you seek their opinion.
Here are questions you can ask at your appointment to help you understand and prepare for breastfeeding better.
1. How often should I breastfeed?
Most moms often worry about the number of times they need to feed their newborn and ensure they are full. A lactation expert will give you information on the cues babies give when hungry and advise on the best times to breastfeed them. Having this information reduces the times in which the newborn cries making the breastfeeding journey much easier for new moms.
2. What foods will help with milk production?
New moms that plan to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months need to know whether they are producing enough milk for the baby. When working with a lactation expert, they will be able to assess the amount of milk being produced and advice on whether to increase it for the benefit of your baby. Most experts will also go ahead to suggest foods or meal plans that when strictly followed will result in enough production of milk for the breastfeeding duration.
3. What signs should I check for to ensure baby has latched properly?
Latching difficulties are common with new moms but with proper training from a lactation expert, getting your baby to latch properly will be easier. The expert will show you how to help your baby take in the entire nipple and part of the areola in their mouth when breastfeeding. This technique will make nursing much easier and less painful while allowing the baby to take in more milk.
4. What are the symptoms of infection when breastfeeding?
When learning how to breastfeed, some moms get infections like thrush which affect the nipples and mastitis which is caused by blocked milk ducts. These infections often hinder proper breastfeeding and need to be treated urgently to allow you to feed your baby again. When in contact with a lactation expert, they are able to confirm if the breasts are indeed infected or are just sensitive from being suckled regularly.
5. Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
The myth that breastfeeding is a contraceptive should be ignored because new moms can get pregnant within a few months after giving birth if not on birth control. It is important to start family planning six weeks after birth if you do not want to have a baby soon. To get the best contraceptive that will not affect milk production discuss your options with a lactation expert and have them advise on the best ones to use.
6. When should I start using a breast pump?
Striking a balance between breastfeeding and feeding the baby using a feeding bottle is often a challenge for moms. Also, using a pump is not as easy as it looks but with the advice of a lactation expert you can learn how to use it effectively and get help in making decisions on when to bottle feed and breastfeed for benefit of mum and baby.
