Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
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CHAPTER 11: Diagnosing <strong>and</strong> Treating Breastfeeding<br />
Problems<br />
COMMON PROBLEMS<br />
Breastfeeding difficulties may be due to problems in breastfeeding techniques, problems with<br />
the baby, or breast conditions in the mother. Problems with the baby include but are not limited<br />
to:<br />
• congenital anomalies such as cleft lip or palate<br />
• prematurity<br />
• small baby or twin<br />
• inability to suck as with sepsis<br />
Breast conditions which sometimes cause difficulties with breastfeeding include but are not<br />
limited to:<br />
• sore nipples <strong>and</strong> nipple fissure<br />
• engorgement<br />
• mastitis<br />
• breast abscess<br />
• flat or inverted nipples<br />
Diagnosis <strong>and</strong> management of these breast conditions are important both to relieve the mother<br />
<strong>and</strong> to enable breastfeeding to continue. <strong>Care</strong> for breast conditions will need to include both<br />
management of the condition <strong>and</strong> assistance with breastfeeding technique.<br />
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT<br />
Cracked or Sore Nipples<br />
Sore nipples <strong>and</strong> superficial breaks in the skin, sometimes called “cracks,” are usually caused<br />
by poor attachment or feeding techniques.<br />
Prevention<br />
• Make sure the baby is properly attached to the breast.<br />
• Counsel the mother to keep her breasts clean <strong>and</strong> dry <strong>and</strong> to only use soap once per<br />
day when taking her bath. If she uses soap more often than once daily, she may get<br />
cracked nipples.<br />
• Help mothers find positions that are comfortable <strong>and</strong> help them feel relaxed; two<br />
common positions are the underarm position (holding the baby with the arm opposite the<br />
breast) <strong>and</strong> lying on the side.<br />
126<br />
<strong>Integrated</strong> maternal <strong>and</strong> newborn care<br />
<strong>Basic</strong> skills course