Newborn Nursing: Latch, Colostrum, Torticollis, Sleepy Babies, Milk Supply, and More (2023)

BreastfeedingNewbornsLactationCharleston, SC
Written By Erica Rampant

Newborn Breastfeeding Issues

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process, but it's not always smooth sailing, especially in the early days with a newborn. Many parents have concerns about their baby falling asleep for feeds, how long feeds should take, or if their newborn is getting enough milk. This post will discuss common early breastfeeding challenges and what to do.

Understanding these challenges and seeking support from lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and support groups can help parents overcome these obstacles and ensure a successful breastfeeding journey for both baby and mother. Remember, with patience, perseverance, and the right guidance, these challenges can be overcome, allowing you to create a strong and nourishing breastfeeding bond with your little one. This post will delve further into the challenges of breastfeeding newborns and discuss potential solutions.


Newborn Latch

Breastfeeding is a natural process that provides a range of benefits for both mother and baby. However, for many new mothers, early breastfeeding can be challenging, especially if the baby has difficulty latching onto the breast. Latching problems can cause discomfort, frustration, and anxiety for both mother and baby. In this post, we will discuss some common early breastfeeding problems with latching and how to overcome them.

 

Improper latch: An improper latch occurs when the baby is not positioned correctly on the breast or is not latching onto the nipple correctly. This can cause discomfort and nipple pain for the mother and may result in inadequate milk transfer for the baby. To achieve a proper latch, make sure the baby's mouth is wide open and covers the entire areola, not just the nipple.

 

Flat or inverted nipples: Some women have flat or inverted nipples, which can make it challenging for the baby to latch onto the breast. Using a breast pump or nipple shield can help to draw out the nipple and make it easier for the baby to latch.

 

Engorgement: Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full and swollen with milk, making it difficult for the baby to latch. To alleviate engorgement, try massaging the breast, using warm compresses, and expressing a little milk before latching.

 

Tongue tie: Tongue tie occurs when the baby's tongue is attached to the floor of their mouth, restricting their ability to move their tongue properly. This can make it challenging for the baby to latch and suck effectively. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to correct the tongue tie.

 

Lip tie: A lip tie is similar to a tongue tie, but it occurs when the baby's upper lip is attached to their gum, making it difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to correct a lip tie.

Nipple and Breast Pain

Breastfeeding is an essential and natural process for newborns. However, some mothers experience difficulties and challenges, especially during the initial days of breastfeeding. One of the most common challenges is nipple pain, which can make breastfeeding uncomfortable or even unbearable for the mother.

Nipple pain is a common problem among new mothers and can be caused by various reasons such as poor latch, oral ties, or engorgement. In this post, we will explore the reasons behind nipple pain and how to address them.

  • Poor latching: The most common cause of nipple pain is poor latching. This occurs when the baby is not positioned correctly and does not latch onto the nipple correctly. This can lead to the baby pulling on the nipple instead of sucking, causing soreness and pain. It is essential to ensure that the baby latches onto the nipple correctly, with a wide asymmetrical latch.

  • Dry or cracked nipples: Dry or cracked nipples can be painful and can make breastfeeding uncomfortable. This can be caused by excessive washing or the use of soap on the nipples. It is essential to keep the nipples moisturized by applying a lanolin-based cream or using breast milk to soothe the nipples.

  • Engorgement: Engorgement occurs when there is an excess of milk in the breasts, causing them to become hard and painful. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch on correctly, causing nipple pain. To alleviate this, it is recommended to express some milk before breastfeeding. Reverse pressure softening can also help relieve pressure and help your baby latch correctly.

  • Mastitis: Mastitis is an infection that can occur in the breast tissue, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This can lead to nipple pain and make breastfeeding difficult. Mastitis can be treated with antibiotics and pain medication, but it is essential to consult a doctor immediately if you suspect that you have mastitis.

Sleepy Babies

Sleepy babies at the breast are a common concern for new mothers, but understanding why it happens can ease worries and lead to effective solutions. Newborns often fall asleep during breastfeeding due to a combination of factors, including the soothing sensation of nursing, warmth, and the release of hormones like oxytocin. Additionally, newborns have small stomachs and may become full quickly, leading to drowsiness. To encourage active feeding, try gently stroking your baby's cheek or changing their diaper to wake them up. Breast compression techniques can also help maintain milk flow, ensuring your little one receives enough nourishment. Remember, patience is key as you and your baby navigate this learning process together.

When does mature milk come in?

Mature milk typically comes in between day 2-5, however theere can be delays due to a variety of factors. Many mothers struggle if their newborn falls asleep while nursing. This can happen if a mother's milk supply is low or the baby isn't effectively extracting milk well, it can result in frustration and difficulty for the baby and mom during feeds.

Breastfeeding a newborn should take around 20-25 minutes. Babies who are inefficient feeders are often sleepy at the breast. They may need to nurse for longer durations to obtain sufficient milk, which can lead to fatigue and fussiness instead of falling asleep peacefully. In such cases, babies may become overtired from the prolonged feeding attempts, making it challenging for them to settle down and fall asleep at the breast.

It's important for mothers to ensure they have an adequate milk supply by effective and regular breast drainage and seeking guidance from a lactation consultant if needed. If milk supply is adequate, then the babies oral motor skills could be a factor in falling asleep during feeds.

Low milk supply or delayed onset of mature milk

Low milk supply is a common concern for new mothers, and there are many reasons why it may occur. Here are some possible reasons why a mother may experience low milk supply after giving birth:

Inadequate milk removal: Breast milk production is a supply-and-demand process. If a mother is not breastfeeding frequently enough or if her baby is not effectively removing milk from the breast, this can signal to the body to decrease milk production.

Medical conditions that can cause low supply:

  • Retained placenta

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Thyroid problems can interfere with milk production.

Medical interventions: Some birth interventions, can cause delays in the onset of mature milk and interfere production.

Premature birth: If a baby is born prematurely, the mother's milk supply may be delayed or inadequate because milk production is triggered by the baby's suckling.

Stress and fatigue: Stress and exhaustion can interfere with the production of the hormone oxytocin, which is necessary for milk letdown.

If you are concerned about low milk supply, it is important to speak with a lactation consultant, your healthcare provider, or a breastfeeding support group. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and provide you with strategies to improve your milk supply. These may include breastfeeding more frequently, ensuring your baby is effectively removing milk from the breast, using breast pumps to stimulate milk production, and taking steps to reduce stress and fatigue.

Common Causes of low supply:

  • Medical Issue- e.g. retained placenta, diabetes, etc.

  • Delayed onset of mature milk

  • Insufficient emptying of breasts - due to scheduling or oral motor dysfunction

  • Effect of Birth Medical Interventions

How to increase milk supply

There are many strategies to increase milk supply. These strategies can be very helpful places to start. If you supply is still not sufficient in meeting your babies daily intake needs, I recommend seeing an IBCLC for lactation support.

  • Lots of skin to skin

  • 8-12 feeds per day

  • Feed on cue

  • See a skilled IBCLC, and get evaluated for the cause of the supply issues

  • May need testing to rule out a medical cause

Torticollis

Newborn torticollis, also known as wry neck or twisted neck, is a condition where a baby's head tilts to one side, while their chin is pointed to the opposite direction. It is a relatively common condition that affects around 1 in every 250 infants. The cause of torticollis is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of newborn torticollis can be identified within the first few months of a baby's life. Some of the most common signs include:

  1. Tilted head: The baby's head will be tilted to one side while the chin is pointed to the opposite direction.

  2. Limited head movement: The baby may have difficulty moving their head in all directions.

  3. Muscle tightness: The baby's neck muscles may feel stiff or tight to the touch. Your baby may pull away at the breast during feeds.

  4. Head Flattening: Prolonged torticollis can lead to a flat spot on the baby's head, known as positional plagiocephaly.

If left untreated, newborn torticollis can lead to long-term complications, such as delayed motor development or uneven facial features. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as possible.

The treatment for newborn torticollis typically involves occupational or physical therapy. The therapist may also recommend specific exercises that parents can perform with their babies at home. In severe cases, a helmet may be required to help reshape the baby's head.

In addition to occupational or physical therapy, parents can also take some steps at home to alleviate the symptoms of newborn torticollis. These include:

  • Providing ample tummy time: Tummy time helps to strengthen the baby's neck muscles and can prevent the development of positional plagiocephaly.

  • Changing feeding positions: Altering the baby's feeding position can help to prevent the baby from favoring one side of their neck.

  • Using a baby carrier: Carrying the baby in a carrier can help to promote head movement and strengthen their neck muscles.

In conclusion, newborn torticollis is a common condition that affects many infants. If you suspect that your baby has torticollis, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention and treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent long-term complications. With the right care and support, most babies with torticollis can make a full recovery.

 

What to do about newborn breastfeeding problems?

If you are having any of the previous challenges, I can help with all of these conditions. I am a unique provider in that, I’m a certified lactation consultant, pediatric occupational therapist, and I offer craniosacral therapy. You can trust that you are getting comprehensive, whole body, breast and bottle feeding care with me. Learn more about my services below.

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