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Addressing Breastfeeding Difficulties: Exploring Alternative Solutions

Introduction:

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Many of these difficulties can be resolved by ensuring a good latch and finding the right feeding position for both you and your little one. Seeking guidance from a breastfeeding counselor can be incredibly helpful in overcoming these obstacles. In this blog, we’ll discuss some common breastfeeding problems and explore alternative remedies if traditional solutions don’t seem to work.

1.  Seeking Support from a Breastfeeding Counselor

Before exploring alternative remedies, it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of seeking help from a qualified breastfeeding counselor. They are experienced professionals who can provide valuable advice and guidance tailored to your specific situation. A good latch and proper feeding positions are fundamental to successful breastfeeding, and a counselor can assist you in achieving these essential elements.

2.  Homeopathic Suggestions for Breastfeeding Difficulties

In addition to seeking professional support, some mothers may find relief from homeopathic remedies for specific breastfeeding challenges. Homeopathy is a holistic approach that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. If you are open to exploring homeopathic options, consulting with a qualified practitioner experienced in breastfeeding issues can be a valuable step.

  • Calc carb babies tend to be hungry but lazy sucklers who become disgruntled if they have to work too hard for their milk.  They prefer it if thier mothers have a bountiful supply and fast let-down.  They tend to guzzle but then may regurgitate much of their milk because they overfill their stomachs.  They also tend to get hot and sweaty during feeds, especially at the back of their heads.
  • Calc phos babies, on the other hand, have the reputation of refusing their mothers milk, as they appear to have difficulty coordinating their breathing and suckling, and can appear blue around the mouth.  Quite often they may have had hiccups in utero, and show an intolerance to cow’s milk, even in the mother’s diet.
  • Silicea babies appear physically weak and tend to find holding their heads up to suckle so tiring that they fall asleep at the breast and have trouble pulling the nipple far enough into the mouth to get a good latch (see the video on the breastfeeding page for an example of a good latch).  Instead they tend to ‘flutter suck’ which does not help them feed sufficiently, leaves them exhausted, sweaty, and failing to thrive.  Often, increasing the protein and general nutrition of the mother’s diet can help, as can switching breasts often to encourage multiple let-downs.

3.  When Traditional Solutions Fall Short

Despite following expert advice and trying various techniques, some babies may still struggle to latch on or effectively suckle. In such cases, it’s essential not to lose hope and consider alternative remedies that can support both you and your baby during this critical time.

Potential Alternative Remedies:

  1. Lactation Consultants: Lactation consultants are specialized professionals who can provide personalized support and guidance for breastfeeding difficulties. Their expertise can be invaluable in identifying underlying issues and offering effective solutions.
  2. Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS): An SNS is a device that allows a baby to receive additional milk while breastfeeding at the breast. This can be beneficial for infants who are struggling to latch or have difficulty transferring milk effectively.
  3. Feeding Cups or Spoons: In some cases, using a feeding cup or spoon instead of a traditional bottle may help babies who are unable to latch or have difficulty sucking. These alternative feeding methods can provide the necessary nourishment while avoiding nipple confusion.
  4. Finger Feeding: Finger feeding involves placing a small tube or finger-cot filled with milk in the baby’s mouth, allowing them to suck and receive nourishment. This technique can be beneficial for babies with latch issues or weak suckling reflexes.
Conclusion:

Breastfeeding difficulties can be challenging for both mothers and babies. Remember, seeking professional guidance from a breastfeeding counselor should be the first step in addressing these issues. Additionally, exploring alternative remedies like homeopathy, lactation consultants, SNS, feeding cups, and finger feeding can offer potential solutions if traditional methods prove insufficient. As every situation is unique, a combination of different approaches might be necessary to overcome the hurdles and create a positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your precious little one.

Posted in: Feeding Baby

Nancy Hamm cancs, caisc

Founder of Gentle Venture’s Training Center

Contact Ms. Hamm at [email protected] or 602-412-8497

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