Breast,Nipple, and Gut Health Problems
I see many breast and baby concerns on a daily basis. Although I am not a doctor, I can help point you in the right direction for who to see or what to do next.
Nipple Bleb/ Milk Bleb
Blebs may appear when breastfeeding and they can be completely normal. They may cause some discomfort. Some women have no discomfort and do not treat them. Many times, I recommend to consider an Epsom salt soak (2 tsp in warm water) to soften the area and eventually the bleb will clear. Do not poke or open the milk bleb or blister.
See me to determine if we are dealing with a pump with too high of suction, incorrect flange fitting, or if the infant has oral ties/oral anatomy concerns.
Vasospasm when Breastfeeding or After
If you notice that the nipple or areola turns white or purple during breastfeeding or after breastfeeding/pumping there may be an underlying cause. Some women are diagnosed with Raynaud's Disease if this is a chronic issue. Sometimes women are started on medications to help with the vasospasms or are instructed from their providers to "warm their core" before, during, and after feeds or pumps. It's good to wear layers, turn up the temp to around 72 degrees, and put blankets around your shoulders or waist to help with this.
There are certain vitamins and nutrients that may assist with this condition.
(IGT) Insufficient Glandular Tissue or Hypoplastic Breasts
IGT is a very sensitive subject for many mothers. This condition may cause chronic low milk supply. Insufficient glandular tissue may be determined upon breast assessment and medical history. Many women with IGT may have noticed little to no breast changes during pregnancy.
Some women with IGT may supplement with SNS supplemental nutrition systems) long term or may choose to combination feed breast and bottle vs exclusively pump and bottle feed with donor milk and moms milk.
Please see your IBCLC if you are concerned with this possibility. Also please consider PBM therapy to increase energy within the breast milk ducts to reach your full potential for milk output.
Nipple pain
In the beginning of your nursing journey you may feel that your nipples are "raw" and it is because skin on your nipples are not used to the friction and pulling every 1-3 hours on sensitive skin. Are we dealing with a tongue tie here or a poor latch?
If you feel an uncomfortable pulling sensation that may be normal. If you feel a pinching or sharp/stinging pain please correct the latch and see what may be wrong. If you allow the feeding to continue, your tissue will be damaged and will need time for repair. Reach out to your IBCLC and consider PBM therapy to heal it fast.
Feel Good Chiropractic is proud to be Iowa's first provider of laser therapy for lactation support. Advanced laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or PBM) offers a revolutionary approach to support your breastfeeding journey. By harnessing the healing power of specific light wavelengths, we provide natural support for various lactation challenges, helping you and your baby continue your nursing relationship comfortably.
Mastitis Symptoms
Mastitis may look slightly different for each woman. Mainly, mastitis will present itself with a fever of 100.4 or higher, chills, redness, warmth on the breast, red streaks across the breast or noticeable area of redness. Get plenty of rest, ice ice ice your breast after each feed, take breast health probiotics such as L. Salivarius and L. Fermentum, ask for help around the house. Drink fluids.
Reach out to your IBCLC and consider scheduling PBM therapy in Ankeny Iowa to heal faster!
See an IBCLC to find out what is causing the mastitis, so it is not re-occurring as well!
Feel Good Chiropractic is proud to be Iowa's first provider of laser therapy for lactation support. Advanced laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or PBM) offers a revolutionary approach to support your breastfeeding journey. By harnessing the healing power of specific light wavelengths, we provide natural support for various lactation challenges, helping you and your baby continue your nursing relationship comfortably.
Low milk Supply
Many mothers worry about their milk supply. The good news is that true low supply is less common than perceived low supply, and there are effective strategies to enhance milk production.
Is Your Supply Actually Low?
Before trying supply-boosting techniques, contact an IBCLC for a weight check and an infant oral assessment.
Continue to monitor the following: 1 wet diaper per day old. This rule stops at day 6, with 6-8 wet diapers per day expected afterwards.
This will fluctuate afterwards depending on their age. Please consult your pediatrician for more information.
We should see weight gain of 4-7 ounces per week after the first week depending on infants gestational age at birth and their medical history. This should be monitored by your pediatrician and IBCLC.
Infant may want to latch throughout the day for comfort. (High pitch hunger cries or crying throughout the day for more than 2 hours out of the day is not normal.)
Please consult with an IBCLC and pediatrician if this occurs.
If you are concerned, please see an IBCLC for a feeding assessment, weighted feed, infant oral assessment, breast assessment, and more.