Breastfeeding Support Flashcards
what are some breastfeeding recommendations regarding timescales?
- babies should initiate breastfeeding within the FIRST HOUR of life
- babies should be EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED for around the first 6 months of life
- breastfeeding should continue until 2 years of age or beyond
children who are not breastfed have an increased risk of?
- SIDS
- NEC
- diarrhoea episodes
- respiratory infections
- otitis media in under 2s
- dental malocclusions
- childhood leukaemia
- type 1 and 2 diabetes
- childhood obesity
mothers who do not breastfeed have an increased risk of:
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- endometrial cancer
- cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes
- depression (if planned to breastfeed)
what are the main reasons that a woman might stop breastfeeding?
- feeding issues: feeding problems, didn’t think baby was getting enough milk
- found it too difficult
- too tired, unwell, medication not compatible etc.
what does breastfeeding look like when its going well? (baby and mother)
Infant:
- growing well
- adequate nappy output
- generally content
Mother:
- no nipple/breast pain
- no concerns
how do I know if there is a breasfeeding problem? (infant and mother)
Infant:
- not growing as expected
- poor nappy output
- difficulty feeding
- not content after most feeds
Mother:
- significant/persistent nipple pain
- nipple damage
- breast pain
- considering stopping before ready
what can cause nipple pain/damage during breastfeeding?
- usually due to shallow/suboptimal latch
Other causes: - vasospasm/Raynaud’s
- milk bled
- tongue tie
- dermatitis (NOT thrush)
Urgently signpost to expert breastfeeding support
what should you NOT advise the mother to do if they have mastitis?
- stop breasfeeding
- massage/use firm pressure on the breast
- apply heat
- pump/feed extra or empty the breast
- squeeze out a ‘blockage’
what is the recommended treatment for mastitis?
- breast ‘rest’ i.e. breastfeed as normal
- analgesia and anti-inflammatories
- ice
- lymphatic drainage stroking
- antibiotics only if needed (10-14 days)
what are maternal contraindications to breastfeeding?
- therapies e.g. chemotherapy, radioactive isotopes/implants, clozapine
- infections e.g. HTLV, herpes lesion on affected breast, HIV in some circumstances
- unpredictable illicit drug use
what are infant contraindications to breastfeeding?
- classical galactosaemia
- congenital lactose intolerance
what is the SSRI of choice during breastfeeding?
sertraline
