Infant feeding

Question 1

What is colostrum?

Answer 1

Concentrated breast milk - packed with antibodies

Question 2

What is the effect of colostrum?

Answer 2

laxative effect and helps protect against infection

Question 3

What is engorgement?

Answer 3

increased volume of milk and blood supply in breast making them feel heavy, hard, warm and tender

Question 4

How in engorgement managed?

Answer 4

responsive breastfeeding, warm then cold compress (before and after feed), ibuprofen, effective breast emptying

Question 5

What is mastitis?

Answer 5

inflammation of the breast causing swollen hot breasts - can lead to infection and breast abscess if untreated

Question 6

How is mastitis managed?

Answer 6

regular effective feeding, paracetamol, ibuprofen, warm then cold compresses, gentle massage to nipple during feed, abx if no improvement in 24hrs

Question 7

What are signs of thrush?

Answer 7

sharp or burning pain after a feed, shiny red or pink nipples creamy white coating to baby’s gums

Question 8

How is thrush diagnosed?

Answer 8

swab

Question 9

What is management of thrush?

Answer 9

anti-fungal treatment for mother and baby