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7 breastfeeding problems and how to cope

Breastfeeding is beneficial not just for nourishing your child but also because it provides a bonding opportunity for mother and child.

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The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. This can, however, be a challenge for nursing mothers who experience difficulty while doing so. Here are some of the common problems experienced and howto cope with them.

Leaking

This happens to new moms especially when milk production levels are still being established. Leaking is harmless but most new moms are embarrassed about it.

Leaking can be avoided by not missing breastfeeding. You can also place disposable nursing pads (avoid those with plastic liners) in the cups of your bra to absorb wetness and prevent leaking.

In case you are not in a position to nurse your baby when the leaking is happening, gently press your breasts by crossing your arms and squeezing them against your breasts towards your chest.

Breast engorgement or breast fullness

A few days after birth, your breasts look full as the milk and blood in the breast slowly build up. Your breast may feel hard, swollen or painful and your nipples may not stick out enough for your baby to latch on. When your baby doesn’t nurse long enough, your breasts become overfilled with milk.

To avoid engorgement, try nursing often, at least 8 times a day for 15 minutes each from both breasts and you can always express milk manually or with a pump. You can also learn to relax and find a comfortable position to breastfeed in and reduce any distractions.

Performing gentle massages and applying heat to your breasts can reduce the fullness. You can also alternate between taking warm showers and using cold compresses to ease the discomfort.

Nipple confusion

Your baby may become confused by your breast when you introduce them to a pacifier or bottle in the early weeks of breastfeeding. This may cause the baby to latch on your breast incorrectly or reject it completely.

The baby may not get enough milk and your breasts can become engorged from not emptying.

Avoid using a pacifier or bottle until you first establish your nursing routine. Contact a lactation consultant for advice if the nipple confusion goes on for long.

Cracked or sore nipples  

Breast tenderness and nipple soreness often happen in the first weeks of breastfeeding. This may be due to poor feeding techniques, the skin being too dry or too moist and the wrong positioning of your baby when breastfeeding.

Position your baby such that his nose and mouth face your nipple so that he can latch on properly. The proper position will have your nipples at the back of his mouth away from the pressure of the tongue and gums or teeth if he is teething.

You can also let him start feeding on the breast with less pain and apply some fresh milk to your nipples at the end of the breastfeeding to soothe them.

Thrush

This is a yeast infection and can be passed between the mother and the baby during breastfeeding. The yeast thrives in warm, moist areas and occurs during or after antibiotics treatment.

The symptoms include deep-pink nipples which are tender or uncomfortable during and after nursing. The baby may have white patches and increased redness in their mouth, diaper rash, mood changes and also want to suckle more frequently.

Ask your doctor to prescribe anti fungal medicine for the one affected.

Not producing enough milk

A mother’s supply is based on the baby’s demand for milk.

It is rare for a mother to not produce enough milk. This may happen when you introduce infant formula while still breastfeeding.

You should ensure that you frequently breastfeed, have enough rest, maintain good nutrition and drink enough fluids to help maintain a good milk supply.

Breast infection(mastitis)

Mastitis causes aching muscles, fever and a red, hot, tender area on one breast. The breast milk is safe and feeding from the infected breast will help in healing. Wear a comfortable bra between feedings, get enough rest and apply moist, warm compresses to the infected area. This can be treated by taking antibiotics for the infection.

In conclusion…

Breastfeeding is beneficial not just for nourishing your child but also because it provides a bonding opportunity for mother and child. However, breastfeeding is not always pleasant especially for new moms. With the above tips, breastfeeding doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or painful.

The JULY issue of Parents Magazine is out. Get a copy HERE.

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The joy of controlled freedom in parenting

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Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Cover Story

The joy of controlled freedom in parenting

Published

on

Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Lifestyle

Too Late for What? Finding Your Own Pace in a Fast-Paced World

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In today’s fast-paced world, success is no longer just an achievement; it has become a timeline. Many young people feel an invisible pressure to have their lives “figured out” before they turn 30, a stable job, financial independence, a clear career path, and in some cases, even marriage and children. But who set this deadline, and what happens to those who don’t meet it?

For many young adults, especially in urban settings, the pressure begins early. From school systems that prioritise academic excellence to families that celebrate early milestones, success is often framed as something that must be achieved quickly. Social media adds a layer of curated lifestyles of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and professionals who live what appears to be a perfect life. The comparison is constant and, for some, overwhelming.

Reality, however, is far less linear. Not everyone follows the same path. Some individuals take time to discover their passions, switch careers, or face setbacks that delay their progress. Yet, rather than being seen as part of growth, these delays are often viewed as failures. This perception can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and, in some cases, burnout as young people push themselves to meet expectations.

Parents play a significant role in shaping this narrative. While many have good intentions, wanting their children to succeed and be secure, the way success is communicated can sometimes add pressure. Saying things like “you need to be settled by now” or “your age mates are already ahead” can unintentionally create a sense of inadequacy. Instead of motivation, such statements may lead to fear-driven achievement.

Also Read: Parenting Progress for a Thoughtful Generation

It is also important to question what success truly means. For some, it is financial stability. For others, it may be personal fulfilment, career growth, or the ability to live independently. By narrowing success to a fixed timeline, society risks ignoring the diversity of individual journeys. A 28-year-old still exploring career options is not necessarily behind; they may be in a different phase of discovery.

Mental health is another critical factor often overlooked in this race. The pressure to be successful before 30 can lead to constant stress and comparison, making young people feel like they are always falling short. In extreme cases, this pressure can lead to depression or a sense of hopelessness, especially when achievements don’t come as quickly as expected.

So, what can parents and society do differently?

First, there is a need to define success beyond age. Success should be measured by growth, effort, and resilience, not just milestones achieved by a certain birthday. Encouragement should focus on progress rather than comparison. A child who is still figuring things out at 27 should be supported, not judged.

Second, open conversations are key. Parents should create safe spaces where children can talk about their struggles without fear of criticism. Understanding that life is not a straight path allows for more empathy and guidance rather than pressure.

Lastly, society must embrace the idea that everyone’s journey is different. Some people bloom early, others are late bloomers, and both are valid. Success is not a race with a fixed finish line, but a journey with many different routes.

Turning 30 should not feel like a deadline for achievement, but rather a checkpoint, a moment to reflect, grow, and continue building a meaningful life, not rushed.

Also Read: Raising children to be successful adults

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