30 Frequently Asked Breast-feeding Questions Answered Dr Sharda Jain

1. Frequently Asked
Breast-feeding
Questions Answered
30
Dr Sharda Jain

2. BREAST FEEDING 
HOW POPULAR IT IS IN INDIA ?
1

3. A : RATE OF EXCLUSIVE BF IS 55 % ONLY

4. WHAT IS GOLDEN HOUR OF BREAST
FEEDING ?
2

5. A: FIRST HOUR AFTER DELIVERY.
* SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT
* BREAST FEEDING WITHIN ONE HOUR.

6. WHAT % MOTHER GIVE GOLDEN HOUR FEEDING ?
3

7. A : IN INDIA < THAN 50 % ARE BREAST FED
IN FIRST ONE HOUR.

8. When will the breast milk come in?
4

9. • It’s common to hear the phrase – “the breastmilk hasn’t
come in”. But the use of the phrase is incorrect. In most
cases, women produce colostrum, or first milk, during the
initial days following childbirth.
• Colostrum is a thick, milky substance rich in antibodies,
which precedes the production of actual breast milk.
• The body usually starts to produce breastmilk in a couple of
day’s time after giving birth ( 4-6 day).
Ans.

10. Does the size of the breast
affect milk production?
6

11. Ans.
• No, the size of the breast does not affect milk supply.
• Most women produce enough milk as per their baby’s needs
irrespective of their breast size. Small-breasted women can
produce an oversupply of milk while some large-breasted
women may have a tough time producing plentiful.
• There is myth mother of preterm birth can,t that is wrong

12. Why do some lactating moms yield
more breast milk than others?
7

13. • According to doctors, different breasts can have diverse
storage capacity. Moreover, the quantity of milk supply is
subject to mammary tissue.
• But moms need not worry unnecessarily. Normally lactating
mothers are capable of producing what their baby requires.
• However, if you suspect your milk supply is low, seek expert
guidance to prevent the reduction of milk production.
Ans.

14. Shouldn’t breastfeeding be easy?
8

15. Ans.
• Breastfeeding is considered the most natural thing. But it may not
be easy for everyone, mainly in the first few weeks after delivery.
It is an acquired skill which nursing moms are required to learn
with patience and practice.
• For some, the initial stages can be uncomfortable and painful,
especially when they may coping with postpartum issues.
• Breastfeeding usually does become easier with time and
experience.

16. Is my baby truly
drinking?
9

17. Ans.
• A baby may remain at the breast sometimes but not just for
nutritional reasons. Some babies seek comfort from suckling
the breast. They may nurse for long periods and use the
breast as a pacifier.
• In case you are unsure whether your baby is truly nursing,
check for certain things such as his jaw moving up and down
when he sucks, whether he’s swallowing, if the breast is
feeling lighter after feeding, and so

18. Am I producing sufficient milk for my baby?
10

19. Ans.
• Most women commonly worry if they are producing enough milk.
You can take note of a few signs such as:
• If your newborn has 7 to 8 wet nappies per day
• If your breasts feel full between feeds and drain after nursing
• If your baby is steadily gaining weight each week
• If your baby appears to require his next feed after a realistic gap
(about 2 to 3 hours)
Please note – Breasts feeling full between feeds and draining after
nursing will be dependant from mother to mother. Similarly, baby
requiring his next feed after a realistic gap will depend from baby to
baby. Some babies also cluster feed during growth spurts.

20. How can I enhance my low supply?
11

21. Ans.
• Milk supply can be short for several reasons. In case you are worried you
are not producing adequate milk, try some things like:
• Feeding your baby frequently- the more you nurse, the more you may
produce.
• Attempt pumping for a few minutes right after your baby finishes
feeding.
• Make sure you consume a balanced diet. Drink lots of healthy fluids.
• Remember to take a suitable rest and quality sleep.

22. How to avoid and soothe engorged breasts
12

23. Ans.
• Some women may experience painful breasts because they
are too full. Breast engorgement usually happens when a
mom produces more milk than what a baby can use or if a
baby abruptly starts feeding less than normal.
• Breasts may also swell up due to blocked ducts. In such
instances, you can try cold compresses or cabbage leaves to
reduce the swelling. Use a breast pump or a hand express
technique to release a bit of milk.

24. How to prevent colic while
breastfeeding
13

25. Ans.
• In case your baby gets colicky while nursing, consider looking into
what you are eating.
• Your baby can be intolerant to certain foods like cow’s milk,
cauliflower, chocolate, broccoli, onions, and spicy foods which
may be making him colicky.
• Consult your paediatrician about eliminating foods from your diet.
• You can try doing so one by one and then wait to notice whether
your baby’s colicky signs improve or not.

26. How to prevent &cure sore nipples
14

27. Ans.
• While curing is a reactive measure to avoid sore or cracked
nipples, one must practise deep latch technique.
• Sore or cracked nipples can make nursing painful. You can
contemplate changing your regular breastfeeding positions.
• Allow your nipples to air dry after feeding.
• Avoid tight-fitting bras and shirts. Go for soft cotton fabric which
doesn’t irritate the skin.
• You can also rub some manually expressed breast milk on your
sore nipples to help them heal.

28. Can I breastfeed if my nipples are
bleeding?
15

29. Ans.
Sometimes, cracked nipples can give way to bleeding. But you
can still breastfeed although it may be quite uncomfortable. A
slight measure of blood in breast milk may not harm the baby.
Nevertheless, cracked nipples can be the result of improper
latching. You may like to take a few sessions to educate
yourself about appropriate latching techniques from Experts.

30. How to obtain a good breastfeeding latch
16

31. • Breastfeeding shouldn’t involve any pain. You can
experience a stinging or tingling sensation while nursing. But
any pain may indicate that the baby is not latching correctly.
Open his mouth wide (pull down gently on his chin) so that
he may take in as much of the areola and breast as possible.
In case his mouth doesn’t open up enough, the latch may
not be proper, causing him to nurse off the nipple which can
lead to a cracked nipple.
Ans.

32. Are painful lumps in the breast normal?
17

33. • Plugged or blocked ducts can trigger the development of
painful lumps as they prevent the milk from properly
draining out of the breast.
• The condition can improve if your feed more often.
• Other treatments can include applying a warm compress or
massaging the affected breast to encourage the milk flow.
• Always ensure your breasts are drained suitably after a
nursing session.
Ans.

34. What to eat or drink when breastfeeding
18

35. Ans.
Moderation should be the guiding principle when it comes to
eating foods while breastfeeding.
Opt for a well-balanced diet.
Refrain from food items that are likely to prompt bloating as
they can make your baby colicky.
Drink ample amounts of water, fresh juices, and soups.

36. Are there any food ,mother should avoid
eating while bf
19

37. Ans
• Mother should take healthy diet
• Adequate fluids
• Many fishes,attimes eggs ,give allergy problem
.
• Couliflower /.began/ urad ki dal give rise to
more flatulance elders tell them to avoid .
• Spicy / oily food to be aoided.
• Outside food too should be avoided.

38. What about alcohol or caffeine ?
20

39. Alcohol  big no
caffeine  maximum 2 cups
Ans

40. When to go for a nipple shield
21

41. ans
• Your doctor may recommend the use of nipple shields to help
you deal with certain underlying breastfeeding issues like
• flat nipples,
• engorgement,
• or sore nipples.
However, they should not be used on a long-term basis and
only under the supervision of an expert.

42. When should I start pumping?
22

43. • There are no set rules to it. Many moms may
prefer pumping as it gives them the convenience of someone
else feeding their baby if they’re unable to at the time.
• Some may choose to pump to increase their milk supply.
• In case you adopt pumping, trying doing it right after a feed,
about two times a day, to accumulate sufficient stored milk
for a nursing session.
• Some centre do pumping in first 2 hours it has good effects.
Ans

44. What is breastfeeding jaundice?
23

45. Ans.
• Newborn babies at times become jaundiced due to high
bilirubin levels causing a yellow tinge to appear in their eyes
and skin. In some cases, jaundice can get worse owing to
poor breastmilk supply or insufficient nursing during the
baby’s early weeks after birth.
• This leads to extreme weight loss and dehydration.
• In the case of such instances, nursing moms should seek a
doctor’s help to make their breastfeeding more effective.

46. For how long should I breastfeed?
24

47. Ans
• The WHO proposes about six months of absolute dedicated
breastfeeding before introducing other foods.
• Subsequently, the baby may receive other complementary
solids with continual breastfeeding until about 2 or more
years of age. However, it is more of a personal choice.

48. Should I stop breastfeeding if I am sick?
25

49. • Breastfeeding moms need not stop nursing even when they
fall sick.
• Certain situations may warrant discontinuation like active
tuberculosis, HIV, untreated brucellosis, chemotherapy for
cancer, taking illicit drugs, herpes lesions on the breast, etc.
• But simply having a fever or cold should not be a cause to
stop nursing unless you’re advised by a doctor to do
otherwise.
Ans

50. If I have covid  can I breast feed the
child
26

51. Ans
• Yes,
• B. MILF IS AMRIT for baby . Mother should
feed in all situation
• Practice hand /respiratory hygiene i.e. N95
mask

52. Does medication effect mother b.milk ?
27

53. MEDICATION & BEAST FEEDING
• MOST COMMON QUESTION ASKED TO DOCTORS /
NURSES
• CONCENTRATION OF DRUGS IN HUMAN MILK IS
VERY VERY IN SIGNICANT
• 0.001 % TO5 % OF STANDARD THHERAPEUTIC DOSE
. IS IS WELL TOLERATED BY NB /INFANT

54. How many times she should be feeding
28

55. Ans
• Ideally, a newborn should be fed about 8 to 12 times every day for
the initial months.
• Your baby will possibly feel hungry after 3 to 4 hours, consuming
around 50 ml every feed. Gradually he may progress to about 120
ml towards the end of the early months. Expect to increase
approximately 30 ml every month until the baby is 6 months of
age.

56. IF I AM BREAST FEEDING  DOES IT GAUNTEE
ME PROTECTION FROM PREGNANCY ?
29

57. ANS.
• No.
• 100 percent reliability is NOT there .
• However ,B FEEDING is effective in increasing
spacing in communities where BF is commonly
prcticed . Even if 3 conditions are fullfilled it is
not 100%
• < 6 months after delivery
• Exclusive BF
• NO PERIODS

58. FORMULA MILK IS AS GOOD AS
MOTHER,S MILK
30

59. Ans.
• BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION . IN LAY PUBLIC
MIND because of aggressive marketing .
• Human milk  is uniquely suited. It has a
composition very different to bovine milk or
soyabean milk, from which artificial breast
milk substitutes are made.

60. THANK YOU