At Clínica Mà i Cos we are breastfeeding specialists. We trained with LactApp and Universidad Blanquerna in Barcelona, with the best specialists in every aspect of breastfeeding (IBCLCs, midwives, paediatricians, psychologists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, sociologists, biologists).
For some mothers and babies breastfeeding comes easily, but many other mothers need extra help. There is a great deal you can do to avoid problems and get breastfeeding off to a good start.
In the antenatal physical preparation classes we run at Clínica Mà i Cos, from week 12 of pregnancy, you will learn how important skin-to-skin contact is in getting your milk to come in, and you will get other useful advice about breastfeeding. Above all it covers your baby’s first hours of life, which are crucial and in which you may feel most lost or unsure who to ask for help.
PROBLEMS WE CAN HELP WITH
— Latch problems: ideally your newborn will latch during their first hours of life. If they do not, or if the latch is uncomfortable, it should be checked as soon as possible to avoid damage to the nipples or weight loss in the baby.
— Sore or cracked nipples: the most common cause is an incorrect latch. In many cases that is due to tongue tie (a restrictive lingual frenulum), non-physiological retrognathia, limited opening of the jaw, or asymmetry in the opening caused by muscular tension.
At Clínica Mà i Cos we can help you diagnose and resolve those problems.
— Engorgement: the best way to avoid engorgement (breasts that are excessively full and hard when the milk comes in, usually between days two and four) is to feed your baby frequently. We can also teach you massage and expression techniques to relieve the tension so your baby can latch well.
— Worries about your milk supply or about digestive problems.
— And more.
WHEN WE CAN HELP
If you need help after your baby is born, seek it quickly. A small problem can get worse fast, although most problems can be resolved quickly and simply if they are caught in time. The health professionals who see you at the hospital or health centre often have standard training in breastfeeding support. If your needs are more complex, you can call us even while you are still in hospital. If not, once you are discharged we can see you at the clinic.
PERHAPS YOU JUST NEED TO TALK
Sometimes all you want is to be told that your baby’s behaviour, such as feeding very often or waking frequently at night, is normal, especially if you are a first-time mother. In that case it can be reassuring to talk to someone who has breastfed their own babies and knows what to expect, who also understands the subject and can assure you that you are doing brilliantly.
The most important thing to remember is that although breastfeeding can be exhausting and hard at first, above all emotionally, with the right preparation and help it can be very easy and rewarding. And if problems do come up, getting expert help quickly can resolve them.