Maternal Factors |
- Sore or Cracked Nipples: History of pain during feeding, visible cracks or sores on the nipples.
- Engorgement: Breast fullness, discomfort, tightness in breasts.
- Mastitis: Redness, swelling, pain, flu-like symptoms.
- Flat or Inverted Nipples: Difficulty latching due to nipple shape.
- Insufficient Milk Supply: Low milk production, infant not gaining weight.
- Psychological Factors: Stress or postpartum depression.
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- Sore or Cracked Nipples: Improve latch technique, use lanolin cream or breast milk, consider nipple shields.
- Engorgement: Frequent feeding, warm compress before feeding, cold compress after, express milk manually or with a pump.
- Mastitis: Continue breastfeeding, apply warm compresses, analgesics, antibiotics if infection is present.
- Flat or Inverted Nipples: Use nipple shields, frequent feeding, use breast pump or nipple stimulators before feeding.
- Insufficient Milk Supply: Frequent feeding or pumping, ensure proper maternal hydration and nutrition, consider galactagogues.
- Psychological Factors: Support and counseling, relaxation techniques.
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Infant Factors |
- Poor Latch: Ineffective latch, frequent unlatching during feeds.
- Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie): Restricted tongue movement, difficulty latching.
- Prematurity: Weak suck reflex, inability to latch and feed effectively.
- Oral or Structural Abnormalities: Cleft palate, difficulty sucking.
- Jaundice: Lethargy, decreased interest in feeding.
- Neurological or Genetic Conditions: Hypotonia or conditions like Down syndrome affecting muscle control for sucking.
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- Poor Latch: Educate on proper positioning, adjust latch technique (cross-cradle or football hold may help).
- Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie): Referral for frenotomy if indicated, lactation support for improved latch.
- Prematurity: Use nipple shields, consider alternative feeding methods (expressed breast milk via bottle or tube).
- Oral or Structural Abnormalities: Referral to specialist, alternative feeding methods (e.g., bottle feeding).
- Jaundice: Treat underlying jaundice, frequent feedings to promote bilirubin excretion.
- Neurological or Genetic Conditions: Tailored feeding strategies, lactation support, and potential use of alternative feeding methods.
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