Talk to Your Doctor or Midwife About Breastfeeding
While, you are at your obstetrician or midwife’s office ask them to examine your breasts to determine if you have any issues that could hinder breastfeeding. Most most moms often wonder if their breasts are capable of producing enough breast milk or if they are large enough. Don’t worry breast size isn’t an indicator of how much milk your body will produce.
Inverted or Flat Nipples
Some mother’s have problems with their nipples; however, this shouldn’t stop them from attempting to breastfeed. If you have flat or inverted nipples, don’t worry you can usually breastfeed with a little help. Most doctors and lactation consultants recommend wear breast shield during the last trimester of pregnancy to help draw your nipples out. The nipple shields can also be used to help draw the nipples out before you feed, but it is best to try to get your baby to latch on the breast. Some moms use a manual breast pump to help draw the nipples out prior to feeding. You don’t need to use a breast pump for very long, if used to long your milk will begin flowing. Use it just long enough to draw your nipples out so that the baby can latch on properly.
Have you had to use a breast shield in order to successfully breastfeed your baby?