Breastfeeding Problems

 

In the first few days following birth, you and your baby will be getting to know each other. It may take time to get the hang of breastfeeding, and it can happen quicker for some women than others.

 

When experiencing problems with breastfeeding, it is important to ask for help from your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you seek help, the sooner issues such as sore nipples or breast engorgement can be treated.

 


 

Tongue-tie

Tongue-tie appears in around 1 in 10 babies, occurring when the strip of skin that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth (frenulum) is shorter and tighter than usual. Some babies who experience tongue-tie have no symptoms. However, in others it can stop the tongue moving freely, making it harder for them to breastfeed.

 

In some cases, tongue-tie is diagnosed during a baby’s newborn physical examination; however, it is not always easy to spot. If you are breastfeeding your baby and they have tongue tie, you may notice they struggle to latch on to the breast or find it difficult to stay latched on for a full feed. They may also feed for an extended period, take a short break and feed again. During feeding, a baby with tongue-tie may make a clicking sound (this could also be a sign that you need support with the positioning and attachment of your baby at the breast). Because of the difficulty with feeding a baby with tongue-tie, your baby may not gain weight as quickly as they should.

 

Tongue-tie can also cause problems for the mother when breastfeeding. Problems include:

 

  • Sore or cracked nipples
  • Low milk supply
  • Mastitis

 

How to fix tongue-tie

A noticeable sign of tongue-tie is a clicking noise during nursing, along with trouble latching on and staying latched on to the nipple. If you think your baby may have tongue-tie, make an appointment with your paediatrician who can diagnose it. A paediatrician or ENT consultant can perform a simple procedure known as frenotomy, where the frenulum is snipped so your baby can move their tongue freely. Most breastfeeding problems are not caused by tongue-tie and can be treated and fixed with the right support.

 


 

Our Paediatric Consultants are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating babies who are struggling with breastfeeding, and our medical team and paediatric nursing staff are here to offer support in a caring environment at all times.

 

To make an appointment to see a Consultant Paediatric Consultant, please contact the reservations team on 01233 423 000 or contact us here

 

One Ashford Hospital is located in Kent and is ideal for private, insured and NHS patients located in Ashford, Dover, Canterbury, Folkestone, Maidstone and all nearby areas.

 


Why Choose One Ashford Hospital

• Access to leading Consultants within 48 hours*
• Low interest finance options**
• Competitive fixed-price packages
• Modern purpose-built hospital
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-Ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, ensuite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little waiting time for surgery
• Calm, dignified experience

 

*Dependent on Consultant availability
**Terms and conditions apply