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Preparing for Breastfeeding
This section will give you a few details to think about before your baby is born. Many mothers find it beneficial to attend a Breastfeeding class before delivery. There are Free Breastfeeding Classes held at Self Regional Healthcare Women’s Center twice a month: the first Tuesday of the month from 7-8 pm or the second Monday of the month from 1-2 pm. All Classes are held in the Women’s Center Classroom on the 2nd floor. This class is a basic overview of breastfeeding including positioning, proper latch, retuning to work or school and weaning. This class gives you the basic information you need to know to get started. To register for a Breastfeeding Class please call 864-725-5015.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Have you had a breast surgery or trauma?
Breast Implants, Reduction Surgery, Breast Biopsy, Mastectomy, or been in an accident where there was trauma to your chest.
If yes, you may want to contact a Lactation Consultant prior to delivery for individualized assessment.
Any time there is scaring in the breast tissue there is a potential for complication. Scar tissue can sometimes block the milk ducts where milk flows from the breast to be available to the baby at the nipple. If breastmilk is unable to flow through the milk ducts you could possibly have complications such as engorgement, plugged ducts or even mastitis. Also with surgery or trauma, there is potential for damaging the nerves in the breast that make breastmilk production and excretion possible. However, with all of the situations mentioned above, women have exclusively breastfed without complication. Do not let this information discourage you in any way. This is simply here to help you cover all of the bases before the arrival of you new baby, so there are no unexpected surprises.
What type of nipples do you have?
Flat or inverted nipples can sometimes cause frustration for mothers and babies. It often causes difficulties in the baby latching onto the breast. To determine if you have flat or inverted nipples follow these instruction.
“Place your thumb and index finger on the areola, the dark area surrounding the nipple. At the base of the nipple, compress gently but firmly. If you have this condition, the nipples will flatten or retract (invert) into the breast” per Medela Therashells information sheet. The use of breast shells also known as milk cups, breastcups or Woolwich shields are made of a hard lightweight plastic. They vary in style and make. Although the use of these has not been proven in controlled studies, many mothers over the years have found them helpful. The purpose of the shell is to apply gentle steady pressure at the base of the nipple over time to help draw out the nipple so it will be easier for the baby to latch on to. It may be necessary to wear a bra one cup size larger so the shells do not press to hard into the breast tissue. They are never to be worn at night or while sleeping. It is suggested they be worn in the last trimester of pregnancy a few hours a day increasing the duration of time worn gradually to the mothers comfort. If these are not worn prior to delivery, they can be used after delivery in the same manner. Any milk collected from the shell must be discarded because of possible bacterial growth.
When preparing for breastfeeding Bra selection is very important. A well fitting supportive bra may make you feel more comfortable. However, a bra that does not fit properly could cause plugged ducts or mastitis. Use caution when choosing a bra with underwire. Anything on the breast that inhibits milk flow such as a tight bra or underwire has great potential to cause breast problems.
