Too little Too much milk Restless baby milk flows too quickly ! Indications that the baby gets Bringing the milk to flow What to try first Possible causes enough milk: • relax, breathe deeply and drink a glass of water • breastfeed in an upright or a laid-back position • the baby needs physical contact breastfeeding? • snuggle with the baby and enjoy his/her smell • offer only one per feeding session • poor breastfeeding management (, position, • 5-6 wet (ca. 90 ml of urine/) over 24h • mentally visualise flow (waterfall, river, etc.) • always offer from the same breast over a period of a frequency and duration of breastfeeding) • at least 3 bowel movements over 24h during the first • when pumping, do not continually look to see how much few hours (while avoiding in the other breast by • too many daily activities, outside disturbances 4 weeks has been collected (put a sock over the receptor, for expressing a little milk and/or cooling when necessary) • changes in surroundings, lifestyle, ‘s diet • baby is active and alert when awake example) • when the first (strongest) letdown comes, let the milk flow • a family history of allergies • baby has a good general appearance out and then offer the breast to the baby again when the • the baby needs to defecate • baby has good skin tone and colour milk flow decreases • mother‘s consumption of medicines, vitamin • baby is gaining weight and growing (following its percentile) • breastfeed more often supplements, caffeine-containing beverages Behaviours NOT necessarily When to seek outside help What to try first indicative of too little milk • the baby has a persistent strange behaviour • optimize breastfeeding position and latch • baby cries frequently • the baby cries after breastfeeding and cannot be calmed • increase skin-to-skin contact; carry your baby • baby wishes to breastfeed often • the baby has green, slimy stools • organise help • baby wishes to be held often • you have questions about your milk supply • „colic hold“, baby massage, bathing together • you have small or soft • breastfeed in calm surroundings • baby is unsettled / wants to „cluster feed“ (especially • check your consumption of caffeine containing evenings) beverages; perhaps keep a nutrition diary • ask your doctor about breastfeeding compatibility when What to try first prescribed medicines/vitamin supplements (often there is a breastfeeding friendly alternative; information for • breastfeed on demand (NOT by the clock); breastfeed professionals can be found on more often https://www.sappinfo.ch/en/) • learn to recognise early hunger cues (rooting behaviours, increased activity; crying is a late hunger signal) When to seek outside help • ensure that you get enough rest and enough to eat • you have questions • optimize breastfeeding management (latch, position, • you feel overwhelmed frequency and duration of breastfeeding) Good to know • you need support When to seek outside help • your milk supply adjusts itself according to demand • the baby’s demeanour has changed • with an „empty“ breast the milk production is The printing of this flyer was made possible through • the baby has had fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24h the financial support of CSS Insurance. • the baby has had no bowel movements over 24h accelerated, with a full one it is slowed down; • the baby’s weight stagnates or declines the breasts are therefore never completely La Leche League Switzerland • the baby cries often empty • the baby has a strong need to suck, even after • once your milk supply is established, your [email protected] breastfeeding breasts may feel softer and less full www.lalecheleague.ch • you have questions about your milk supply • stress hinders breastfeeding (antagonistic Increasing milk supply hormones); relaxation can work wonders! Account for donations: IBAN CH51 0900 0000 9000 7183 1 • an exclusively breastfed baby cannot be • breastfeed often (ca. 12x or more in 24h) overfed • offer each breast multiple times during a breastfeeding Many thanks! session • babies experience „growth spurts“ where they • increase skin-to-skin contact have a greatly increased need to breastfeed • allow the baby to decide when to end the breastfeeding for a period of ca. 2-3 days LA LECHE LEAGUE session; offer the other breast when the baby is no longer actively breastfeeding on the first Schweiz . Suisse . Svizzera . Svizra Call us anytime! – even outside of office hours We offer: Fatigue Sore Blocked ducts, Thrush La Leche League is a non-profit, apolitical, non-denominational, mastitis and non-governmental organization. What to check What to check Symptoms Symptoms Telephone consultations We are here to answer your questions about • you are eating and drinking regularly • good latch and positioning • your breasts are heavy, full, tender/painful, swollen and/or • itching/burning/stabbing pain, sometimes deep within the • you rest when baby rests • the baby can extend his/her tongue over the lower lip hot, possibly with hard lumps breast Contact an LLL Leader of your choice. • breastfeeding • you do not expect too much from yourself • proper care (at best use only water; avoid soaps • with mastitis also flu-like symptoms: aches, pains, fever • dry nipples with a red shimmer • pregnancy and • you do not have too many outside activities and lotions) (over 38.5°C) • suddenly sore nipples with correct positioning and latch E-mail consultations • getting breastfeeding off to a good start • you accept offered help • breastfeeding should be painless! • vaginal thrush (yeast) infection in the mother What to Check • thrush infection in the baby (white spots in the mouth, We are happy to answer your written questions. E-enquiries will normally be answered within 48 hours. • overcoming breastfeeding hurdles What to try first What to try first • frequency of breastfeeding diaper rash) • a thrush infection is not necessarily visible from the outside • breastfeeding and returning to work • reduce workload and activities • optimize latch and positioning • duration of breastfeeding • • eat well and drink enough • release the vacuum at the breast before removing the • sources of physical (too-tight bra, sleeping in prone • take a nap (with the baby) whenever possible nipple from your baby’s mouth by gently placing a finger position) and emotional stress What to try first • sleep behaviours • contact your midwife/gynaecologist/specialist in the corner of the mouth • pay careful attention to hygiene (rinse your nipples, change LLL Meetings www.lalecheleague.ch • carrying your baby • get help with housekeeping if possible • position your baby at the breast so that any nipple What to try first your breastpads, and wash your hands after each feeding; wounds lie in the corner of his/her mouth while they are use cleaning cloths only once; wash used cloths and • meet occasionally with like-minded for relaxation, • breastfeed! breastfeed! breastfeed! LLL Meetings take place regularly in many All La Leche League Leaders work voluntarily. They are mothers with personal breastfeeding discussion, and support healing breastpads at 60°C) • breastfeed frequently and for a long duration; if necessary regions of Switzerland and are an ideal experience who have completed an international-standard training programme to become pump or hand-express your milk • contact a medical doctor, an IBCLC or a midwife for medical treatment place to meet and exchange information LLL Leaders and who are committed to keeping their knowledge up-to-date through conti- When to seek outside help When to seek outside help • get plenty of (bed-) rest • you have constant or recurrent pain with other breastfeeding mothers. nuing education possibilities. • you have a need to talk/vent • look for help with the household chores When to seek outside help • you have questions/concerns • there is no improvement within a few days after • use warm compresses before and cold compresses after At LLL Meetings, mothers meet in a • you want some practical tips improving baby’s latch and position breastfeeding • when you suspect thrush relaxed atmosphere and exchange views • you suspect that your baby has a short frenulum (is • both mother and child need to be treated simultaneously; • you have concerns about milk supply • gently massage any hardened areas on everyday family life with all of its joys • you have questions about weaning “tongue tied”) • breastfeed with your baby’s chin pointed toward any contact a medical doctor, an IBCLC or a midwife for • you have symptoms of thrush hardened area diagnosis and medical treatment options and difficulties under the guidance of an Additional suggestions • you have questions LLL Leader. When to seek outside help • take baby for a walk in the fresh air Additional suggestions Observing other mothers with their babies • take small breaks over the day to indulge yourself (read, For a full mastitis it is recommended visit a doc- and seeing how different they are can be take a short bath, etc.) • aside from a possible short latching on pain in the first tor. For blocked ducts, a visit to a doctor/IBCLC/ valuable in strengthening the confidence few days, breastfeeding should be painless • attend an LLL Meeting; (meetings.lalecheleague.ch) midwife is recommended when: you have in dealing with your baby in your • you have seen no improvement over 24h despite taking own way. measures to remedy the situation • you have had a fever of greater than 38.5°C over 24h Signs of a good breastfeeding • your baby refuses to breastfeed on the affected breast position: • both breasts are affected Information about • mother and baby are tummy to tummy Additional suggestions • the baby does not have to turn his/her head to breastfeeding and breastfeed • ask about breastfeeding compatibility when medication is Good to know necessary can be • mother and baby are both comfortable, relaxed, • those around you do not know what you need: • breastfeeding compatibility information for professionals and well supported found in the ask for help! can be found on https://www.sappinfo.ch/en/ Womanly Art of Ways to achieve a good latch: • a trusted caretaker can mind the baby for short The information provided to you by LLL Leaders is based on the current state of research • encourage the baby to open WIDE before times while you rest Breastfeeding to the best of our knowledge. Our mother-to-mother advice cannot, however, replace a latching medical diagnosis and therapy. • a trusted caretaker can feed the baby pumped • support the baby’s back and neck and not his/ If you have medical questions or emergencies contact a medical professional (midwife, breastmilk from time to time if necessary (also her head This and other books on breastfeeding and parenting can be found in our LLL shop, along with many doctor, or consultant IBCLC). with a spoon, cup, syringe, etc.) • a good latch is achieved when the baby has a Have fun browsing! practical articles that enhance everyday family life. L L L large mouthful of breast tissue and lips that are stillshop.ch chwei . uisse . viera . vira flanged out on the breast