Patient's question:
Mom's nipples are short, making it difficult for the baby to latch onto milk. Is there any good method to stretch the nipples? The baby is only 13 days old, and they were initially fed with a bottle, so the baby is not very sensitive to the mother's nipples? How can the nipples be stretched better?Doctor's answer:
Milk has come, but it's not flowing smoothly, which can easily lead to mastitis. If it becomes severe, it may not only prevent breastfeeding but also require medication and surgical treatment, which is very bad. Therefore, it's crucial to first clear the milk ducts and then consume some milk-enhancing foods, which will be very beneficial.This situation is also very common in the first few days after a baby is born, likely due to blocked milk ducts. The key now is for the mother not to panic and to encourage the baby to suckle more. Massage can be done now, and if in the hospital, nurses can help. At home, the mother can do it herself: place the thumb above the nipple and areola, the index finger below, and use the other fingers to support the breast. Squeeze towards the chest wall, keeping the fingers fixed and not sliding on the skin.
Initially, milk may not come out after a few squeezes, but repeating it multiple times will help. The key area is the areola, as it contains the milk sinuses where milk is stored. Once the milk flows smoothly, the baby will find it easier to suckle.
Is the baby's sucking posture correct? It's not just about the nipple; the baby must also take in most of the areola. The baby's sucking is very important. First, the mother must believe in her ability to breastfeed her infant. This confidence is crucial for continuing breastfeeding.
Second, she should relax, rest well, and maintain a positive mindset, as this can promote the secretion of prolactin. Third, spend more time with her baby. The baby's skin, movements, expressions, and scent are all stimulants for prolactin secretion.
Add a moderate amount of Tongcao (a herb that promotes milk flow) to soups. It's inexpensive and usually available at pharmacies, which can also help with milk production.
You can also apply warm compresses to the breasts for 3–5 minutes before breastfeeding, while massaging the breasts to stimulate the milk-ejection reflex. This helps soften the nipple and may trigger the let-down reflex.
Note on feeding methods: If the baby is hungry, start with the flatter or more concave nipple first. At this time, the baby's sucking force is stronger, making it easier to draw out the nipple and most of the areola.
After feeding, continue wearing a nipple shield during the intervals between feedings. Also, pay attention to maintaining the correct breastfeeding posture.
Nipple stretching exercise: Place both thumbs parallel to the sides of the nipple and slowly pull them outward, stretching the areola and underlying tissues to make the nipple protrude. Then, place the thumbs on the upper and lower sides of the nipple and pull them vertically. Repeat these steps multiple times, each lasting 5 minutes, to make the nipple protrude. Finally, gently pull the nipple outward several times with the index finger and thumb.
Syringe nipple suction method:
(1) Syringe suction device preparation: Prepare two 10ml syringes, remove the piston from one, and connect the two syringes at the nipple with a rubber tube (about 0.4cm in diameter and 5cm long). Sterilize and set aside.
(2) Usage method: Cover the retracted nipple with the syringe end without the piston. Squeeze the piston of the other syringe to draw in about 5–10ml of air until the nipple protrudes and maintains negative pressure for more than 5 minutes (the longer it stays, the less likely the nipple will retract). At the end, first disconnect the rubber tube, then remove the syringe from the nipple. Do not push the piston back, as this may cause the nipple to retract. If the baby fails to suckle successfully, the method can be repeated.