Recommendation to nursing mothers – if the breast teat is irritated

Breast milk protects the baby from various infections and diseases, albeit sometimes a mother and especially novice one experiences certain discomforts.

The National Center of Surgery, “New Life” clinic’s head of the neonatology services Maia Abaloidze discusses this important topic.

Cracked and damaged breast teats

Damaged and cracked breast teats are caused by the baby’s incorrect grip on the breast and pose. To prevent this problem, irritate the baby’s corner of the mouth before breastfeeding for the baby to open a mouth wide and grip not only the teat but also the surrounding areola's (reddened area around the nipple) at least 2 cm. After every breastfeeding, put the pumped milk on the teat in small amounts and dry it.

How to choose the correct pose?

You should choose the pose that you feel comfortable in. The breastfeeding proceeds successfully if the baby properly grips the breast. To accomplish a proper grip, comfortably position yourself and pull the baby towards you with the whole body. It’s necessary for a child to open the mouth wide. Baby’s chin has to be leaning on the breast, with the teat areola’s 2 cm has to be positioned in the mouth as well.

It’s better for the areola to be more visible at the baby’s upper lip than at the lower lip.

So-called "Pumping" devices

Before pumping the milk, it’s necessary to put a warm liner on mammary glands and do a massage. It’s better to pump the milk with your hands. Albeit, some mothers find it uncomfortable and prefer “pumping” devices.

“New Life” clinic address: Tbilisi, Dighomi, Lubliana str. N21a.

You may contact “New Life” clinic’s call-center at 577 059 900.

In case of any problematic issues, you may contact “New Life” clinic’s head of the neonatology services Maia Abaloidze for consultation at 593 24 97 42.

Wish you health!