Boppy

CRACKED NIPPLES

Cracked nipples are little cuts that form on the base, middle or tip of the nipple, after repeated stress to the breast during breastfeeding, especially in first time mums who are just starting breastfeeding.

When cracked nipples appear, breastfeeding can be painful; the pain can be so severe that you may want to discourage the baby from latching on.

It is important to promptly treat cracked nipples to prevent germs, commonly found in the skin, from getting in that could cause serious inflammation of the mammary glands (mastitis).

HELPFUL HINTS

To prevent cracked nipples you should first of all make sure that the infant’s mouth is wide open and latches on to the areola skin and not just the nipple; furthermore the infant's chin and nose should be touching the breast.

When nursing you need to take special care that you are in a correct position: the use of a nursing pillow is helpful for finding the right positioning height of the baby, thus preventing bothersome pulling on the nipple and a tired back and arm.

REGURGITATION

Infants frequently regurgitate in the first few months of life and it is a sign that their digestion system is not fully developed.

It appears when small amounts of milk, ingested by the infant during feeding, come back up to the mouth without clear signs of strain or discomfort by the little one.

This is generally a temporary event (it usually goes away when the baby reaches about 12 months); there is no need for concern if the baby grows regularly and does not show signs of discomfort.

HELPFUL HINTS

You should make sure that the baby does not ingest air when feeding by latching the baby on the breast properly, or if using a bottle, making sure that the teat hole is correct.

Also take care that the baby does not drink too voraciously, without pause, an excessive amount of milk: if this is the case you should feed less but more frequently.

After feeding, it is a good idea to keep the baby in a slightly upright position, or partially lying down, wait to change the baby's nappy to give the baby a few minutes to relax.

If regurgitation occurs with particular frequency or lasts too long, you should contact your paediatrician.  

COLIC

Colic, characterized by abdominal pain accompanied by inconsolable crying, generally affects infants up to 3 months and usually occurs in the evening or at night, consequently affecting the family's peace of mind.

Some newborns are more likely than other to suffer colic but it is important to emphasize that it is a phenomenon with multifactorial roots: diet, allergy, food, feeding and suction difficulties, acid reflux, changes in the intestinal hormones, bloating, parents stress level, etc.

HELPFUL HINTS

There is no single and effective remedy to solve, or at least give relief, to the acute phase of colic. To prevent accumulation of air in the intestine it is certainly helpful to hold the baby in an upright or sitting position after feeding, to promote burping and proper digestion.