Baby Chat 29

Send your questions to: babylove@integral-media.co.ke answers are provided jointly by our team of doctors

Our Team Of Experts

Dr. Blasio Omuga
Lecturer, School of Nursing Sciences.
University of Nairobi
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Doctors’ Plaza. Clinic No. 18.
Kenyatta National Hospital

Dr. Njoki Fernandes
Resident Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Kenyatta National Hospital

Should I stop using infant formula when weaning my baby?
No. In fact, in this transition period when the infant is increasing the type and the amount of solids being eaten, formula can contribute significantly to the baby’s dietary requirements. You should continue with breast milk or iron-fortified milk formula in order to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

I have painful cracked nipples. My baby keeps wailing to suckle. Is breastfeeding her at this time safe for the baby and I?
Breastfeeding is safe though it is painful. You can try and express milk and feed the baby from a cup or bottle until the nipple heals. Also, work on your technique to make sure the baby latches on your breast properly to reduce trauma on the nipple.
If the cracks do not heal, they can get infected. In this case, you must not feed your baby from the infected nipple until the infection clears. You V might require a course of antibiotics. In between § feeds, make sure the breasts are dry.

I gave birth last month and one of my breasts has no milk. Is there something I can do ?
Chances that milk can flow from both of your breasts are high. You just need to relax and massage your breast regularly to stimulate it. If it still doesn’t produce milk, visit your doctor for a check up.

Is it okay to let my baby use his pacifier at night?
Yes, but only if your baby is over one month old, in order to ensure that he’s breastfeeding is well established.

Avoid using pacifiers to replace nurturing. Instead, try cuddling, rocking and singing to your baby to lure him to sleep. Dimming the lights and putting on soft music also helps. Pacifiers have pros and cons; for instance, studies have shown that at sleeping times, they help protect against sudden infant death syndrome. On the other hand, babies who use pacifiers after the age of six months have increased yeast infections (in the mouth) and intestinal infections. Moreover, if your baby has a cold and can only breathe through the mouth, he will be much more irritable and restless if he depends on the pacifier for comfort.

END:BL29/05

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