Got a breastfeeding/ lactation question?

Write to: LC Doris Fok c/o Q&A Lactation, MotherNeeds, 141 Lentor Street, Singapore 786838, or fax us at 6456-0031, or email info@motherneeds.com with "Ask LC Doris" as your subject heading.

Doris will select 2 letters to be answered every month. Selected letters published here win a $12 gift certificate for purchases at our MotherNeeds online store.

Copyright © 2004

Question 1:
Dear Doris,
I am now expecting my 2nd child who will be due in June.
During my 1st pregnancy, my left nipple developed a condition where part of the nipple flesh (a small round piece) protrudes out from the rest of the nipple. It is not painful and I have been leaving it alone.
Now, I am concern that with this condition, I will not be able to breastfeed my newborn. Can you please offer some advice. Thank you.
Best Regards,
Ng Y J Thanks.

Answer 1:
Dear Mdm Ng,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. If you have an extra piece of nipple flesh, it should not affect your ability to breastfeed as long as your baby is well attached to your areola. it's not your nipple that the baby should be latched to.

If when you are breastfeeding and you still have problems with the latch, do seek the help of an experienced lc. all the best to your breastfeeding.
Doris Fok

Question 2:
Dear Doris,
I delivered my second child 4 weeks ago. I have had trouble latching him, so I have been expressing my breastmilk to bottlefeed him. I recently offered him my breast but he refused to latch again. Is it at all possible to get him to breastfeed directly after 4 weeks of bottlefeeding? Could he have forgotten the basics of breastfeeding? Thank you.
Susan L, Singapore

Answer 2:
Dear Susan,
I'm sorry to learn that you have trouble latching your baby on to your breast. Both of you (your baby and yourself) will need to be assessed by an IBCLC (lactation consultant) whilst you attempt breastfeeding to determine the cause of baby's reluctance to latch. Some babies do not latch because of the discomfort they felt at the mother's breast. Some do not because they may not be hungry when they are offered the breast. The most important thing is to offer the babe the breast when they indicate that they are ready for a feed. It's frustrating for them if they have to cry desperately for their hunger cues to be met. It has been possible for babies to latch even after one month's of lapse. The question is to find out what caused your baby not to latch in the first place and this can only be done in a face to face consultation with a lactation consultant.
Doris Fok

*We regret that only 2 letters will be answered by Doris every month.

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