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Welcome to Growth Book, your trusted source for all things parenting! In this instalment, we’re diving into the realities of breastfeeding – a journey filled with love, nourishment, and sometimes, challenges. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, understanding and overcoming common breastfeeding problems is essential for a successful nursing experience. Let’s explore some of the hurdles you might encounter and how to tackle them head-on.

1. Sore Nipples:
   • One of the most common challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers is sore nipples.
   • Causes may include improper latching, friction, or sensitivity.
   • Solution: Ensure a proper latch by positioning your baby correctly at the breast. Try different nursing positions and consider using lanolin cream or coconut oil to soothe sore nipples between feedings.
2. Engorgement:
   • Engorgement occurs when breasts become overly full and swollen, usually within the first few days after birth.
   • It can be uncomfortable and may make it difficult for the baby to latch properly.
   • Solution: Nurse frequently to empty the breasts, apply warm compresses before feeding to encourage milk flow, and gently massage the breasts to relieve pressure. If engorgement persists, consult a lactation consultant for further guidance.
3. Low Milk Supply:
   • Many mothers worry about not producing enough milk for their baby’s needs.
   • Factors such as stress, inadequate nutrition, or certain medications may contribute to low milk supply.
   • Solution: Increase milk supply by breastfeeding or pumping frequently, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Additionally, consult with a lactation consultant to identify underlying issues and explore potential solutions.
4. Breast Infections:
   • Mastitis, a common breast infection, can occur when milk ducts become blocked or bacteria enter the breast tissue.
   • Symptoms may include breast pain, redness, swelling, and flu-like symptoms.
   • Solution: Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect mastitis. Treatment often involves antibiotics, rest, frequent breastfeeding or pumping, and applying warm compresses to the affected breast. Continuing to breastfeed is usually recommended, as it helps to drain the breast and relieve symptoms.
5. Latching Difficulties:
   • A proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and preventing nipple pain.
   • Some babies may have difficulty latching due to tongue tie, low muscle tone, or other oral issues.
   • Solution: Work with a lactation consultant to assess and improve your baby’s latch. They can provide guidance on positioning, techniques, and exercises to help your baby latch more effectively.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it’s not always without its challenges. By understanding common breastfeeding problems and how to address them, you can navigate this journey with confidence and success. Remember, you’re not alone – seek support from healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, and fellow breastfeeding moms whenever you need it. Together, we can overcome any hurdle and make breastfeeding a rewarding experience for both you and your little one.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips and insights from Growth Book as we continue to support you on your parenting journey!

This blog is written by our expert doctor, Dr. Palak Batavia Shah, a Lactation Consultant in Ahmedabad.

What is Pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria called pneumococcus. It is often mild, but can cause serious symptoms, lifelong disability, or death. Children younger than 2 years old are among those most at risk for the disease.

What are the symptoms of Pneumococcal disease?

Symptoms depend on the part of the body it affects.

• Pneumococcal pneumonia (lung infection) causes: Fever or chills, Cough ,Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing ,Chest pain
• Pneumococcal meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) causes: Stiff neck or headache, High fever, Increased pain from bright lights, Confusion
• Blood infection (bacteremia and sepsis) from pneumococcal disease can cause fever, chills, or low alertness.
• Pneumococcal disease causes up to half of middle ear infections (otitis media). Symptoms are ear pain; a red, swollen ear drum; or sometimes, fever or sleepiness.

Does PCV vaccine provides protection?

Protects your child from potentially serious, and even deadly infections caused by pneumococcal disease, like pneumococcal meningitis (an infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and pneumonia (lung infection).

What is the schedule of this vaccine?

Two doses are required

PCV-1 : 6 weeks

PCV-2 : 14 weeks

PCV booster: 9 months

Dose and route of this vaccine?

0.5 ml vaccine dose is given via intramuscular route.

What are the side effects?

Most children don’t have any side effects from the shot. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and include the following:

• Fussiness
• Sleepiness
• Loss of appetite (not wanting to eat)
• Redness, swelling, or soreness where the shot was given
• Fever

Can only two PCV doses are enough for baby?

No, two PCV doses are not sufficient to confer long lasting immunity, PCV Booster dose must be given.

Can PCV be given to a sick child?

Yes, PCV can be safely administered to a sick child. These children are in particular need of PCV because their risk of pneumococcal disease is high.

Note: To have details on all vaccines, download Growth Book App now.

Toilet training should be started as early as 2 years, but first you need to check for following signs.

Signs to know when your child is ready for toilet training :

• Can sit and walk easily for short duration
• Getting more and more independent and can say “NO” and “YES”
• Can identify himself wet nappies
• Holding urine within the bladder for more than 2 hours, i.e to have dry clothes for more than 2 hours
• Dislike wearing wet clothes and try to remove clothes on his own
• Can easily remove and wear clothes
• Can tell some key words to family members for passing urine and stool

Note: Your child may not show all of this signs, but if he shows most of this sign then you can try for toilet training.

How to prepare for Toilet training?

• First you have to decide which toilet you are going to use, that is between a potty chair or a regular toilet. It’s better to select potty chair as it looks less scary than a regular toilet. One can also go with the regular toilet but don’t use both potty chair as well as regular one, otherwise child may get confused.
• Make toilet or potty chair well equipped with a stool so that child could easily step up and sit over it; a smaller toilet seat which can be fitted over the normal toilet to make child more comfortable and secured.
• Make sure you have ample of time and no plans for holidays or any other major change in life as this could be very disturbing, confusing and frustrating for your child.
• Make your child learn some signal words or action for going to Toilet, e.g., it can be “poo, woo, want to go… ”.
• Plan toilet training when child has normal bowel motion, do not attempt when child has diarrhea or constipation.

How to start for toilet training?

• Before starting the training, allow child to sit on the potty for few minutes. Let him be comfortable sitting on it.
• Try to keep wet nappies inside the potty, and then make child to sit on it. This will help child to understand that they have to poo inside the potty.
• Make them sit on the potty chair at their usual time like after feeding time or any other specific times.
• Inform child when you are using the toilet in the same words which they understand. This could help a lot.
• Start appreciating in the beginning times for every small success as well as failures.
• Never shout on them or get panic in front of them. If once child will be de-motivated, they might take a long time to start.
• Be calm and have patience.

Note: Your child may not show all of this signs, but if he shows most of this sign then you can try for toilet training.

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1. What are symptoms of polio?

Initial symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In a small proportion of cases, the disease causes paralysis, which is often permanent. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented by immunization.

2. What are different Polio vaccines available ?

Polio vaccines are available in two form:

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Taken orally as drops, Main preventive measure against polio
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) : Given through injection. In countries still using OPV, it is given in addition to OPV. Strengthens the immune system and provides further protection from polio

3. What is the schedule for Polio vaccine?

bOPV : Total 4 doses and a booster dose

At birth, 1½ months, 2 ½ months, 3½ months & booster at 16-18 months

IPV: 2 doses

At 1½ months & 3½ months

4. Where i can get this vaccine?

This vaccine is available for free at all Government hospitals on a specific day every week. You can also visit your Pediatrician clinic for vaccination.

5. Why does my child need two different vaccines for polio?

Using both vaccines together provides the best form of protection from polio.

6. Is IPV safe?

IPV is one of the safest vaccines in humans.

7. IPV have any side effects?

After the vaccine, there might be a little bit of redness and the skin may feel tender.

8. Do I still need OPV?

Until polio is eradicated globally, OPV is still the main preventative measure against polio. IPV is recommended in addition to OPV and does not replace OPV.

9. Why is polio vaccination being done repeatedly?

Children upto 5 years of age need to be protected from this disease. Repeated vaccination increases the capacity of these children to resist this disease. The polio virus is unable to survive in the vaccinated children, and will finally be eradicated.

10. Can polio vaccine be given to children suffering from cough, cold, fever, diarrhoea or any other ailments?

Yes, this vaccine can safely be given in these conditions.

11. Now that there is no Polio case in India, is it still important for us to take the vaccine?

Polio transmission is going on in countries like Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and there is a risk of virus importation from these countries to India. It is important to vaccinate our children and keep their protection level high till polio is eradicated globally.

To have information about other vaccines , download our app GrowthBook now.