Breastfeeding 101: Low Milk Supply |  Oversupply | Achieving the Perfect Latch | Formula Milk | Weaning

Introduction
Breastfeeding is often described as a beautiful bond between mother and child, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From milk supply issues to proper latching techniques, every mom has questions along the way. To shed light on the common concerns related to lactation and provide practical solutions, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Mansi Jani Joshi, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and physiotherapist specializing in women’s health.

Dr. Joshi, with over a decade of experience, has provided personalized guidance to more than 5,000 mothers and their babies, specializing in breastfeeding support, maternal nutrition, and postpartum care. She is highly skilled in managing complex breastfeeding challenges such as cleft palate, oral ties, breast infections, clogged ducts, and transitioning from bottle to breast. Her expertise also includes strategies to increase milk supply, infant feeding beyond six months, and weaning from breastfeeding. Dr. Joshi offers comprehensive feeding support from birth through the newborn, infant, and young child stages, up to 2–3 years of age.

Let’s hear what Dr. Joshi has to say about addressing some of the most common breastfeeding challenges!

Q1: What can a mother do if she cannot produce enough milk?
The main rule of breastfeeding is “Demand & Supply.” Keeping this in mind, if a mother feels her milk output is low, she has to increase her breastfeeding sessions to boost the supply. Aim for at least 8–12 sessions in 24 hours, including night feeds. Ensuring a good latch, drinking 3–4 litres of water daily, and staying away from stress factors will help her produce enough milk for her baby.

Q2: What should a breastfeeding mother do in case of an oversupply of milk?
There are two essential approaches:

  1. Help the baby deal with the fast flow by adjusting feeding positions, such as laid-back hold, reclining hold, upright sitting hold (straddle sitting), or football hold in reclining. Burp the baby well between feeds.
  2. Manage the milk flow by expressing some milk before feeds, trying block feeding methods, or consuming sage or peppermint tea to downregulate the excess milk flow.

Q3: How can a mother ensure that her baby latches onto the breasts properly?
A proper latch can be achieved by:

  • Positioning the baby’s tummy to the mother’s tummy.
  • Ensuring the baby’s head, shoulders, and legs are in one line.
  • Using pillow supports and supporting the baby’s neck.
  • Bringing the baby close to the mother when the baby opens a wide mouth for a deeper latch.
  • Ensuring the baby is awake during feeds.
    Different holds can be tried until the perfect latch is achieved. Chair sitting is also recommended for good latch techniques.

Q4: What solid foods should be introduced to breastfeeding kids?
The first foods recommended are purees. Opt for fruits, grains, and vegetables such as mashed or pureed sweet potato, avocado, apple, banana, or pear. These foods are easy to prepare at home and digest. The consistency should be thick and soft, making it easy to stay on a spoon.

Q5: Is formula feeding good for a child? What is the appropriate age to incorporate formula feeding into a child’s diet?
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Formula feeding should be introduced only when indicated, such as in cases of low milk supply, the mother being unable to breastfeed, the baby failing to gain weight, or separation between the mother and baby. After six months, an iron-fortified formula can be incorporated into the baby’s diet alongside home-cooked meals and continued intermittent breastfeeding.

Q6: What are the signs that a baby is ready to stop breastfeeding?
Babies ready to wean generally:

  • Refuse to breastfeed on their own or show less interest.
  • Nurse for just a few seconds.
  • Eat solids well, have good water intake, and maintain nutrition and hydration levels.
  • Sleep calmly without asking for breastfeeding.
    These signs indicate that the baby is ready to transition away from breastfeeding.


Dr. Mansi Jani Joshi’s practical tips empower mothers to navigate breastfeeding challenges with confidence. From boosting milk supply to identifying weaning cues, her advice is a valuable resource for every mom. With the right support, every breastfeeding journey can be a successful and fulfilling one! 

With the support of experts like Dr. Joshi, mothers can confidently navigate challenges, fostering healthy feeding habits that benefit both mother and baby.

If you have any breastfeeding concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice because every mom deserves the right support for a successful and fulfilling feeding journey.


For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Mansi Jani Joshi, please WhatsApp on https://wa.me/919619301126


 


 

 

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