Re: Itching while bf, supply issues

[Guest guest]

When babies always seem congested, I look for food allergy, particularly dairy. And very often, when mom clears something from her diet to help her baby, her own body starts working better, too.

Dee Kassing

Subject: Itching while bf, supply issuesTo: " " < >Date: Friday, April 13, 2012, 5:23 PM

Permission to share. I am working with a mother of an 8 month old, exc bf, beginning solids. Mom has had itching with bf for the the last couple of month. She will bf baby, and toward the end of feeding the under side of her breasts (not nipple) will feel itchy. This happens with every nursing. The way she describes things it does not sound like typical thrush. I have read about moms being itchy due to oxytocin release or increase in blood flow. She does not have a rash. She has tried cold compresseses, with little relief. No new medications or illnesses.

In addition to that, baby has been frustrated at the breast the last couple of days. He nurses for a couple minutes then cries, she tries the other side and the same thing. Making me wonder a bit more about yeast. Again, nothing new. No chance of pregnancy, no bc. we discussed menstrual cycles returning. She says she feels less full in the morning. Baby does nurse well at nighttime. I have encouraged her to bf as much as baby wants, switch sides as often as needed, and bf while sleepy or even more at nighttime. She reports that he tends to be a "congested" baby, and even though she isn't seeing anything new as far as illness, we went over baby being uncomfortable or choosing breathing over eating. I have not seen them in person (for this issue) yet.

Any more ideas or insights appreciated

Hessell

IBCLC, LLLL