Polly Salt

Midwife, United Kingdom

Title: BreastFeeding Complication

Abstract

Description: In this reflective piece of work, I will be using a pseudonym to maintain confidentiality as decreed by the NMC code (2018).

I attended a breastfeeding support home visit of a primiparous woman called Someya. Myself and the midwife in attendance hadn’t met Someya prior to this visit. Upon arrival she explained how her nipples were sore, especially during a feed. The pain was resulting in Someya being hesitant to breastfeed her daughter regularly throughout the day. She also expressed that she was not able to attend any antenatal education classes during her pregnancy, as they were not running during the global pandemic, as a result of COVID 19. Someya felt that the lack of education and a sense of isolation from the pandemic was affecting her confidence to breastfeed. She was visibly tearful when discussing the struggles she had endured, and she explained the pressure she felt to continue breastfeeding. Therefore, reassuring and supporting Someya was a priority of mine.

A breastfeed was observed during the visit, and it was evident that the baby was not successfully latched onto the breast; audible ‘clicking’ sounds could be heard, and the baby was sucking on the end of the nipple, rather than engulfing the nipple and surrounding areola. I went on to explain the principles of successful attachment to Someya, whilst supporting her to re-position the baby. To make it memorable for Someya I explained the ‘CHIN’ acronym; close, head free, in line and nose to nipple. This appeared to help her, and consequently a successful latch was seen. I also recommended that she should use nipple cream, and expressed breast milk before and after every feed, as an extra measure.

I advised Someya to keep a feeding log, which outlined every time her daughter would feed and the duration of the feed, along which a diary to document the urine and stool output of the baby. The aim of this was to create a clinical picture of the wellbeing of the baby, and to ensure the baby was feeding at regular intervals throughout the day. A phone call appointment was arranged for the following day, so that Someya could discuss any further worries or concerns.

Feelings: Initially I felt disheartened to see Someya struggling to breastfeed. I was worried that she had lost faith in her ability to breastfeed, and I was conscious that I did not want this experience to alter the perception that she had of herself as a mother. I was concerned that it would alter her transition into parenthood. It was sad to see the impact that the pandemic was having on women, as I view antenatal classes as a valuable experience for pregnant women, especially first time mothers. It highlighted to me the importance of women feeling educated and supported.

Although it was a priority to encourage breastfeeding, and to explain the benefits to Someya, it was uncomfortable to know that she felt pressured to continue breastfeeding. I wanted to ensure her mental wellbeing was not being impacted on in a detrimental way, so it was a relief when a successful latch was observed, as I could see the delight in Someya’s face. It reinforced to me my capabilities and increased my confidence.

3rd International Conference on Midwifery and Neonatal Care

Polly Salt

Title: BreastFeeding Complication

Abstract

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