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How can I make my daughter suck breast milk properly?

Answered by: Dr Sangeeta Saxena | Assistant Commissioner (Child Health), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Govternment of India

Q: I delivered a baby girl 5 months back. I felt that she is not sucking my breast properly. Therefore I squeezed my milk and fed her. In the mean time I practiced her to suck her properly. Now she is 4.5 months old, but I still feel the same. Will she pick up in near future? Will there be any problem for if I squeeze milk frequently? Also my stools are green in colour, since I delivered. Why is this happening?

A:First and foremost, I want to know the exact duration of green coloured stools and the frequency of stools that you are experiencing. Second, in case the diet that you have been having after delivering your baby has some special ingredients like iron tablets, green leafy vegetables, some ayurvedic medicines, then the change in colour is due to the food. Second, please ensure the following aspects while breastfeeding your baby:

The baby's body should in close contact with yours.

The baby's lower lip should be turned upwards and outwards while feeding

A large part of the areola (the dark part surrounding the nipple) should be in the baby's mouth and squeezing out the milk will not create any problem as such but please realise that breastfeeding will increase the bonding between the baby and you. So it is better. And most importantly, relax!