Common problems during breastfeeding
After labour and delivery, your next concern will be breastfeeding. Many times, mummies would start to wonder if they should be breastfeeding their babies or if they should go with formula. For babies, they would get the most amount of antibodies (from the viruses that the mummies are exposed to from their surroundings) from breast milk compared to formula. Although it seems easier and less time-consuming for mummies to feed the baby formula milk from the start. However, after around 5 weeks post-delivery, when the mummies get better at latching, it will require less time to breastfeed, just bringing your baby to your chest and getting comfortable, compared to feeding formula milk, as you would require more time to prepare the milk and wash the bottles.
The next concern will be if they are latching their babies correctly. When you latch your baby, there should not be any pain or discomfort. There is no one position to latch that is better than the other, your baby will still be able to get the same amount of milk, the best position to latch would be the one you feel the most comfortable with. Regardless of which position you decide to latch, it is important that you also get your arms and back properly supported.
How much milk is enough for my baby?
For the first 24 hours, your baby should be feeding between 2-10ml every feed (at least 8 times in 24 hours). From 24-48 hours, your baby will have an intake of 5-10ml every feed (every 3 hours), from 48-72 hours, your baby’s intake will be around 15-30ml every feed (every 2-3 hours). From 72-96 hours, your baby’s intake will be around 30-60ml every feed. By 2 weeks post-delivery, the goal of milk supply should be 750-1000ml per day.
If you are concerned that your baby is not drinking enough, you can check in with your paediatrician about your baby’s weight. If your baby is gaining weight steadily, there should not be too much concern about their intake.
You can also monitor your baby’s intake by observing their output. On day 1 you should expect around 1 wet diaper with 1 stool. On day 2, there should be around 2-3 wet diaper with 1-2 stools. On day 3, there should be 3-4 wet diapers and 3-4 stools. And on day 4, there should be more at least 4-6 wet diaper with 4 large or 10 small stools. After that, there should be at least 6-8 wet diapers and 4 sizeable stools daily.
Engorgement
When your milk supply starts to increase at the beginning, you might experience engorgement, whereby your breast feels abnormally full and painful. For many mummies, it can happen from day 5-14 after delivery. Do not be too alarmed when you feel a lot of engorgement, continue to feed your baby regularly or pump out any extra milk (if necessary). Once your body adapt to the milk supply, the pain will subside, however, you would still need to feed or pump regularly.
Home Visit Service
At different stages, mummy will face different difficulties. Hence, the session will be split into 2 visits to attend to mummy’s needs. During the first visit, the focus is on breastfeeding to equip you with the necessary information. The second visit will be targeted towards progression and other post-natal concerns.
Around 70% of lactating mummies experience breast engorgement during the breastfeeding journey. The feeling of fullness can be painful if left untreated. A lactation consultant will be able to teach you tips to help let down and empty your breast.
What to expect?
First Visit
A common concern that mummies face after delivery is breastfeeding. ‘What is the posture for breastfeeding?’, ‘Is my baby latching correctly?’. Our Physiotherapist, who is also a Lactation consultant will be able to attend to your needs. During the first visit, education on breastfeeding and the use of breast pumps will be provided, followed by the assessment and correction on:
- the environment for breastfeeding
- the latching
- your posture during latching
- any musculoskeletal issues
Second Visit
The next common concern that most mummies face is the posture while bathing their baby, “Am I doing it correctly?” “Will I hurt my baby’s neck or back?”. Another concern that most mummies face is Diastasis Recti(DR).
Our physiotherapist will be able to attend to all of your concerns during the second visit.
We will be assessing your progress from the first visit. Followed by assessment and correction on:
- the posture of you and your baby while bathing
- the width of your diastasis recti (DR) by using real-time ultrasound. Exercises will be taught to improve your DR condition.
*For mummies who undergo cesarean, scar tissue massage will be taught.
Program Fee
- 1 session @ $350
- 2 sessions @ $600
- Per clinic visit from $140
Kelly Qiu
Lactation Consultant and Physiotherapist
Kelly leads our Women’s Health Physiotherapy Service with a strong passion for assisting mothers through pregnancy-related and postpartum challenges. She coordinates antenatal and postnatal programs designed to alleviate pregnancy discomfort and address issues like Diastasis Recti (DR). Her dedication extends to breastfeeding support, where she is one of Singapore’s few physiotherapists certified as a Lactation Consultant. Recognized by the International Board of Lactation Examiners, she holds the title of a Certified Breastfeeing Specialist. Kelly’s commitment to holistic care empowers her to guide mothers through both musculoskeletal and breastfeeding concerns, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their well-being. Additionally, Kelly remains deeply dedicated to geriatric and stroke rehabilitation, exemplified by her home visitations for patients’ initial recovery stages. She applies her expertise creatively, utilizing exercises and readily available home equipment to promote graceful and dignified aging.
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), 2019
- Diploma in Physiotherapy, Nanyang Polytechnic (Singapore), 2015
Achievements
- Lactation Consultant / Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, International Board of Lactation Examiners, 2022
- Women’s Health Physiotherapy, IHFA, 2022
Memberships / Affiliations
- Allied Health Professions Council, Singapore