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What Causes Incomplete Emptying Of Breast Milk By A Baby?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015

Question: Hi I have 2 and half month old baby he is not allowing me to empty one breast n shift to another he is taking milk in one breast for some time and crying den if i shift to another he is taking feed in another side so that he fails to get hind milk and he keep on takes the mouth while taking feed can you tell the reason n tell any way to make the baby to feed in one breast until it emptying completely .And also he is having saliva often in the mouth and he is coughing at least 2 times a day is it normal

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You need to drink plenty of liquids

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
You are correct that baby should empty from one breast before switching to other.
There could be three reasons why he is not doing so
1. Less milk output because of inadequate liquid intake by mother.
You need to drink atleast 4 litres of liquids including a litre of milk everyday. This will increase your milk output and satisfy your baby.
2. Incomplete Latching. Baby's mouth should cover nipple and most of areola so that he is attached well and sucks not from the nipple alone.
3. Babies empty faster even in 10 minutes. Sometimes you might feel that milk is still present but most of that could have been emptied. If his weight gain is a adequate it indicates his nutritional requirements are met.
Saliva in mouth is fine and occasional cough too.
However if Coughing increases do consult your pediatrician to rule out throat infection.
Wishing your baby good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (41 minutes later)

Thanks but I'm having adequate milk supply but he keep on taking his mouth while feeding like very frequently like every 10 seconds may I know the reason for it

Answered by Dr. Arun (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
get his throat examined

Detailed Answer:
If your milk supply is adequate
You need to get his throat examined. He could have a minor infection which might cause cough and frequently take his mouth out.
Other possibilities like I mentioned - Latching and increase your liquids intake.
Sometimes babies do this just as a habit.
Don't encourage and let him feed from one side completely.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (51 minutes later)

Thanks doctor If he has minor infection he would cry wen taking his mouth but he is not crying he just taking his mouth after some seconds he itself latching is that normal I doubt whether he swallowed minute glass piece as some days back my XXXXXXX got broken n glass broke into piece I doubt whether any small piece went directly to the baby mouth due to speed .I check his stool no blood

Answered by Dr. Arun (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possible

Detailed Answer:
It is possible that he might have a throat injury or infection.
Only if it is severe he might cry. Otherwise he might not cry.
Get his throat examined.
If stools are normal No need to worry.
I usually prescribe local ointments like zytee if there is any throat or mouth injury present on examination.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (5 minutes later)

Can you please say wat would be the causes for throat injury or throat infection and where to apply those ointment zytee

Answered by Dr. Arun (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
viral or glass as you mentioned

Detailed Answer:
Infection could happen as spread from someone who is handling baby through air or contact.
Injury could have happened by glass you had mentioned.
Only a clinical examination will rule out these.
Zytee can be applied if there are any sores inside.
Visit your pediatrician to confirm If there is indeed any infection or injury. If there is none no need for zytee.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (28 hours later)

Thanks doctor he has nasal block .will nasal block be the reason for taking mouth during feeding .Also please suggest till how many months I should exclusively breast feed and after what n all solid food I can give .Can we give cerelac n lactogen .Should I need to avoid any thing in my diet can I take pizza now

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
upto six months

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Yes nasal block could cause trouble. You can try nasoclear saline drops 1 drop each nose before feeding as and when required.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 6 months.
Start cerelac, rice gruel, boiled vegetables and boiled apple after 6 months.
Lactogen is breastmilk substitute given if milk output is less, which is not so in your case.
Your diet can include all home made food.
Avoid outside foods including pizza.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar