Lactation
Lactation
Lactation
Lactation
Overview
We provide holistic patient care including:
- Joint consultation with a gastroenterologist and hepatologist,
- Physical therapist and nutritionist,
- Assessment of liver fibrosis by non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis and, when required, by fibrometer/fibroscan/liver biopsy,
- Personalised exercise and dietary counselling,
- Tailored diet charts and exercise programmes arranged according to each individual’s requirements, Follow-up to monitor the progress of the disease.
The liver is a crucial organ that performs various tasks related to metabolism, energy storage, and detoxification of waste. It aids in the digestion of food, converts it into energy, and stores this energy until needed. It also helps filter toxic substances out of your bloodstream. Liver disease is a common term encompassing conditions that affect the liver’s function. These conditions can develop for various reasons but can all damage the liver and impact its function.
Common Liver Problems:
Fatty Liver Disease:Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cholesterol and triglycerides. Fatty liver disease is the accumulation of these compounds in the liver but is not related to alcohol abuse. It is also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Liver Cirrhosis: Regular consumption of alcohol can result in scarring of the liver. The liver tissues can harden and lose their function over time. This damage is irreversible and can be fatal, potentially leading to liver failure.
Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infections or viruses. There are various types of hepatitis, including Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
Liver Cancer: Liver cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells within the liver. Cancer that originates in one part of the body but spreads to the liver retains the name of its origin rather than being termed “liver cancer”.
Liver Disease Symptoms & Signs: The signs and symptoms associated with liver disease vary depending on the specific type of liver disease present.
Examples include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling,
- Itchy skin,
- Dark urine,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Chronic fatigue,
- Pale stool,
- Bloody stool,
- Tar-coloured stool,
- Swelling in the ankles and legs,
- Loss of appetite,
- Easy bruising.
Our unit is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology to provide the most comprehensive care, precise diagnosis, and a patient-centric treatment plan to treat adult and paediatric patients with liver diseases.
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Support During Pregnancy
The Lactation Clinic offers several services to assist you in preparing for breastfeeding. These include: Inpatient rounds, basic breastfeeding counselling, and consulting during the postnatal period. General information sessions on preparing for breastfeeding.
Individual consultations with a lactation consultant to discuss previous breastfeeding difficulties.
Support After the Birth of Your Baby
The Lactation Clinic offers the following services to you and your baby:
Information on breastfeeding techniques and assistance in the postnatal wards.
Individual inpatient consultations for breastfeeding problems.
Breastfeeding follow-up outpatient clinic.
Common Questions to Ask a Lactation Consultant
How do I ease nipple pain or itching?
Nipple pain or itching can often be relieved by ensuring that your baby is latching on correctly. Improper latching is a common cause of discomfort. Applying purified lanolin cream or breast milk to the nipples after feeding can help soothe the pain. Wearing breast pads can also protect your nipples from friction. If the pain persists, consult your lactation consultant to rule out infections or other issues.
How can I get my baby to latch?
To help your baby latch properly, ensure you are both in a comfortable position. Hold your baby close, with their nose level with your nipple. Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide, then guide them onto your breast, ensuring they take in a good portion of the areola. Your lactation consultant can demonstrate various latching techniques and positions to find the most effective method for you and your baby.
What breastfeeding positions do you recommend?
Different positions work for different mothers and babies. Common positions include the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, the football hold, and side-lying. Your lactation consultant can help you experiment with these positions to find which one works best for you, considering factors like comfort and your baby’s ability to latch effectively.
How do I obtain or maintain an adequate milk supply?
To maintain a good milk supply, breastfeed frequently and on demand, ensuring your baby is effectively emptying your breasts. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get enough rest. If needed, your lactation consultant may recommend practices like power pumping or using galactagogues (foods or supplements that may increase milk production).
How can I tell if my baby is hungry?
Signs that your baby is hungry include rooting (turning their head towards the breast), sucking on hands or fingers, smacking lips, and becoming more alert and active. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Responding to early hunger cues can help with successful breastfeeding.
How do I know if my baby is eating enough?
You can tell if your baby is getting enough milk if they have regular wet and dirty nappies (about six wet nappies and three to four dirty nappies per day in the first few weeks), if they are gaining weight steadily, and if they seem content after feeds. Your lactation consultant can provide more specific guidance and help track your baby’s growth.
How long should my baby nurse from each breast?
The duration can vary, but typically, a baby nurses for about 10 to 20 minutes on each breast. It’s important to let your baby finish the first breast before offering the second to ensure they get the hindmilk, which is richer in fats and essential for growth. Watch for signs that your baby has finished, such as releasing the breast or falling asleep.
When do you recommend hand expression of milk or pumping?
Hand expression or pumping may be recommended if you need to increase your milk supply, relieve engorgement, collect milk for later use, or if your baby is unable to nurse directly from the breast. It can also be useful if you are returning to work or need to be away from your baby for an extended period. Your lactation consultant can teach you effective hand expression techniques and guide you in choosing the right breast pump.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your lactation Clinic at Jehangir Hospital, any time you have questions or concerns. They’ll offer expert guidance — and sometimes simply a listening ear — to help you navigate this time.