Breastfeeding Is a Journey — We Walk It With You
Paramitha's certified lactation counsellors provide expert, hands-on, judgement-free support from the first hour of your baby's life — and for as long as you need.
Paramitha Hospitals has a dedicated lactation support programme across all six branches in Hyderabad, staffed by trained lactation counsellors who assist new mothers with initiating, establishing, and sustaining breastfeeding from the first hour after birth. Services cover skin-to-skin contact and first feed initiation, latch and positioning assessment, management of low milk supply, breast engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis, support for mothers of premature and NICU babies through expressed breast milk programmes, breast pump guidance and milk storage counselling, and support for returning to work while maintaining breastfeeding. Paramitha's approach is non-judgemental — supporting every mother's feeding goals, including those who require supplementation or choose formula feeding.
Why Breastfeeding Support Matters
Breastfeeding is natural — but it is not always instinctive, and it is rarely effortless without support. The number one reason mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than intended is not insufficient milk — it is a lack of skilled support in the first days and weeks.
- For baby: complete nutrition, immune protection, gut maturation, reduced infection risk, and better neurodevelopment — especially for premature infants.
- For mother: accelerated uterine involution, reduced cancer risk, promoted bonding, and economic benefit.
- Every mother who wishes to breastfeed deserves the best possible chance of succeeding.
In-Hospital Lactation Support
The First Hour — Golden Hour Initiation
Paramitha supports uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and first feed initiation within the first hour for all uncomplicated deliveries — including after caesarean section in the operating theatre once both mother and baby are stable.
Daily Bedside Support
Lactation counsellors visit every breastfeeding mother daily, assessing latch, positioning, colostrum expression, engorgement management, and feeding logs. Parents are taught markers of effective breastfeeding: deep latch, audible swallowing, 6+ wet nappies by day 4–5, and birth weight regained by 10–14 days.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Latch Difficulties & Nipple Pain
Poor latch is the most common cause of nipple pain and perceived low supply. Paramitha's counsellors assess latch in real-time and guide hands-on correction. Severe persistent pain is not normal and requires urgent assessment.
Low Milk Supply
Most low supply is perceived rather than actual. Assessment includes feeding observation, weight gain trend, 24-hour frequency, and thyroid/prolactin testing where indicated. Management focuses on increasing feeding frequency and effectiveness before galactagogue medication.
Engorgement, Blocked Ducts & Mastitis
Engorgement is managed with frequent feeding, reverse pressure softening, and cold compresses. Mastitis requires continued breastfeeding, rest, analgesia, and antibiotics for bacterial infection — with urgent review if not improving within 48–72 hours.
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
A significant tongue tie restricts tongue movement and prevents effective latch. Paramitha's paediatricians assess severity and perform or refer for frenotomy when clinically indicated.
Breastfeeding for NICU Mothers
- Milk expression initiated within 6 hours of birth with hand expression progressing to double electric pumping.
- Colostrum collected and given by nasogastric tube — referred to as "liquid gold" in neonatal care.
- Kangaroo Mother Care and transition to direct breastfeeding as the baby matures (typically 34–36 weeks corrected age).
- Milk storage guidance for NICU and home use.
Breastfeeding After C-Section & Return to Work
Post-C-section mothers receive additional support for comfortable positions (football hold keeps baby away from the wound). For returning to work, counsellors provide breast pump guidance, pumping routines, milk storage at work, and gradual return planning.
Weaning
Gradual weaning (dropping one feed at a time) is preferred to reduce engorgement risk. Paramitha provides guidance on night weaning and abrupt weaning management when medically necessary.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions patients ask us most often.
Breastfeeding should ideally be initiated within the first hour after birth — during the "golden hour" when skin-to-skin contact activates the baby's feeding reflexes. Paramitha Hospitals supports immediate skin-to-skin contact and first feed initiation for all uncomplicated deliveries, including after C-section.