Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding can be enjoyable for both you and your baby but the situation might be rather challenging for many others. Especially the first few weeks are most difficult. If you have any personal issues, it's best to consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant. Some of the common Breast feeding problems and breastfeeding problem solution have been mentioned below which might be very useful for you.
Nipple Soreness
This is one of breastfeeding problems which occurs mostly in first weeks of breastfeeding. The major cause of soreness is that the baby is not properly positioned on to the breasts meaning that baby is latching only on nipple excluding areola. Improper nipple care and lack of cleanliness can lead to nipple soreness. The symptoms are itching of nipple area and burning sensation. Nipple soreness in many cases may be due to dryness. Implementation of proper feeding position and technique help. Also use of olive oil or lanolin ointment provide much relief.
Plugged Milk Duct
When the baby is not properly taking milk from mother during breastfeeding the milk collection in ducts form a plug/ blockage resulting in Plugged Milk duck or mastitis. Plugged milk duct is characterized by formation of hard lump closely under skin. With it the breast becomes red and tender as well. Keeping the breast warm with massage helps break the plug. Milk duct plug can worsen by wearing tight clothing and undergarment. For more information, view our Nursing Bra Page.
Breast Infection Or Mastitis
If you experience flu like symptoms with plugged milk duct, you should visit your consultant for advice as soon as possible because you have developed Breast Infection/Mastitis. Breasts are swollen, tender and red with symptoms like fatigue, chills, fever, heacache and nausea. Taking rest, frequent full feeding and use of antibiotics for upto two weeks provide effective relief.
If you experience recurrent mastitis, then you should visit lactation doctor and avoid the factors leading to mastitis such as plugged milk ducts, cracked nipples and breast engorgement.
Breast Engorgement
Breasts are swollen, hard and painfull due to congestion of blood vessels in breasts. Breast engorgement makes it difficult for baby to latch on the nipples and nursing becomes even more difficult to nurse baby. To relive breasts express milk with breast pumps or manually. Take warm showers and use cold compress after feeding to relive pain. To prevent breast engorgement feed baby atleast eight times a day taking 15 minutes every time.
Leaking Breasts Or Let-Down Reflex
This problem is encountered by many but infact it's a normal reflex allowing release of produced milk from glands to ducts. Let-Down reflex usually occurs in first few weeks. To avoid embarrassment due to wet clothes, simply place a nursing pad inside bra to absorb any leakage of milk. If it does not resolve with time, then visit your doctor for consultancy.
Inverted And Flat Nipples
Inverted or flat nipples causes breast feeding problem for mothers as baby can’t latch-on properly to nipples. Squeeze the nipple between thumb and index finger to pull out the nipple manually and allow for latching on. Start use of breast shells especially during last trimester of pregnancy to break nipple adhesions to its base.
Inadequate Milk Supply
Baby’s demand for milk often determines the mother milk supply. Checking growth rate and weight of baby allows finding that baby is having adequate milk or not. Good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and proper rest ensures good milk supply.
Problems with breast feeding and breastfeeding problem solutions are provided above. Even with chance of getting these problems, breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for a mother. Problems breastfeeding cause might be helped out by viewing pictures of breastfeeding problems and getting proper consultancy. To save yourself from getting any of these, get proper training and advice from the first time you start feeding your baby.
