All Posts tagged Common breastfeeding problems

Your Common Breastfeeding Problems Solved

By 05 Jul, 2018 Breastfeeding support , , , ,

Mother breastfeeding her childThey say that the breast is best, but that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest way to feed your newborn. First time moms are often not prepared for, or aware of, many of the common issues that can be experienced when both you and your baby are learning to work together for the first time. To help ease any breastfeeding nerves and prepare you to overcome any challenges, familiarize yourself with these common scenarios and troubleshooting best practices.

Leaking Breasts

This issue can be as embarrassing as it is frustrating, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Leaking helps prevent engorgement (large, heavy, painful breasts—more on that later). Leaking can be unpredictable but often goes away on its own once you are breastfeeding regularly. To mitigate leaking breasts at inopportune times, when you start to sense oncoming milk letdown, apply firm pressure to your breasts by crossing your arms across your chest as if to hug yourself. Also, consider wearing clothes that easily camouflage any uncontrollable wetness.

Engorgement

Frequently occurring in the first several days after a baby is born, in exacerbated cases, engorgement may cause feelings of hard, swollen, throbbing, lumpy, breasts that may even cause you to run a fever. Engorgement may occur if you are not able to nurse your baby frequently enough or empty your breasts sufficiently during each feeding. Complicating matters further, engorgement may make it difficult for your baby to latch onto the breast. To minimize your chances of engorgement, nurse within two hours of your baby being born, and then nurse regularly after that (between eight and 12 times a day after the first 24 hours).

Baby Won’t Latch

Sensing your baby will not or cannot latch to your breast can be particularly stressful but try not to let your anxiety inhibit your ability to work through the process together. There are a variety of reasons why baby can’t latch at first that range from a difficult birth to the shape of your nipples (naturally flat nipples make it difficult for baby to grasp). Depending on the cause, you may have to adjust your troubleshooting technique. In general, however, keep your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible to get him comfortable being close to your chest. Coax baby to feed by expressing a drop of milk on your nipple and encouraging him or her to lick and nuzzle. Also, focus on the best positioning for you both. Support baby by leaning back and allowing his entire body to be supported against you. You can also cradle your baby in a football hold if that is more comfortable.

Baby Isn’t Eating Enough

New moms often fear their baby isn’t getting enough milk. Know that the vast majority of women produce enough milk to satiate their babies and keep them healthy. To determine if your baby is getting enough, make sure he or she is swallowing and is satisfied when complete. When baby first latches, he will suck rapidly to stimulate milk flow, and then move into a deep, slow, pulling rhythm. Look and feel for the sensation of his jaw moving as he swallows. When your breastfeeding session is complete, your baby should seem peaceful and content. A baby that is lethargic or cries for more food may not have gotten enough milk.

If you experience any of these conditions or issues while breastfeeding, speak to your OBGYN or your baby’s pediatrician. Breastfeeding should offer a necessary emotional bonding opportunity for you and your baby and should not be a cause of stress or discomfort.

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Common Breastfeeding Dilemmas Solved

By 05 Aug, 2015 Breastfeeding support, New Moms , , , ,

compact electric breast pump to increase milkWhether you are a first time mom, or are realizing that each child develops differently, a woman can experience difficulties breastfeeding at any time. Though breastfeeding is a natural process and is one that is best for both you and your baby, do not be frustrated or disappointed if it does not seem to come easily. What follows is a list of six of the most common breastfeeding issues and tips for overcoming each one.

Latching pain – Nipple discomfort is common when a woman first begins to breastfeed, especially for new mothers. If pain lasts more than the first minute after your baby latches, however, check your positioning. The optimal position is for the baby’s mouth to cover more of the areola below your nipple than above. When correctly positioned, baby’s chin and nose should touch your breast with his lips splayed out so that you cannot see your nipple.

Clogged ducts – The ducts of your nipples may clog if your breast milk is not completely draining after nursing. If your ducts are clogged, you may feel a hard lump on your breast, or your breast may be sore to the touch. If you begin to feel feverish and achy, you could have an infection, and should see your doctor. To help your body to clear the blockage, be sure to get enough rest, apply warm compresses to your breasts, and massage them to stimulate milk movement.

Thrush – This is a yeast infection in your baby’s mouth, which can spread to your breasts. Symptoms include itchiness, soreness, and rash. You will need an antifungal medication for both your nipples and your baby’s mouth to treat the infection.

Cracked nipples – If you find that your nipples are producing a bloody discharge during breastfeeding or pumping, know that it will not harm your baby. Cracked nipples could be caused by latching problems, improper breast pumping, dry skin, or thrush. To lower your risk for developing cracked nipples, check your baby’s positioning. You may also want to try breastfeeding more frequently but for shorter periods of time. Until your skin heals, treat your skin with clean water or an over-the-counter lanolin cream made especially for nursing mothers.

High milk supply – Also known as engorgement, having a high supply of breast milk could make it difficult for baby to latch to the breast. To help your baby latch, first try hand-expressing some milk to begin the flow and soften the breast. Breastfeeding more frequently may also help keep milk levels in check.

Mastitis – This bacterial infection in your breasts can be caused by cracked skin, clogged ducts, or engorgement. Mastitis causes pain and flu-like symptoms, including fever. Antibiotics will be needed to treat the infection. Also try applying a hot compress to the breast and empty your milk supply frequently.

If you experience any of these conditions or issues while breastfeeding, speak to your OBGYN. Breastfeeding should offer an important emotional bonding opportunity for you and your baby and should not be a cause of stress, discomfort, or health risk. For more on this topic, please visit the breastfeeding section on the patient education part of our website or check out these breastfeeding resources in Western New York.

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