COMMON BREASTFEEDING PROBLEMS: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

By admin Gynaecologist 0 Comments

“Breastfeeding is natural but it does not come naturally for everyone.”

It is very common to have some early challenges. Many find that once they learn the nature of these issues, they’re fairly simple and will not impede your choice to nourish your child in a healthy manner and enjoy the bonding experience as well as all the benefits of successful breastfeeding.

Here are a few of the most common early hurdles so you know what to watch for and how to overcome them.

#1 LATCHING PAIN:

It’s 100% normal for your nipple to feel a little (or a lot) sore when you first start breastfeeding, especially if you are a first-timer. But if pain last longer than few seconds into your feeding session, there may be an issue with baby’s latch.

Be sure to bring baby onto your breast, rather than putting your breast into their mouth. You’ll know your baby is positioned correctly when their chin touches your breast, their lips are splayed out and you can’t see your nipple or the part of lower areola.

“Have baby’s mouth cover more of your areola below the nipple than above”

#2 LOW MILK SUPPLY:

The more you nurse or pump, the more milk your body should make. As there can be many reasons for a low milk supply, so it is always best to talk to your consultant to see what’s going on.

Frequent nursing and pumping during the day can help up your breast milk secretion. While it’s important to stay hydrated and well nourished when nursing. Downing the fluids and consuming more calories hasn’t been shown to increase milk production.

“Nurse and pump as often as possible”

#3 BREAST ENGORGEMENT:

Breast buldging with a whole lot of milk are very firm, taut, making it hard for baby to latch and uncomfortable for mom. It may happen at the beginning of your breast feeding journey when milk first comes in. it can also happen if you go too long between feedings.

Try hand- expressing a little before feeding baby. This will soften the breast and making it easier for baby to latch and access milk.

“Breastfeed more frequently”

#4 CRACKED NIPPLES:

A shallow latch, improper pumping, thrush and sometimes even dry skin can be a cause of. During your first week of breastfeeding you may even experience some bloody discharge. But this breast feeding problem is nothing to worry about.

It’s always best to consult your doctor before jumping into treatment. Your first step is to make sure baby is properly positioned. For many moms, soothing gel pads, nursing ointments or taking a mild painkiller before nursing can help ease discomfort. And because any cracked nipples can allow bacteria to enter the breast, wash your sore nipples with soap and water at least twice a day.

“Make sure baby has a deep latch”

#5 INVERTED NIPPLES:

Not sure about the state of your nipples? Gently pinch your areola with your thumb and index finger. If your nipple retracts rather than protrudes, you may have inverted nipples. It doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to breastfeed.

In addition to getting some pro help, you can use a breast pump or nipple shields. Consult to your doctor so that you can use them properly and so they don’t lead to other breastfeeding problems.

“Pump right before nursing baby”

#6 BABY SLEEPING ON BREAST:

Newborns can be especially sleepy in first few weeks after birth. However, snoozing at the breast can also occur if baby isn’t getting enough milk.

To increase the efficiency start the feed with a fuller breast because milk flow is always fastest at the start of the feed, then switch to the other sooner rather than later. Massage your breast with your free hand to get milk flowing.

“Start with the fuller breast to increase efficiency”

Tags: breast engorgement/ cracked nipple/ latching/ low milk/ inverted nipples/ breastfeeding.