Breastfeeding is a natural and rewarding experience for both mother and baby, but it can come with challenges. Many mothers encounter common breastfeeding problems, especially in the first few weeks, as both they and their babies adjust to the process. Below is a more detailed look at some of the most common breastfeeding issues, and how to resolve them, including helpful tips to make the process smoother for both you and your baby.
Engorgement
Engorgement occurs when your breasts become overly full, swollen, and painful, typically when your milk first comes in. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch properly.
How to solve it:
- Frequent feeding: Nurse your baby every two hours and ensure they are feeding long enough to soften at least one breast. Frequent feeding will help reduce the swelling.
- Proper latch: Make sure your baby is latching correctly. If your nipple hurts during feeding or the breast doesn’t soften, the latch is likely incorrect. Adjust the latch until it feels comfortable, and the baby is effectively drawing milk.
- Relief methods: Use cold compresses, like a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth, to reduce swelling between feedings. Some mothers find that a warm shower helps get milk flowing, making it easier for the baby to latch.
- Express or pump: If your breasts are too engorged for the baby to latch, express a small amount of milk by hand or pump just enough to soften the breast. Don’t worry about producing more milk – this won’t happen unless you pump consistently over a longer period.
- Massage: Gently massage your breasts towards the nipple while feeding or pumping to encourage milk flow.
- Alternate breasts: If your baby gets full on one breast, consider pumping the other side for comfort. You can offer the second breast at the next feeding.
- Temporary issue: Engorgement is usually a temporary issue that occurs when your milk first comes in. Once you establish a routine, this problem should subside.
Sore Nipples
It’s common for new mothers to experience sore nipples, especially in the first few days of breastfeeding. However, ongoing pain could be a sign of an improper latch.
How to solve it:
- Check the latch: If you can’t hear your baby swallowing after a few sucks, they may not be latched properly. Try holding the baby in the football hold, which allows better control in getting the baby’s mouth in the right position.
- Avoid pain: Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does, slide a finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction and reposition the latch. You can also gently hold the baby’s chin down to ensure the tongue is placed correctly under the breast to avoid pinching.
- Prevent further soreness: Hold the baby close enough to get the nipple far back in their mouth, support your breast, and make sure their lips are lined up with your nipple.
- Healing tips: To help heal sore nipples, let them air out between feedings by wearing a loose-fitting top. Apply a bit of breast milk to sore areas to aid healing and use nipple creams specifically designed for breastfeeding.
Thrush (yeast infection): If you experience sharp, burning pain while nursing, you may have a yeast infection. Consult your doctor to get antifungal treatment for both you and your baby. Clean pacifiers, bottle nipples, and toys in hot soapy water to prevent reinfection.
Plugged Milk Ducts
A plugged milk duct feels like a firm, tender lump in your breast. This occurs when milk isn’t flowing freely through the duct.
How to solve it:
- Feed on the affected side first: Always start feeding on the breast with the plugged duct.
- Massage: Gently massage the hard area of the breast towards the nipple while feeding or pumping to help clear the blockage.
- Warm compresses: Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the affected area to encourage milk flow.
- Nurse frequently: Try nursing every 2-3 hours to keep milk flowing and prevent further blockages.
- Relieve pressure: If your baby doesn’t soften the affected breast during feeding, pump or hand express the milk to relieve the pressure.
White blister: If you notice a white blister on your nipple, soak the nipple in warm water before feeding and gently rub the area with a clean cloth. Massage behind the hard area to help the milk flow.
Breast Infections (Mastitis)
Mastitis is a more serious issue that can develop when a plugged duct becomes infected. Symptoms include a hard, sore, and red area on the breast, accompanied by fever, chills, and body aches.
How to solve it:
- Antibiotics: You’ll need to consult your doctor for antibiotics to treat the infection. Be sure to complete the full course of medication, even after symptoms improve.
- Continue breastfeeding: Keep nursing on the affected side to help drain the breast. Start each session on the less painful side.
- Rest and hydrate: Take care of yourself by resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
- Massage and pumping: Gently massage the infected area while nursing or pumping, and express milk frequently to keep the breast from becoming engorged.
- Prevention: Nursing regularly can prevent infections by ensuring the milk doesn’t stay in the breast too long. If your baby sleeps longer between feedings, consider expressing milk to relieve pressure.
Colic or Gas in Babies
Babies with colic often cry uncontrollably, pulling their legs up and passing gas. Though colic affects both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, switching to formula usually makes it worse for breastfed infants.
How to solve it:
- Comfort measures: Wrap your baby snugly and hold them quietly to help them relax.
- Avoid unnecessary feeds: Stick to breast milk for the first four months and avoid introducing formula, juice, or solid foods.
- Check vitamins: If your baby is on vitamins or fluoride supplements, consult with your doctor to see if they might be contributing to the issue.
- Smoking: If you smoke, try cutting back or quitting, as smoking can worsen colic in babies.
- Foremilk and hindmilk balance: Make sure your baby empties the first breast before switching to the second to ensure they get the fattier, more satisfying hindmilk. Babies who don’t receive enough hindmilk may develop colic or have trouble gaining weight.
Diet considerations: Certain foods like cabbage, beans, or broccoli may cause gas in babies. You can eliminate suspected foods from your diet for two days to see if your baby’s symptoms improve.
Slow Weight Gain
Most babies gain about seven ounces a week, doubling their birth weight by around six months. If your baby isn’t gaining enough weight, it may be due to feeding challenges.
How to solve it:
- Proper latch: Make sure your baby’s latch is allowing for a good flow of milk. If your nipples hurt, adjust the latch so your nipple is far back in the baby’s mouth.
- Frequent feedings: Nurse more often. Wake your baby sooner to fit in additional feedings throughout the day, and even once during the night.
- Longer sessions: Ensure your baby is nursing long enough to get the hindmilk, which is higher in fat and calories. Encourage them to nurse for at least 10-20 minutes on each breast.
Conclusion
By addressing these breastfeeding challenges early on and using the solutions provided, you can create a more comfortable and rewarding experience for both you and your baby. Always consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if problems persist.