7 Breastfeeding Problems and How to Fix Them
if birth itself wasn’t remarkable enough. Another remarkable occurrence occurs shortly after bringing your child into the world: you lactate, or your breasts make milk.
Although it may come effortlessly to some women, breastfeeding is not always simple. Some breastfeeding mothers find it quite difficult (and yes, even painful). Some new mothers may even blame themselves for their inability to understand what comes so readily to other mothers and mammals, believing it to be their fault in some way.
Talk to a certified lactation consultant
Before you give up and discontinue breastfeeding, keep in mind that there is a learning curve with breastfeeding, just like there is with anything new at first.
This is where a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) may help. One of the main reasons that women struggle with breastfeeding when they leave the hospital is that they don’t have access to knowledge and support in that “important first week.” They are a free tool that can offer advice on anything from pumping to breastfeeding to keeping your liquid riches (breast milk).
7 common breastfeeding challenges and how to fix them
However, you can still encounter some difficulties. Radom discussed seven of the most typical breastfeeding difficulties new mothers encounter, along with solutions for each one.
1. Low milk supply
You are not alone if you worry that you aren’t producing enough or enough breast milk. Many mothers worry that they don’t produce enough milk, yet most of the time, your body produces just what your baby needs. To build a milk supply, however, your breasts need to be stimulated often in the initial hours, days, and weeks.
Radom stated that “insufficient breast milk production is actually uncommon.” “More frequently, other reasons, including as insufficient breastfeeding, supplementing with formula without pumping, an improper latch, particular drugs, premature births, and pregnancy-induced elevated blood pressure, can cause poor milk production or breastfeeding difficulties.”
The following advice will help you produce more milk:
At least every two to three hours, breastfeed your baby. Your kid will eat eight to twelve times per day in the beginning weeks. Follow your baby’s cues and allow them tell you when it’s time to eat; don’t skip feedings or pumping sessions.
Along with feedings and pumpings, use your hands. One of the finest ways to boost milk output is by hand expressing.
For every feeding, present both breasts. Your infant can occasionally only use one breast at a time when nursing, but if this happens frequently, your milk production will suffer. To ease pressure and safeguard your milk supply until your baby starts consuming more at each meal, you could pump the other breast.
Don’t use bottles or pacifiers during the first several weeks.
Discuss specific drugs with your healthcare practitioner. Certain hormonal forms of contraception and antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec can significantly reduce milk production.
Ensure your own wellbeing. Get as much rest as you can, eat healthily, abstain from alcohol and tobacco, stay hydrated, and ask for aid from others.
If you are worried about a poor milk production, working with a lactation consultant is crucial, Radom advised. “We must keep a tight eye on your baby’s weight gain. We can intend to pump in addition to nursing. We can assess the pump you currently use as well.
2. Engorgement (hard and painful breast swelling)
While some new mothers worry that they won’t have enough money, others can feel as though they are going to burst. When your breasts are too full of milk, it’s natural for them to get bigger, heavier, and a touch painful.
As your body adapts to your baby’s needs, this normal breast heaviness will gradually disappear over the course of a few days. Engorgement should be attempted to be avoided because it can result in a clogged duct or a breast infection.
Here are some suggestions for treating your condition.
Before each feeding, at least every two to three hours, massage your breasts and apply a warm, moist heat compress to them.
Up to 20 minutes after feedings, you can use ice to reduce irritation and provide comfort.
Never use cold or wet heat on the nipples.
3. Mastitis and fungal infections
Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the breast that usually results from a broken nipple. Your breast may become sore, red, heated, or rigid all of a sudden. Red streaks, fever, and flu-like symptoms, however, are late symptoms.
You can continue to breastfeed, but Radom advised that you see your doctor and acquire an oral antibiotic. Breastfeeding can frequently aid in the removal of the clogged duct and the clearing of the infection, she noted.
However, Radom advised that you see your doctor and get an oral antibiotic before continuing to breastfeed. She said that breastfeeding is frequently helpful in eliminating the illness and unclogging the plugged duct.
Call your doctor and the doctor who cares for your infant if you have concerns about thrush so that both of you can receive the proper diagnosis and treatment at the same time. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid spreading the sickness to others.
4. Sore nipples
As you and your baby get used to breastfeeding, your nipples could be uncomfortable or tender when you first start. Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding shouldn’t ever be uncomfortable. Once you’ve found a few positions that work and a good latch is established, breastfeeding should be comfortable.
Here are some suggestions for easing nipple pain.
Establish a secure latch. When your nipple and at least half of your areola are totally pulled into the baby’s mouth, you’ll know your baby is correctly latching. You can experience a pinch and wind up with sore or cracked nipples if the latch isn’t perfect. After nursing for a minute, if you’re still uncomfortable, break the seal by gently pressing your clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth. Then, try again, making sure their mouth is wide open.
Every time you breastfeed, experiment with different positions to apply pressure to various parts of the breast.
Avoid putting pressure on your nipples by avoiding wearing bras and clothing that are excessively tight.
On your nipples, stay away from using abrasive soaps or creams. To aid in the healing and maintenance of your nipples’ health, you can express a small amount of breast milk after feeding and let them air dry.
Consult a lactation consultant or your healthcare practitioner if the pain doesn’t go away.
5. Inverted, flat or very large nipples
Women’s nipples are available in a variety of sizes and forms, just like belly buttons. It may be more difficult to breastfeed if your nipples turn inward, are flat, or are particularly large, but there are treatments available.
No of the condition of the mother’s nipple, most babies can nurse, according to Radom.
Speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant if you are concerned that the size or form of your nipple is preventing your baby from latching on properly. They can provide you advice on how to help both you and your infant adjust.
6. Tongue-tie
Only your baby’s doctor or a qualified lactation consultant can determine whether your child is tongue-tied, but it can lead to latching issues, uncomfortable nipples, and a fussy infant.
When a child has tongue tie, the tissue that connects to the floor of the mouth is either too short or stretches too far forward. Radom advised not to put things off and to get assistance right away if you have any worries.
7. Baby gassy or fussy after feeding
After feedings, if you notice that your baby is gassy, especially gassy, or unhappy, they might not be correctly latching and be gulping or swallowing a lot of air.
All newborns will inhale some air while being breastfed or given a bottle, but Radom advised that the best method to help them with gas is to make sure your baby has a good latch to try and avoid inhaling too much air.
Here are some additional things that can be helpful as well:
Burp your infant thoroughly between the breasts and after each meal.
Try to refrain from feeding them too rapidly or in excess.
Think about your diet. Radom noted that while it is frequently untrue, many moms worry that their diet is to blame for their child’s flatulence.
If your baby is becoming more fussy, Radom suggested keeping track of when they become gassy and reviewing your diet in the past to talk about it with your doctor or lactation consultant.
Takeaway
Because every woman’s experience breastfeeding is unique, you might encounter some or none of these issues. If you do, don’t forget to make an appointment with your doctor or a trained lactation consultant.
Radom commanded, “Don’t wait.” “It’s best if you get seen right away.”
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