Breastfeeding is the right way to feed your baby because it supplies more than just nutrition, including immune-boosting antibodies. Additionally, it is a time of bonding between mother and baby.
Breastfeeding is an up-and-down experience, and there may be more downs than ups in the first few days and weeks. With practice and effort, it will become easier.
Breastfeeding problems are normal, but understanding what to expect and when to seek help can assist you in overcoming them.
Every mom and baby is different, and their breastfeeding challenges may vary. We’ve briefly discussed the most common breastfeeding problems and their solutions based on the mothers’ experiences.
Common Breastfeeding Problems and their Solutions
1. Cracked and Sore Nipples
A throbbing soreness in your nipples is a normal side effect of breastfeeding, and incorrect latching might significantly enhance the discomfort. Cracked nipples can cause dryness, cracks, or even bleeding.
Treatment for Cracked Nipples
Replace harsh soaps and creams on your nipples with lanolin-based salves formulated for sensitive skin. Breast milk has anti-inflammatory characteristics; therefore, allowing it to dry on the nipples has relieved discomfort.
2. Engorged (Swollen) Breasts
The milk production in your breasts rapidly rises after you give birth, making them larger and heavier. This condition is known as breast engorgement.
Treatment for Engorged Breasts
The discomfort in engorged breasts can be relieved by alternating hot and cold compresses and regularly breastfeeding. If you are producing so much milk than your baby can consume, consider pumping it, or donating it to a breastmilk bank.
3. Low Milk Production
A common breastfeeding problem, one should understand that breastfeeding is a demand and supply process. Fear and frustration can arise in new mothers when their breast milk supply is insufficient.
Treatment for Low Milk Production
Ensure that your infant completely empties your breasts during the day. Your body will not make extra milk if your infant does not consume whatever milk is present in your breasts. Allow your child to feed on both breasts simultaneously, enabling them to stay on as long as they need to soak the last drop of milk. Your baby’s interest in nursing may wane at times, resulting in a decrease in your supply. You can extract your milk with a breast pump and bottle feed them in this condition.
4. Leaking Breasts
You can expect your nipples to leak regularly from the third trimester until after your infant stops breastfeeding. Leakage may occur due to a let-down reflex, which increases milk production in the vicinity of your baby. It may also happen if your breasts have so much milk. Please note that not all pregnant women leak breastmilk during pregnancy.
Treatment for Leaking Breasts
Breast leakage can be reduced if you avoid consuming too many galactagogues. Leakage can be stopped by placing your palms in the stop symbol over the areola.
5. Blocked (Plugged) Milk Ducts
Blockages can cause engorged or puffy breasts in milk ducts. This occurs when you produce a lot of milk, promoting inflammation in the breast tissue, which puts pressure on the milk ducts, creating a blockage.
Treatment for Blocked Milk Ducts
Massages and hot compresses can help relieve the swelling and pain caused by blocked milk ducts. Breastfeed your baby to allow the force of the baby’s suckling to clear the obstruction.
6. Mastitis
This is a typical breastfeeding problem that mothers face in the weeks post-delivery. Mastitis is a blocked duct-like breast infection that is accompanied by fever or flu-like symptoms. Your breasts may feel heated to the touch, causing muscular and breast soreness. The milk trapped inside your breast could get infected.
Treatment for Mastitis
Apply a hot compress to the blocked duct or gently massage it under a hot water shower, and nurse it as needed. To avoid engorged ducts, drain the breast after each feeding. If your signs and symptoms do not resolve in 24 to 48 hours, get free teleconsultation with our expert doctor call 88569-88569 for further examination and treatment.
7. Thrush Infection
If your nipples are getting pink, blistering, or crusty, there is a high possibility that you have a yeast infection. While it is still unclear if you may transfer the Thrush to your baby, one of the early symptoms of Thrush to look for in your kid’s mouth would be yellow or white irregularly shaped patches on the gums or the roof of the mouth.
Treatment for Thrush Infection
If you feel you have thrush, see your healthcare professional right away. For the infection, the doctor would prescribe an antifungal ointment or gel. Before feeding the infant, clean the ointment completely. You could also use antifungal medicines while breastfeeding to treat your baby’s thrush.
Every woman’s breastfeeding journey is distinct, so you may experience some or none of these problems. If you do, get free teleconsultation with our expert doctor call 88569-88569.
Frequently Asked Question ( FAQs)
How can I solve breastfeeding problems?
Breastfeed for at least 10 minutes on both sides, and make every effort to keep your baby attentive and sucking. After and in between feedings, use a breast pump, and extra breast stimulation can help you produce more milk. Eat well, have plenty of rest, and drink plenty of water.
Why does my baby push me away when breastfeeding?
Your little one may be able to drink on that side again because the breast produces milk continuously. Because the milk is flowing too quickly, newborns may pull away from the breast and fuss. If this is the issue, you may observe that your baby pushes away from you shortly after feeding and just as the milk begins to flow.
How do you know your breast is empty?
There’s no test or way to know for sure. However, if you gently shake your breasts and they feel mainly soft with no heaviness from milk, you’re probably alright.
What foods help produce breast milk?
Here are the foods to help produce breast milk:
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Seafood
- Fenugreek
- Paneer
Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Group has 16 hospitals. Kanpur, Rewari, Kashipur, Varanasi, Sonepat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Nangloi in Delhi, Rama Vihar in Delhi, Kaithal, Bahadurgarh, Karnal, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Agra. You can book an appointment at your nearest Ujala Cygnus Hospital for any health issue treatment. For any query, you can give a missed call on 88569-88569 and get a free consultation over the phone.
