Common Breast-Feeding Problems And How To Fix Them

Breastfeeding Problems and How to Solve Them

1. Sore Nipples

If this is your first time nursing, or it’s been a while, your nipples may feel some discomfort in the beginning. However if the soreness persists, or it hurts severely, then there might be a latch issue.

Solution - For normal nipple discomfort you can use nipple cream or an organic coconut oil. This will help to prevent them from cracking and keep your nips in tip top shape.

2. Engorgement

This happens mostly to women when their milk first comes in, or if they haven’t nursed or pumped in a while leading to too much milk in the breasts which can cause swelling and pain. It can also make it hard for your baby to latch on. This is more likely to happen in the first several weeks after your baby is born as your breasts are still trying to figure out how much milk to make.

Solution - Nurse your baby frequently as this will keep your breasts from getting so full. You can also pump or manually express milk if your baby isn’t available or hungry, and you’re getting uncomfortable.

3. Milk Blisters

These are also called blebs, or nipple blisters and happen as a result of a blocked nipple pore. It looks like a clear, white, or yellow dot on the nipple or areola and they are painful.

Solution - Good news is that they typically heal themselves when the extra skin gets removed from the milk duct. Some ways to get rid of nipple blisters are by using a moist hot compress on top of the blister right before you nurse or pump to soften the skin. If the blister is still there after nursing, you can rub the blister with a warm wet washcloth.

4. Clogged Ducts

Sometimes a milk duct can become blocked and you will develop a lump where it’s clogged. You can develop a clogged duct because of underwire bras, incomplete milk removal, or you put pressure on your breast in the same place all the time.

Solution - You can primarily use the affected breast for feeding until the duct gets cleared. Some warm compressions, breast massage and sufficient rest can also help.

5. Mastitis

This is an infection in the breast which is often caused by a clogged duct. Mastitis causes flu-like symptoms, like fever and body aches, and a tender, hot, red spot on your breast (it may also look like red streaks) and it feels like a deep bruise.

Solution - Nurse often on that side, try massaging from the affected area down toward the nipple during nursing, and get a lot of rest. If nothing works, consult your doctor and after examination he may prescribe you antibiotics.

6. Thrush

This is a yeast infection that occurs between the baby’s mouth and the mom’s breast and is contagious. You may have unusually red nipples, cracked or bleeding nipples, itching or burning in the nipples, a shooting pain deep within the breast.

Solution - Both you and your baby will require treatment for this at the same time. Doctors usually prescribe some form of antifungal medication to be applied at the affected area.

7. Low Milk Supply

This is one of the most common breastfeeding problems which can be caused by several reasons.

Solution - Consulting a lactation specialist is advisable because they can help you determine the root cause of the issue and help you come up with a plan to fix it. Also, there are ways that can help in increasing milk supply. This includes nursing your baby frequently along with frequent pumping session in between and avoiding pacifiers and bottles if possible.

8. Inverted Nipples

This is a problem that happens when your nipples lie flat on the level of your areola or point inwards, instead of sticking out. This is yet another one of the common breastfeeding problems that you may face.

Solution - If you have inverted nipples, then the best course of action will be to seek advice from your lactation consultant. Other than that, a breast pump can really help protrude your nipples for the time being and stimulate milk flow.

9. Hyper-Lactation

This is a condition where women produces too much milk and can make breastfeeding difficult for both you and the baby. This is because excessive milk flow can cause your child to choke and cough, and you may often experience leaking breasts.

Solution - Thing you can do in order to tackle with this includes adjusting the feeding position to slow down the flow, pumping beforehand to control the milk supply, etc. Typically this problem rectifies on its own once your body figures out how much milk to produce for your baby. However, see lactation specialists to get further help or if this continues after 12 weeks.

10. Cracked Nipples

Improper pumping, incorrect latch, dry skin, thrush, etc. are some of the common causes of cracked nipples. It may cause breastfeeding pain and discomfort if not properly taken care of.

Solution - Some common solutions for cracked nipples include verifying the correct latch position, warm compression, applying freshly pumped breast milk onto cracked nipples, etc.

Conclusion

Although these common breastfeeding problems can really mess with your nursing relationship, above mentioned tips can help you fix them.

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Source: NHS, Healthline, The Bump

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on December 23, 2022