6 Breastfeeding Problems: Their Symptoms and Ways to Deal with Them

1. Inverted or flat nipples. Babies nurse areolas of the breasts, not nipples! While initial feedings may be more difficult with flat or inverted nipples, many women were able to achieve successful breastfeeding.

Prevention / Treatment:
• Wearing special nipple cups called breast shells between feedings help draw nipple out.
• Hand expression or pumping may help make the nipple more erect.
• Do not roll, twist or pull on your nipple. These actions can cause nipple trauma.

2. Engorgement. Fullness of the breasts is normal two to three days after the birth due to milk production. When enough milk is not removed because of skipped feeding or limited feeding time, the breasts may become tender and engorged. This makes it more difficult for your baby to latch on.

Prevention / Treatment:
• Try a warm shower or place hot washcloths on your breasts.
• Massage your breasts to promote milk flow. Use hand expression or a pump to soften the areola just before latch-on. Do not skip feeding. Establish a feeding schedule based on your baby’s demand.
• Wear a supportive bra. Avoid underwire bras.

3. Sore nipples.  The primary cause of soreness due to improper positioning of the baby on the breast. However, even with proper positioning, some women may still experience temporary latch-on soreness.

Prevention / Treatment:
• Establish a good latch on. Your baby’s mouth should be open before latching. The lower lip should not be drawn and the tongue is not up.
• Try different positions until your baby establishes a comfortable routine.
• Ensure proper release. Pull down firmly your baby’s chin to break the suction before removing him from your breast.
• Express some breast milk onto your nipples after a feeding and then allow your nipples to air dry completely.
• Consider applying a small amount of pure anhydrous lanolin to your nipples if they have small abrasions.
• Avoid using drying breast creams that contain alcohol. The glands of your breasts secrete a natural oil for lubrication and protection.
• If using nursing pads, change them frequently.
• Wear clean, supportive 100% cotton nursing bras. Avoid underwires and tight bras.

 

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Read on to see more breastfeeding problems, their symptoms and prevention / treatment.

3. Thrush. This usually occurs several weeks or months after successful breastfeeding. Nipple itching, flaking, redness, shininess, or in some cases white patches are present. The baby can also have white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth.

Prevention / Treatment:
• If you suspect thrush, contact your health care provider for assessment and treatment. You and your baby should be treated at the same time.
• Boil all the items that come in contact with your baby’s mouth like toys.
• Keep the breasts as dry. Expose to air whenever possible.
• When laundering bra pads, bras, or diapers, use hot soapy water with a cup of bleach in the wash water. All items should be thoroughly dried.
• During an outbreak of thrush, use paper towels for hand washing, and use bath towels only once before laundering.

5. Decreased milk supply. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand system. Whatever your baby needs, your body will produce. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. If your infant is going through a growth spurt and acts hungry, feed more frequently so your supply will increase and a new feeding schedule is established.

Prevention / Treatment:
• Breastfeed your baby every 1 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times in a day to increase milk production. Try to do nothing else but relax, sleep, and breastfeed initially. Rest when your baby sleeps.
• Babies are usually “night creatures” for the first three weeks. You will have more opportunities for good nursing sessions at night.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet.


6. Plugged ducts. Milk ducts can become clogged as a result of incomplete emptying or continued pressure on one hand or more ducts. If this occurs, you may feel a hard, lumpy, painful area on your breast.

Prevention / Treatment:
• Apply warm, moist towels to your breasts before feeding. Massage your breasts down toward the nipple paying special attention to the painful area while your baby breastfeeds.
• Nurse your baby more often, every 1 ½ hours if possible.
• Breastfeed in different positions. Breastfeed on this side with the plugged duct first. Babies suck hardest on the first breast.
• Get plenty of rest and fluids.
• Avoid restrictive clothing.
• Once the plug has been resolved, the area may still be tender. Continue to examine your breasts daily to check for plugged ducts.

In all cases, consult your nearest health care center, clinic, or family doctor for assistance.

 

Photo from fotopedia.com

SOURCE:
• (flyer) Breastfeed Your Baby: Common Breastfeeding Concerns, Department of Health, World Health Organization and SM Supermalls.