Overcoming Breastfeeding Obstacles

Breastfeeding is one of the best gifts any mother can give her children. For however long, it provides children the perfect and best food along with numerous benefits to not only the baby but to the mom as well.

Though breastfeeding may be the most natural way for mothers to feed their children, it is a skill that needs to be learned. It takes a lot of commitment and a whole lot of perseverance to breastfeed your child especially in the beginning and if you plan to breastfeed well over your child’s 6th month or one year mark. It also is not without its own problems and obstacles that need to be overcome. As a mother gets more skilled and more adept at feeding her child though, breastfeeding becomes easier and simpler.

The truth is, breastfeeding is not really a walk in the park, especially in the beginning. One of the biggest breastfeeding hurdles is really getting into it, because it may not seem simple or natural to most mothers. The first few weeks can be a trying period while learning the process and getting used to it. Here are some of the obstacles to overcome in the first few days:

1. Difficulty in latching
This may be one of the most common problems mothers and their babies face at the onset. A wrong latch can lead to sore nipples and pain during breastfeeding so it is important that latching be done right. Lactation consultants may help in giving tips and tricks to proper latching. Trying different nursing positions may also help. Putting baby to the breast often and not giving up though, are the two most important things to do so that both mom and baby can quickly learn the skill.  
 
2. Sore/cracked nipples and breasts
Just as mom and baby are adjusting to the new experience of breastfeeding, so will a mother’s breasts. It is not uncommon for mothers to experience a little pain for the first few weeks because the breasts are still getting accustomed to the pressure and friction on the sensitive skin of the nipple area. This can be aggravated more by improper latching.  

Just remember that the best treatment for sore nipples is breastmilk or plain water. Nipple shields can also help if breastfeeding with sore or cracked nipples is too painful. It is also best to remember that it does baby no harm even if they breastfeed on sore or cracked nipples; just keep on breastfeeding and surely this obstacle will resolve itself soon.
   
3. Engorgement
This is when the breasts produce too much supply of milk. It is very uncomfortable and almost painful because of the pressure on the breasts. To help overcome this is quite simple: put the baby to the breast often. Soon enough the mother’s body will learn to adjust to the needs of the baby and produce just enough. To help relieve the pressure, pump a little or express a little until the discomfort is gone. Make sure though that not too much is pumped or expressed; doing this will send the message to the mother’s body that more milk must be produced, instead of just helping the mother feel more comfortable. Another tip is to take a warm bath. The warmth can stimulate letdown and relieve the pressure from engorgement.

4. Feeling inadequate when it comes to supply
New moms may be anxious about the amount of breast milk they produce in the first few days because it seems like such a small amount. This is not something that moms should worry about because babies don’t really need much in the beginning. Their stomachs are about the size of our thumbs and so long as moms put their babies to the breast often and on demand, there will be enough breast milk to satisfy and nourish the baby.

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Aside from these initial problems and obstacles of breastfeeding, here are a few more problems that a breastfeeding mother might have to overcome.

1. Large nipples
Women that have large nipples may have a more difficult time feeding their babies because of the difficulty in latching. Mothers can try different breastfeeding positions to see if they can help the baby get a proper latch. Nipple shields may also be used or mothers can opt to breastfeed their baby by exclusively pumping their breast milk and finding different feeding options like the bottle or the cup.

2. Large breasts
It is a misconception that large-breasted women have it easier when it comes to breastfeeding—breast size does not directly relate to the amount of milk a mother can produce. And because pregnancy and breastfeeding causes breasts to increase in size, large-breasted women may have more difficulty because of the sheer weight and size that they have to carry. It may even be more difficult to find comfortable positions to breastfeed for both mom and baby.

Using the following positions during breastfeeding may be most comfortable for women with large breasts
•    breastfeeding lying down, with baby on their side
•    sitting using a pillow to prop both baby and breasts
•    using the football hold

 
3. Flat or inverted nipples
Having flat or inverted nipples does not mean that a mother cannot breastfeed. Seeking the help of a lactation consultant can be done so mothers with this breastfeeding obstacle can be guided as to how to best manage and cope with their flat or inverted nipples. Using nipplets or milk cups can also help since they are specifically made for mothers with this problem and give the baby a nipple of sorts to latch on during breastfeeding. Coaxing the nipple out can be done in some cases through massage, too. If at all, mothers with this problem can still breastfeed by opting to get a good quality pump and using pumped breast milk to feed their baby.

4. Plugged ducts
Plugged ducts can be very uncomfortable and painful for a breastfeeding mother. If left untreated, it can lead to more complications like mastitis. The best treatment for plugged ducts is to breastfeed even more to help dislodge the plug. Some even swear by the technique where a mother points the chin of their baby towards the direction of the plugged milk duct while breastfeeding! It may take some adjustment in positioning but any mom that has had to experience a plugged milk duct would do anything to resolve the problem as soon as possible!  

Doing breast massage and putting warm moist compresses while breastfeeding can also help.  

For plugged ducts that have visible milk pimples on the nipple, carefully pricking open the pore can help—just make sure that everything is sanitized and clean. Do make sure to ask for the help of a lactation consultant or a medical professional since doing this incorrectly can lead to infections and may cause more harm than good.

Lastly, some mothers swear by taking lecithin supplements to help prevent plugged ducts from recurring. Mothers should seek the advice of their lactation consultant or a medical professional regarding taking any supplementation while breastfeeding.

5. Mastitis
Mothers that have mastitis should seek medical help. It would not be wise to ignore this breastfeeding problem especially if the mother has flu-like symptoms already or has fever. Antibiotics may need to be prescribed and she will be told to get lots of rest.  

After a mother learns the ropes, breastfeeding becomes easier. There may be some obstacles and problems that can arise as a mother and her baby go through their breastfeeding journey but the rewards still far outweigh the aches and discomforts of problems that may arise. Remember, being well-informed and armed with the knowledge of what to do when these problems and obstacles come will make a big difference.

Photo from sxc.hu