Breastfeeding

Tips for Breastfeeding Issues

Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most loving, nurturing things you'll ever do. At the hospital, you may get some basic instruction on breastfeeding. Or maybe your doctor has given you some guidance. But even with help, you and your baby may need some time to get used to breastfeeding, or you may run into some little problems along the way. Here is some information on common breastfeeding issues and some suggestions that may help.

Engorged Breasts

You may feel a little fullness if your milk comes in very quickly the first few days after birth. This is normal. Your breasts may swell, and feel uncomfortably full. Excessive engorgement, however, may be painful.
 

Tip:

To avoid engorgement, feed your baby often, and throughout the night. Let him nurse for 10-20 minutes on each breast. If you still feel pain, express some of the milk with a breast pump. Or try releasing it manually by massaging your breast, then compressing it just outside the areola (Try doing this in the shower).

 

To help relieve severe engorgement, try cold packs, crushed ice in a plastic bag or cold cloths between feedings. Keep hot water away from your breasts while showering. If you're still in pain after a day or so, call your doctor or lactation consultant.

Plugged Ducts

A tender, red area on your breast near the areola is a sign that you have a plugged milk duct.
 

Tip:

Before each feeding, massage your breast, focusing on the firm area. Then nurse your baby right afterward and try to drain the affected breast.

 

Mastitis

Also called a breast infection. It can start out as a plugged duct, that gets infected, and can be accompanied by a fever, aches and fatigue.

 

Tip:

To avoid this, empty your breasts regularly, avoid tight clothing and try to stay rested.

If you do get a breast infection, call your doctor at once. You may need an antibiotic, but you probably won't have to wean your baby. Follow your doctor's advice.

 

Problems with Let-Down

If you're distracted, tired, stressed, anxious, embarrassed or have pain in your breasts, your milk may not let down.
 

Tip:

Get some rest. Nurse in privacy, and try to release your mind of stressful thoughts and obligations during feeding time. Spend a few moments looking into your baby's beautiful eyes, and let nature take its course. If breast pain is a problem, work with your lactation consultant to review positions and latching on.

 

Leaking

This possibly embarrassing situation happens to all of us. For some, just thinking about their baby is enough to turn on the milk machine.

 

Tip:

Apply pressure to your nipples directly with your thumb and index finger. Try crossing your arms tightly across your chest. And wear absorbent breast pads in your bra.

 

Sore Nipples

Some nipple tenderness is normal during the first days of breast feeding. But if your nipples become sore or cracked, this can hurt.

 

Tip:

To avoid this, be sure your baby is latched on properly. He should be sucking on your breast and your nipple should be far back in his mouth. Talk to your lactation consultant if you're not sure.

To help relieve this, avoid excessive moisture between feedings. Let your nipples air-dry. Don't use nursing pads with plastic liners, which can trap moisture. Lotions or lanolin can help, once the nipple is dry. Try alternating breasts for a few feedings until the condition improves. Also, wash your breasts with warm water and avoid soap, which can be drying. If the condition doesn't improve, check with your doctor or lactation consultant.

If You Need Help: Breastfeeding support is available in your community. Ask your doctor, nurse, or midwife for help. Your local public health department can also help by referring you to lactation consultants or breastfeeding clinics in your area.

 

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