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Breastfeeding Problems Mothers have After the Delivery of their Baby
Breastfeeding Problems
There are many breastfeeding problems women have when they first start
breastfeeding after the delivery of their newborn baby. This is perfectly
natural, as breastfeeding an infant presents many unusual challenges during the
first few weeks of life. Some of these challenges women expect, whereas others
come as a surprise.
Breastfeeding an infant takes time and patience. Fortunately most moms and
babies go on to enjoy a long, healthy and joyous breastfeeding relationship
after they solve the most common breastfeeding problems.
Below we’ll discuss some of the more common problems associated with
breastfeeding. Many of these problems surface in the first few weeks after
delivery.
Breastfeeding Problems Mothers have After the
Delivery of their Baby
Engorgement
Engorgement occurs when the breasts swell because of increased milk production.
Engorgement is common early on and sometimes late in the postpartum period. Most
early engorgement happens when the breast produce large quantities of milk
initially to support a newborn baby. This usually happens when the milk first
comes in, somewhere between 2 and 3 days postpartum, though it may take as many
as seven days to occur.
Most of the time early engorgement resolves itself in a few days. However if
your baby isn’t able to remove the milk enough from the breast, as may be the
case when your baby doesn’t latch on properly. Engorgement may continue and lead
to more serious conditions.
Signs of engorgement include breasts that are painful and swollen. The breasts
may also be rigid and warm. The best treatment for engorgement is frequent
removal of milk from the breasts. It is important that your baby have a proper
latch on so they can remove milk efficiently from the breast. Sometimes you may
need to express a little milk before your baby latches on to help encourage a
proper latch on. A soft breast is much easier to latch onto than a rigid one.
Massaging the breasts may also help relieve discomfort caused by engorgement.
The best treatment for late engorgement is prevention. You can prevent breast
engorgement by encouraging your baby to feed on demand, and allowing your baby
to empty your breasts completely each time he feeds. For occasionally flair ups
cool compresses may help. You may need to use a warm compress if your milk
doesn’t let down quickly enough.
Here are some other tips for minimizing the effects of engorgement:
- Use mild pain relievers to help reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen
and ibuprofen are safe during breastfeeding.
- Avoid using your breast pump for longer than 10 minutes at a time. Too
much stimulation can contribute to engorgement and promote excessive milk
production.
- Use warm showers to help express milk between your baby’s feedings.
- If you have late engorgement you can use heat packs to help reduce the
discomfort.
Sore nipples are one of the most common problems associated with early
breastfeeding. During your pregnancy you probably noticed that your nipples were
more sore than usual. Nipple soreness usually continues until after the first
week postpartum. Normal nipple sensitivity usually subsides after your baby has
suckled for about one minute. If pain extends beyond this period of time your
nipples have undergone some trauma or tissue damage, most likely the result of
an improper latch on.
When your baby doesn’t latch on correctly, your nipples may become red,
irritated, cracked, bruised and even blistered. If redness and pain persist
beyond a few days, you should consult a lactation consultant to help evaluate
your baby’s latch on and help you correct any problems you may be having.
Nipple tenderness that occurs long after you establish breastfeeding may be
because of a yeast infection. Babies commonly develop a yeast infection in the
mouth called thrush. This can spread to your nipples causing red, painful
cracked sores. If you suspect your baby may have thrush consult with your doctor
to get proper treatment started for your baby and your nipples.
Ankyloglossia
This condition is sometimes referred to as “tongue-tie.” Sometimes babies are
born with their frenulum connected to the bottom of the mouth. This may prevent
your baby from latching on correctly. If your baby has this condition your
doctor can perform a procedure called frenuloplasty to help improve your babies
latch-on.
Plugged Ducts
When milk remains stagnant in certain ducts of the breast you may develop
plugged ducts. Typically a woman has hardened lumps or areas of the breast when
a duct is plugged. Many causes contribute to plugged ducts including engorgement
or failure to empty the breasts. Changes in feeding and even wearing poorly
fitting bras may also contribute to this condition.
The best treatment for plugged ducts includes frequent feeding and emptying of
the breasts. If you are not feeding your baby on demand but have plugged ducts,
consider changing your routine and feeding your baby more often. This may help
relieve any symptoms you have.
Mastitis
Mastitis occurs when the breast becomes infected. Usually mastitis forms as a
red, tender and swollen area of the breast. Many women develop a fever, chills
and other flue like symptoms. If you develop mastitis, your doctor will likely
prescribe antibiotics to remove the infection. You may also need to take
anti-inflammatory agents to help reduce pain and discomfort. It is important you
continue breastfeeding during this time to help relieve the condition.
Breast Abscess
Breast abscess usually develop in women who have a history of breast problems
including mastitis. This condition usually results from improper early treatment
of mastitis. Signs of an abscess are similar to the signs of mastitis, including
a red, tender and swollen area of the breast. Usually patients with a breast
abscess will need to take antibiotics and drain the abscess using needle
aspiration. In some severe cases incision and drainage of the abscess may be
necessary.
Milk Ejection Reflex Problems
Some women have an overactive milk ejection reflex. This occurs when milk
production and ejection occurs at a rate that is too fast for the baby to
swallow effectively. If this is a problem your baby may cough and gag when your
milk lets down. Usually nursing your baby in a semi-upright position helps
relieve this problem. You may also limit the amount of milk ejected by
compressing the ducts during the first few minutes of nursing.
Nipple Vasoconstriction
This condition causes the nipples to fade or turn white during breastfeeding.
This usually results from cold exposure. Increasing the temperature in the room
and nursing while wearing warm clothing can help prevent this condition.
Occasionally drug treatment may be necessary to help reduce pain.
Care For Irritated Nipples
Many women experience nipple irritation during breastfeeding. The more
traumatized your nipples, the more likely you are to develop an infection. An
infection is dangerous as it can lead to mastitis or a breast abscess.
The most common reason for nipple irritation after breastfeeding is established
is yeast infection. Other factors may cause sore nipples however. Some women
find allowing their nipples to air out for 10 minutes after nursing helps reduce
inflammation and irritation. There are other agents including lanolin cream that
may help relieve dry, cracked and irritated nipples. This product is safe to use
during breastfeeding.
Later Breastfeeding Problems
Once breastfeeding is established most mothers and babies will go on to enjoy a
healthy breastfeeding relationship. There is a chance your baby may start biting
after he or she starts growing teeth. This normally happens when your baby is
four to ten months old. Biting the nipples can cause pain and injury.
Fortunately you should be able to teach your baby not to bite your nipple simply
by removing them from your breast immediately after biting for a short time.
Weaning
Some mothers experience some problems when they start weaning. Most doctors and
healthcare organizations recommend you breastfeed your baby for at least the
first 12 months of life. Human milk is the best food for your baby.
You can wean successfully if you do so gradually. One way to do this is to stop
one breastfeeding session each day every four to five days. Most mothers will
cut out the midday feeding initially until they work themselves up to zero
sessions every day. After babies are 12 months old they can start drinking cows
milk I most cases.
Some mothers wean there baby to a bottle and then a cup whereas others wean
their baby direct to a cup. Engorgement is the most common problem associated
with breastfeeding. Usually you can void this if you wean gradually over a
longer period of time. You should avoid pumping when weaning to prevent your
breasts from overproducing milk during weaning.
Remember, even the seemingly worst breastfeeding problems can usually be
overcome with a little patience and care. If you are having trouble
breastfeeding, be sure to consult with a lactation consultant or your doctor,
who can help you solve any latch on problems and help you set up a joyful and
rewarding breastfeeding relationship with your baby.

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