Breastfeeding Problems
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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 BabyEngorgementEngorgement 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:
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.
AnkyloglossiaThis 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 DuctsWhen 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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