Breastfeeding can be an amazing experience for every woman, but most women experience various problems during the early stages of breastfeeding.
Here are the most common breastfeeding problems and tips on how to handle breastfeeding problems:
Sore nipples: It is most common during the initial days of breastfeeding. There are several problems that can trigger this condition, such as thrush, Raynaud’s disease, eczema or dermatitis, soreness from the bra or breast pads, breastfeeding during pregnancy, teething, tongue-tie, and difficulty latching on. You can use lanolin ointment, some prescribed medicines, frequent washing of nipples with cold water, and wearing best supportive bras to treat this condition.
Engorged breasts: During the first week after the delivery, your breasts may become swollen, hot, tender, throbbing, lumpy or hard. This swelling extends to your armpit and you may feel hot. This condition doesn’t exist longer and within two days breasts become soft and normal. However, engorged breasts are a good sign that you are producing more milk to feed your baby. In order to avoid this condition, you should feed your baby as frequently as possible and wear a good supportive bra.
Mastitis: It is a condition that causes swollen breasts. This inflammation can quickly progress into an infection. With this condition, your breasts become hard, red, hot, swollen, sore and flu-like symptoms. Frequent feedings can help to reduce the condition. If the breasts are infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Take as much rest as you can.
Leaking breasts: Most women have leaking breasts during the first few weeks after delivery. This is especially high in the morning when your milk supply is at its highest. To reduce the leaking problem, you need to feed your baby as much as you possible. The more you feed, the less likely the breasts are leaking. Wear breast pads inside the bra and use plastic breast shells to collect the leaking milk.
Breast pain: It is common to experience breast pain when the milk lets down. This letdown reflex may also be called as milk ejection reflex. This letdown reflex may vary from one person to another. The symptoms may include slight tingling, needles and pins, slight pain, discomfort, aches, and immense pressure.
Thrush: It is a fungal infection that affects the nipples and also baby’s mouth. Your doctor may prescribe medicines for you and your baby. If the pain is severe, you can take a mild painkiller like paracetamol. Wash your nipples with plain water as frequently as possible.
