Breastfeeding is natural, but it is not an easy task. Various things come into a woman’s mind when the breastfeeding journey starts.
This throws up roadblocks on a usual bumpy road that is not at all easy.
Thus, the new moms must take advice from the experts to know about babies and breasts in the best ways.
To help you more, we have discussed ten breastfeeding problems and how to solve them. Scroll down and know about each one thoroughly.
Problem 1- Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement makes it hard for the baby to latch properly and is uncomfortable for some women. Breasts are engorged at the beginning of breastfeeding days when the milk first comes out of the body.
Solution
- Use hand-expressing methods before feeding the baby.
- Let the baby latch and get the milk.
Problem 2- Sore Nipples
Sore or cracked nipples are a result of things such as thrush, shallow latch, and dry skin. A bloody discharge can also be seen during the first weeks of breastfeeding. Sore nipples are a little frightening and uncomfortable.
Solution
- Make sure your baby is properly positioned.
- Let some milk stay on the nipples after feeding the baby.
Problem 3- Low Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a demand-supply system. The more a woman’s nurse, the more milk is produced. There can be various reasons for a low milk supply that can be easily found on https://www.breastfeedingteaco.com/ so that you can go through them.
Solution
- Refer a lactation consultant to check your breastfeeding and baby’s latch.
- Feed your baby often to stimulate milk production.
Problem 4- Oversupply of Milk
Some women make too much milk that results in coughing and choking the baby.
Oversupply of milk also leads to pain in the nipples, and your baby seems hungry every time. To address the issue of oversupply, an Online Lactation Consultant can offer valuable strategies such as adjusting feeding positions to control the flow of milk, ensuring more comfortable and effective breastfeeding.
They can also guide you in techniques like block feeding, which involves feeding from one breast for a set duration before switching, to balance the milk supply and reduce nipple pain.
The consultant can help in creating a personalized feeding schedule that meets your baby’s needs without overstimulating milk production, thus preventing the baby from feeling hungry all the time.
Solution
- Ask your medical consultant to check the hormonal conditions and medications.
- Hold your baby upright and use your fingers to lower down the milk flow.
Problem 5- High Palate
A high palate occurs when the mouth roof is too narrow or high. And, this leads to improper latching by the baby, resulting in the sore nipple and shore feedings.
Solution
- Consult your lactation doctor to adjust the position and let the baby get the right amount of latch.
- Hold your baby lower to meet the nipple from down.
Problem 6- Poor Latch
A poor latch could not get enough milk, and the baby was not well-fed. Nipple pain results from the poor latch as the baby is chewing the nipple rather than gumming the areola. To witness a poor latch, look if your baby is chewing, fussing, or rooting.
Solution
- Choose the right breastfeeding position that lets you compress the areola easily between the fingers.
- Stimulate the rooting reflex by tickling the baby’s cheek.
Problem 7- Breasts Leaking
In the first stage of nursing, the supply and demand of milk get running. This leads to spring anywhere and anytime, and leaking can be seen when you think about your baby or hear it.
Solution
- The solution is your baby’s milk demand matching up with the milk supply.
- Wear nursing pads and avoid using waterproof or plastic liners.
Problem 8- Blocked Milk Ducts
A milk duct gets choked, which causes milk to back up, which results in a tender and red lump. It can be serious as clogged milk ducts lead to breast infection if ignored.
Solution
- Unblock the duct while you are breastfeeding as it keeps the milk flowing.
- Apply a compress before you feed and massage the lump as much as possible.
Problem 9- Thrush
If the nipples are burning or pink, it is due to an infection known as thrush. Thrush occurs in women with the baby’s mouth. Signs of thrush are white or yellow patches that coat the tongue and gums of the women with the roof and sides of the mouth.
Solution
- To treat thrush, women should consult the doctor.
- Get an anti-yeast cream and use it every day.
Problem 10- Mastitis
Mastitis is a breast tissue infection that causes breast and muscle pain, redness, and even fever. It occurs when the milk duct gets blocked, and breast milk gets infected with bacteria from the baby’s mouth.
Solution
- Ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics to get rid of it quickly.
- Take an OTC pain reliever such as ibuprofen and apply it to the sore areas.
These are the top breastfeeding problems that are noticed in new moms. So, it is advised to resolve these problems with the solutions discussed and enjoy your new motherhood journey.