Establishing breastfeeding can sometimes be hard work, but it gets better and easier with time. Problems like engorged breasts, inflamed breast tissue, and cracked nipples are all too common, but can be easily cured. Stick with it, and the process will be immensely rewarding, and use these tips to help you get through the discomfort.
The key to breastfeeding is getting the right latch. Your baby should have a wide-open mouth and should take in the areola as well as the actual nipple. If the shape of your nipple is distorted after a feed, your latch may need adjusting, and if it hurts when your baby is feeding, it is more than likely because he or she isn’t latched on properly. Move the baby to your breast, rather than moving your breast to your baby’s mouth.
Sometimes when your milk comes in, your breasts can become painfully full and hard, and it can be difficult for your baby to latch on. Keep trying to feed, as that is the best way to drain your breast. To make it easier for your baby to latch on, you could try expressing a bit of milk before they feed – either with a breast pump or by hand-expressing. Try expressing in a nice warm bath. Many women find alternating hot and cold compresses can help ease the pain of engorgement. Cold Savoy cabbage leaves from the fridge are ideal, as are hot water bottles wrapped up in a towel.
Mastitis is when your breast tissue becomes inflamed, possibly because of a blocked milk duct. Your breast may become tender and swollen and develop angry red patches, and you may develop flu-like symptoms. The best thing is to keep feeding your baby, as engorgement will make the symptoms worse, and to rest as much as you can. You should also talk to your GP to find out if you need a course of antibiotics, or to discuss what painkillers are appropriate.
This will almost certainly be caused by an incorrect latch; keep trying to get it right. Ask your midwife to watch, as she should be able to help you. Speak to your GP about which painkillers are safe to take during breastfeeding, or try using AVENT nipple shields, which can offer immediate relief. Applying nipple cream immediately after a feed can also be a good idea, and avoid using soap on your nipples when you wash.
If you have sharp, shooting pains while feeding that increases over the course of a feed (and sometimes continue for up to an hour after the feed is over), you may have thrush. Another symptom is itchy nipples, or extreme nipple sensitivity – even to clothing. Your nipple may be pinker or shinier than usual, and the roof of your baby’s mouth may have white patches. You both need to be treated, as otherwise the infection will continue to be passed between you – make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
Leaking breasts are the norm, not the exception. One breast may leak during feeding, when the baby is busy nursing on the other. You may leak during the early days of breastfeeding, or later, when your baby is weaned. For some, leaking can even start during pregnancy! The point being, leaky breasts are common and nothing to worry about. Breasts may leak due to two reasons. They may overflow because too much milk is being produced, or the letdown reflex is being triggered. Too much milk can be eased by nursing more frequently. If the baby isn’t hungry, you can just pump for comfort. Be careful not to pump too much also as that will just boost your milk supply. It is important to relieve the pressure of an engorged breast because otherwise it could lead to mastitis or a clogged breast duct. Letdown reflex is triggered by certain stimuli. For example, your baby’s cry, smell, or sight may trigger a release of oxytocin, which leads to leakage. If nursing or pumping aren’t always viable options, you can apply pressure to the breasts by crossing your arms and limiting the flow. Alternatively, you can use nursing pads to absorb the leaks. When going out, dress for leaks, and pack extras like a jacket or sweater which you can easily wear if you happen to leak.
A good breastfeeding latch is essential to good breastfeeding. That goes without saying. However, a poor latch can be the main culprit behind several breastfeeding problems. These problems include breast engorgement, plugged milk ducts, or even a breast infection such as mastitis. Here are signs of a poor breastfeeding latch. If your baby shows signs of a poor latch, break the suction and try to latch again. However, if you continue to have problems, please consult a healthcare professional, or a lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding difficulties, such as a poor latch, may arise because of a defect in the anatomical structure of the mouth. Here are the most common mouth problems that babies are born with:
Consistent weight gain will reassure you that your baby is on the right track. However, if that isn’t the case, it might be due to a low milk supply. Poor milk supply can be due to several reasons. These are:
This refers to the odd phenomenon when babies who are used to being bottle-fed have a hard time getting back on the teat. They have difficulty latching on, as the different size and texture may not be agreeable to them. In order to avoid nipple confusion, make sure your baby gets in the groove of breastfeeding. Ideally, they should be three weeks (or however long it takes) into breastfeeding, before being given the bottle. Newborns learn quickly that they don’t have to work as hard getting milk from a bottle when compared to breastfeeding. With a bottle, gravity is on their side, and they can suck with their lips until they get all the milk they want. Feeding from the breast is a fine art as they have to take the nipple far back into their mouth and use the tongue to pump out the milk (which often takes a minute or so before initiating). Babies are opinionated more than confused. They prefer the bottle as it is an easier way to feed. All you have to do is make sure they are well adept at feeding from the breast before you get them started on feeding from the bottle. Otherwise, you may have to face problems with latching and preference changes.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.
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