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Breastfeeding
Problems and Solutions
Get the scoop
on overcoming the hurdles of breastfeeding.
Sometimes you
may hit a snag when trying to breastfeed--but don't be discouraged.
Here are three common problems, and tips on how to both solve and
prevent them.
Engorgement
What It Is: Engorgement
isn't the same as the breast fullness that comes with the arrival
of your mature milk, which happens around the third or fourth day
after the delivery. (Any discomfort at that time should subside in
12 to 48 hours with regular nursing.) Engorgement is an abnormal condition
in which your breasts feel hard and uncomfortable; you may also have
a low-grade fever. Your breasts and nipples lose their normal compressibility,
making latch-on difficult for baby and painful for you.
Engorgement is
usually the result of inadequate stimulation and milk removal in the
first few days of breastfeeding and can happen between the third and
sixth days after birth. Engorgement doesn't recur unless baby is abruptly
weaned or denied his usual pattern of nursing.
Prevention: Nurse
early and often in the days after birth (averaging 10 to 12 feeds
in a 24-hour cycle) to achieve adequate, regular stimulation and milk
removal. Newborns generally nurse at least every one-and-a-half to
three hours, with perhaps one four- to five-hour stretch of sleep
at night. Pay close attention to correct positioning and latch-on
at each feeding.
Treatment: Correct
any positioning or latch-on problems. Nurse at least every two hours
during the day. Before feedings try warm, moist compresses on your
breasts, gentle massage, or a warm shower. Any of these can relax
the area and make it easier for baby to remove milk. Expressing a
bit of milk by hand or with a breast pump also can help soften your
areola without overstimulating your milk supply. After nursing, apply
cool compresses to your breasts to help reduce swelling.
Nipple Confusion
What It Is: If a baby has trouble nursing after early exposure to
an artificial nipple, he has nipple confusion. This occurs in the
first month or so and can range from faulty latch-on to total rejection
of the breast. Nipple confusion may cause engorgement or sore nipples
for you, and poor weight gain for baby. A baby who is nipple confused
may cry excessively or sleep too much. Feeding attempts may be short
(baby gives up after a few seconds, only to cry again), or feedings
may seem to go on for hours with no evidence of a satisfied baby.
Prevention: Let
nurses and other hospital personnel know that your baby isn't to be
given bottles or pacifiers. Don't offer these items to baby until
you and he have had four to six weeks of exclusive and comfortable
breastfeeding. Avoid using a nipple shield, often provided by the
hospital with good intentions but poor results.
Treatment: You
may need to consult a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader
for help. The treatment method will depend on how long your baby has
had nipple confusion, and how severe it is. Meanwhile, monitor your
baby's wet and soiled diaper count carefully to assure yourself he's
adequately nourished. Your child's pediatrician can help reassure
you by weighing baby as needed.
Sore Nipples
What It Is: Many women experience some tenderness when their mature
milk comes in. However, if you have sore nipples before or after your
mature milk comes in, or soreness that persists after initial latch-on,
you'll need to make some adjustments. Also, sore nipples that occur
after weeks or months of comfortable nursing may indicate thrush,
a fungal skin infection.
Prevention: Nurse
early and often in the first few days after birth--this can help prevent
soreness by preventing engorgement. Also, use good latch-on techniques
and proper positioning; a baby who latches on properly does not make
his mother sore.
Your baby must
be able to draw your nipples deep into his mouth in order to breastfeed
well. For some women, trying to nurse with flat or inverted nipples
can cause soreness, because of the baby's attempts to orally pull
out and latch on to them.
Treatment: First,
correct any positioning or latch-on problems. If your baby has trouble
opening his mouth wide enough or keeping his tongue forward over his
bottom gums, seek help from an expert. You can also rub some of your
milk or modified lanolin or pure vitamin E (available from a drugstore
or a local breastfeeding expert) into the sore area after each nursing.
If your nipples
don't protrude during pregnancy, have a breastfeeding expert examine
them and assess whether you need intervention. For example, you may
need to wear a breast shell, a set of plastic cups that snap together
and are worn inside your bra during the last trimester of pregnancy.
These shells, or milk cups, comfortably stretch nipple and areolar
tissue, so that baby can easily grasp your nipples. Some women also
use special exercises or light pumping.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
