Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and many mothers face some challenges. If you’re finding breastfeeding to be difficult, it’s important to know you’re not alone.
Most new mothers experience some challenge with breastfeeding, typically within the 1-2 weeks of the baby’s life. Most issues can be easily solved with support and time. A lactation consultant, nurse, your obstetrician, or your child’s pediatrician can offer advice and suggestions.
To help support nursing mothers during National Breastfeeding Month, here are some tips to help with some of the more common problems that may arise:
Baby is not latching properly – Your infant is correctly latched onto the nipple if their chin touches the lower part of the breast and the nose is clear. If your baby is not latching onto the nipple correctly, try positioning skin-to-skin with your baby. Undress from the waist up and get baby down to just a diaper and lay the baby on your chest in a semi-reclining position. It’s a skill that mom and baby need to learn together.
I’m not producing enough breast milk – When you first start breastfeeding, you may worry if your baby is getting enough. Your body initially produces colostrum, and 2-4 days after delivery will transition to breastmilk. After this point, the goal is at least six wet diapers per day to indicate baby is getting enough breast milk. While breastfeeding, you should also hear your baby swallow. If you are still concerned, be sure to offer the baby both breasts during a feeding and alternate what side you start on to help stimulate production. Your baby’s pediatrician will monitor weight, and weight checks will identify if your child is not gaining weight.
My breasts are engorged – It can take some time for your milk supply to match up with your baby’s needs, which sometimes can leave you with breasts that are too full of milk and feel tight and painful. You can express a little milk by hand or pump to relieve the pain. Don’t fully empty the breast, because that will stimulate more production. Try applying cold compresses to your breasts to help with the pain as well.
My nipples are sore and cracked – Sore nipples are most common in the first 7 to 10 days, before you and the baby are comfortable with latching and position. Reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant before your nipples become too sore and begin cracking. If your nipples are cracked, try dabbing a little expressed breast milk on them after feeding. If you notice bleeding, or cracked nipples are not healing, you should be seen in the office.
I have pain in both breasts after a feeding – That may be thrush, an infection that can happen when the mother has cracked or damaged nipples. The candida fungus that causes thrush can get into your nipple. If you begin to feel pain in both nipples or breasts after feeds, especially if you previously were not having pain, you may have thrush. Signs of thrush in a breastfeeding infant include creamy white spots on his or her tongue, gums, or insides of the cheeks. If you suspect you or your baby have thrush, see your doctors.
I have a tender spot in my breast – A tender spot could be sign of a blocked milk duct, which could happen if breast engorgement isn’t relieved, or for any number of other reasons. The goal is to un-block the milk duct. Position your baby so the chin points toward the tender area while nursing. You can also massage that area while the baby nurses and apply heat between feedings. If you can’t relieve the pain, it may turn into mastitis, an inflammation of the breast. See your doctor if that happens.
Your provider or lactation consultant can be of service during this time. If you have questions or concerns, contact them.
Dr. Kathryn Zavala is an obstetrician/gynecologist for Aurora Health Center in Two Rivers, WI, who breastfed her eldest three children and pumped breast milk for a year for her youngest. To contact her office, call 920-793-7300.
