There are common challenges that come with breastfeeding, especially when you are not adequately prepared, informed and positioned for it. Here are the most common challenges and how to avoid them.
Sore and cracked nipples, neck pain, breast leakage, sleeplessness, dehydration are common to breastfeeding if not accurately managed. But there are result-proven ways to prevent and even treat problems that may develop as a result of breastfeeding. If such problems occur, it’s important not to give up before speaking with your health care professional or lactation consultant or family and friends who have successfully breastfed their own kids.
Common Breastfeeding Related Challenges: The causes and how to prevent them
Sore and cracked nipples.
Sore and cracked nipples often happen due to poor latching. Check how your baby latches and do it correctly as shown in the image below.
You can also apply lanolin (nipple cream) on your nipples after each feed and let your nipples air dry. Remember to switch from breast to breast while feeding. If you hear a clicking sound while nursing, it means the baby isn’t positioned correctly. Bring Baby closer while holding his head firmly to ensure his mouth covers as much of the areola as possible.
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement occurs as a result of overly full breasts or blocked milk duct. To avoid breast engorgement, feed often and also pump in-between feeds. Should engorgement still happen, Place a warm compress (warm wash cloth} on the breast, or let warm water run over your breasts will help relieve the engorgement. Pumping with a breast pump in between feeds can help prevent breast engorgement too especially if you have heavy supply.
Mastitis or breast infection.
You most likely have mastitis if one breast is red, hot, and aching.. You’ll require antibiotics to get rid of the illness. Ask your Doctor for the right prescription. Meanwhile, even if it hurts, if you can, keep feeding and/or pumping on that side of the breast.
Thrush.
Thrush is a fungal infection that develops on the breast and spreads from there to the baby’s mouth. Breasts that are excessively moist, nipples that are sore or cracked, a diet high in sugar or yeasty foods, or using antibiotics, birth control pills, or steroids can all cause your body’s natural yeast levels to become out of control, resulting in thrush.
Your infant may have small white patches in her mouth or a persistent diaper rash. Both your breasts and the baby’s mouth will need to be treated with a prescription antifungal or the over-the-counter antifungal medication. Ask your doctor for the right prescription. To avoid thrush, air dry your nipples and use nipple cream.
Low Supply
You might be concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough milk when you initially start nursing. It may take some time before you feel assured that your kid is receiving the care that they require. Keep feeding and your supply will catch up with demand. If you need help and reassurance, get into with a breastfeeding consultant.
Increasing Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand activity. Your body produces more milk the more you nurse. So, if your baby is going through a growth spurt and seems to be nursing all the time, remember that she’s telling your body to increase milk production to meet her new nutritional requirements and this may be stressful for you as the mother as it may require you feeding for long and very often.
Breast Leakage
Breast leakage is another common challenge with breastfeeding. Your clothes could get soaked in breast milk during leakage so it’s best to prepare ahead by placing breast pads in your bra to absorb the excess milk flow.
Every woman’s breastfeeding experience is unique to her and her baby. Breastfeeding symptoms may not be the same as those experienced by your friend or siblings. Therefore, it is important to know your body, know your child and find what works best for you both.
Also read: World Breastfeeding Week: 7 Foods To Boost Your Supply
