Breastfeeding – Problems and Solutions
In today’s article, I will be sharing about breastfeeding problems and solutions, most of the new mothers including me face a few issues when it comes to breastfeeding, the solution lies in following simple methods. Let’s discuss one by one in detail.
1. Engorged Breasts & Blocked Ducts
As a preventive measure keep feeding your baby more often initially and later your supply will adjust to that of the baby’s requirement. Do not offer formula or bottle in the initial months. To cure the problem use Hot Bag or just heat a cloth and put it on your breasts to bring in quick relief. Take a hot shower, express the milk by hand, Use Nursing bras. Ensure to wean gradually.
2. Undersupply of Milk
Mothers will have enough milk for the baby and hence Undersupply is a mindset until it is a medical complication. If you were able to take care of your baby in the womb your body is ready to provide nutrition when the baby is in your hands. You may be surprised to know that you start to produce milk well before delivery during your third trimester. So all the best, I wish you realize this soon and support your baby’s good growth.
3. Oversupply & Leaky Breasts
Overactive letdown can be very embarrassing for mothers especially in public, leaking through your dresses. Most times I’ve woken up with my top being wet and even my bedspread with my 9-month-old baby. With each day passing baby sets his own routine and this problem reduces too. This can also cause problems in babies like spit up, choking, cough while nursing. If you feel the flow is going to increase take the baby’s mouth immediately and use a cloth to hold the spraying milk. Nurse and burp more frequently. Express milk if necessary. Do not think of reducing supply in the initial 4-6 weeks.
4. Flat or Inverted Nipples
Just like we come in different sizes our breasts are in different sizes and shape too. Few mothers face issues with Flat or Inverted Nipples but not necessarily everyone. One must understand that the baby sucks areola to release milk efficiently and hence it is not a huge problem. Still, if you feel so you can use Nipple Pullers which look like nose cleaner bulbs and help suck the nipple out. During prenatal days as a precautionary measure, you can use Nipple Formers.
Do check other videos on our blog
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- Increase Breastmilk Naturally
5. Nipple Crack or Painful Latch
Most times it is because of the wrong latch. If your baby is not taking the areola in his mouth completely and sucking only the end of the nipple there are more chances of bleeding or nipple pain or nipple crack. Work on the latch, Try Football Method, or Use Nipple Shield for a while only until cured. Use Nipple creams in between nursing to soothe and heal the damaged skin quickly. Air it enough. Also, nursing form the uninjured breast first helps as the baby will be partially full when you come to the next one and hence gentle. If it is still very painful express milk using a breast pump or by hand and offer the baby. Do not continue to breastfeed if you are in pain.
6. Large Breasted Mothers
Milk production and breast size have no connection and hence mothers with smaller best need not worry. Mothers with large breasts will need a few days to settle down with positioning the baby and techniques to have a more successful breastfeeding experience.
• Use a nursing bra.
• Experiment with different positions.
• Be attentive with the latch.
• Learn to nurse while sleeping.
• Massage your breasts gently every now and then for a free flow of milk.
7. Biting
Many mothers stop breastfeeding babies during this tough phase of teething. First of all, it is difficult for the baby with teething issues, and stopping her favorite food will make it worse. I’m total with you and understand how difficult it is to breastfeed when your baby bites regularly. Trust me it is a phase and I’m giving you a few tips which can be helpful during this tough time.
• Check the latch
• Watch for signs of fullness.
• Engage your baby – Talk to your baby, sing a song or a story to keep the baby happy.
• Be positive – many mothers immediately pull out the nipples and this may cause further pain and its advised to pull in baby close for a few seconds.
Also putting the baby down and walking away or hurting the baby in any way is not a good thing.
8. Nipple Confusion
This is often challenging with mothers who want to go to work or due to any reason you are doing a combination feeding – Breastmilk + Bottle. First try to feed using spoons, cups, or OLale(paladai). If you are forced to use a bottle ensure the baby is opening his mouth wide open. Guide him through this initiative. Choose a slow flow nipple as a baby does not have to use much energy to suck here and moderate flow is important. Do not offer bottles until the first 4 -6 weeks.
9. Tandem Nursing or Nursing Twins
It is definitely a challenge to breastfeed two children at a time. With older ones, you can tandem nurse at times and educate them to take enough solids based on their age at other times. Or it can a gentle NO sometimes. With twins, you will definitely need support but understand that your milk will be sufficient for both at any given cost until it is a medical reason. With varied time and requirements its better to invest in a breast pump, sterilizer, and good quality feeding bottles so that your support can offer milk when they are hungry.
10. Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding in Public is a mindset more than a problem. So please feel comfortable wherever you are and nurse your hungry baby. Use Feeding Gowns, wear saree, Two T-Shirt Method, just a stole or don’t bother if little skin is revealed.
11. Sex & Intimacy
Be rest assured that your breastfeeding journey won’t be affected by this and it is a pure myth.
12. Nursing Strike
A baby who was nursing well for weeks or months suddenly stops taking feeds as per routine and this can be worry-some. It is just a phase, do not panic and start to offer formula milk or solids before 6 months. It may be due to a change in an environment like your perfume, change in the house, you screamed when he bit, or your behavioral change. It can also be due to growth spurts, teething, etc. It is not harmful until this nursing strike is due to any medical condition. So stay patient with your baby, cuddle, sing, story, try nursing in various positions, try nursing in motion, kangaroo care or baby carriers can be helpful too.
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