13 Common Breastfeeding Problems And How To Solve Them

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience for mother and baby, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Common problems such as breast engorgement and sore nipples, can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for your baby to latch on properly. It’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional or breastfeeding specialist if you experience any issues, as they can provide guidance and support to help you overcome any obstacles. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance, as early intervention can make a big difference in resolving breastfeeding problems.

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Sore, Cracked Nipples

Sore nipples can occur for many reasons including thrush, a shallow latch, not pumping correctly or dry skin. During the first week when baby is learning to latch and you are finding your way around breastfeeding you may struggle with sore nipples that may even crack and bleed.

Here are some tips for caring for sore, cracked nipples:

• Breast milk – apply some breast milk to your nipples after each feed.
• Nipple cream – apply nipple cream after every feed.
• Baby latch – ensure that your baby is latching correctly.
• Laser treatment – have laser treatment on your nipples, it will help to toughen up the skin and heal your nipples, making breastfeeding easier and less painful.

Breast Engorgement

Breast engorgement is one of the common breastfeeding problems many mothers may face. It occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk, making it difficult for the baby to latch on properly. This can cause discomfort for the mother, as the breasts may feel firm and taut. Engorgement often happens in the early stages of breastfeeding when the body is still adjusting to milk production. It can also occur if the baby is not feeding frequently enough or not draining the breasts completely during feedings.

If you are struggling with breast engorgement try these tips:

• Nurse frequently – the more often you nurse your baby, the less likely you are to experience breast engorgement. Try to nurse your baby every 2-3 hours, or whenever they show signs of hunger.
• Use warm compresses – applying a warm compress to your breasts before nursing can help to soften the breast tissue and make it easier for your baby to latch on. You can use a warm washcloth or a heating pad for this.
• Massage your breasts – gently massaging your breasts before and during nursing can help to stimulate milk flow and relieve engorgement. Use circular motions and work your way from the outside of your breast towards the nipple.
• Use a breast pump – if your baby is not nursing well or if you need to relieve engorgement between feedings, you can use a breast pump to express milk. This can help to relieve pressure and prevent further engorgement.
• Wear a supportive bra – wearing a supportive bra can help to prevent breast engorgement by providing proper support for your breasts. Make sure your bra is not too tight or too loose, and choose a bra made from breathable fabric.
• Avoid tight clothing – tight clothing can put pressure on your breasts and make engorgement worse. Choose loose-fitting clothing that allows your breasts to breathe.
• Use cold compresses – if your breasts are very engorged and painful, you can use cold compresses to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can use a cold washcloth or a bag of frozen peas for this.

Low Milk Supply

It’s common for new mothers to worry about whether their baby is getting enough breast milk. It can take some time to establish a good milk supply and feel confident that your baby is getting the nourishment they need.

Follow these tips to increase your milk supply:

• Nurse frequently – the more often you nurse your baby, the more milk your body will produce. Try to nurse at least 8-12 times a day, or whenever your baby shows signs of hunger.
• Pump after nursing – After nursing, try pumping for an additional 10-15 minutes to stimulate your milk production. This will also help empty your breasts and signal your body to produce more milk.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Eat a balanced diet – a healthy, balanced diet is important for milk production. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your meals.
• Take lactation supplements – there are many lactation supplements available that can help increase milk production. Fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel are all popular herbs used for this purpose.
• Get enough rest – getting enough rest is important for milk production. Try to nap when your baby naps, and ask for help with household chores and other responsibilities.
• Seek support – join a breastfeeding support group or talk to a lactation consultant for additional tips and support. Breastfeeding can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, you can increase your milk supply and provide your baby with the nourishment they need.

Fast Let-down

When a mother’s milk is released from the breast too quickly and forcefully, it is known as a fast let-down or overactive let-down. This can cause milk to spurt out of the breast and may be overwhelming for some babies. While some babies enjoy the faster flow, others may cough, choke, or become fussy and cry. It is important for mothers to be aware of their baby’s reactions and adjust their feeding position or technique if necessary.

Follow these tips if you have a fast milk let-down:

• Relaxation techniques – stress and anxiety can cause a fast milk let-down, so it’s important to find ways to relax before and during breastfeeding. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to calm your mind and body.
• Change positions – different breastfeeding positions can affect the speed of milk flow. Experiment with different positions to find one that works best for you and your baby. Some positions, like the laid-back position, can help slow down milk flow.
• Use breast compression – breast compression can help slow down milk flow and encourage your baby to feed more efficiently. Gently compress your breast while your baby is feeding to control the flow of milk.
• Take breaks during feeding – if your milk is flowing too fast, take breaks during feeding to allow your baby to catch their breath. You can also try burping your baby or changing their diaper to give them a break.
• Pump before feeding – if you have a lot of milk and your baby is struggling to keep up, try pumping a little bit before feeding to relieve some of the pressure. This can help slow down milk flow and make feeding more comfortable for your baby.
• Seek help from a lactation consultant – if you’re struggling with fast milk let-down, a lactation consultant can provide personalized advice and support. They can help you identify the cause of the problem and develop a plan to address it.

Difficulty Latching And Painful Latch

Breastfeeding can be a painful experience, especially for first-time mothers. While some discomfort is normal, if you experience pain that lasts beyond the first few seconds of feeding, it could be a sign of an incorrect latch. It’s important to remember that both you and your baby are learning, so don’t be discouraged. An improper latch is a common issue that can be resolved with practice and support.

Try these tips for rectifying an incorrect, painful latch:

• Check the positioning – one of the most common reasons for an incorrect latch is improper positioning. Make sure your baby is positioned correctly with their nose and chin touching your breast, and their mouth wide open.
• Use a breastfeeding pillow – using a breastfeeding pillow can help you position your baby correctly and make it easier for them to latch on properly.
• Check for tongue tie – tongue tie is a condition where the tongue is attached to the bottom of the mouth, making it difficult for the baby to latch on properly. If you suspect your baby has tongue tie, consult with a lactation consultant or your paediatrician.
• Try different breastfeeding positions – different breastfeeding positions can help your baby latch on properly. Experiment with different positions until you find one that works best for you and your baby.
• Use breast compressions – breast compressions can help your baby get more milk and improve their latch. Gently compress your breast while your baby is feeding to encourage them to latch on properly.
• Take breaks – if your baby is struggling to latch on, take a break and try again later. Sometimes babies just need a little time to rest and relax before they can latch on properly.
• Seek help from a lactation consultant – if you’re still struggling with an incorrect latch, seek help from a lactation consultant. They can provide you with personalised advice and support to help you and your baby succeed at breastfeeding.

Thrush

Breastfeeding thrush is a common condition caused by a yeast infection in your baby’s mouth that can spread to your breasts. Symptoms include red, shiny, and flaky nipples, as well as itching or shooting breast pain. Over-the-counter medications are not effective, so it’s important to see a doctor for a prescription antifungal medication for both you and your baby. Sanitizing all pump parts and washing bras, clothing, and nursing pads daily in hot water and vinegar can help contain the yeast and prevent it from spreading back and forth between you and your baby.

Clogged Milk Ducts

Clogged milk ducts can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for breastfeeding mothers. This occurs when milk backs up in the ducts due to overfull breasts or infrequent feedings. Symptoms of a clogged duct include a hard lump in the breast, soreness, and redness. If accompanied by a fever, it may be a sign of mastitis. Other causes of clogged ducts include compressing the breasts while sleeping, using the wrong-sized pumping parts, or having something hit the breast repeatedly. However, some women may be more prone to clogged ducts without an underlying cause.

Try these tips to prevent and rectify clogged milk ducts:

• Nurse or pump frequently – one of the best ways to prevent clogged milk ducts is to nurse or pump frequently. This helps to keep the milk flowing and prevents it from getting backed up in the ducts.
• Use warm compresses – applying a warm compress to the affected breast can help to loosen the clog and promote milk flow. You can use a warm washcloth or a heating pad for this purpose.
• Massage the affected area – gently massaging the affected area can help to break up the clog and promote milk flow. Use a circular motion and apply gentle pressure.
• Change breastfeeding positions – changing breastfeeding positions can help to ensure that all areas of the breast are being emptied. Try different positions such as the football hold or side-lying position.
• Take a warm shower – taking a warm shower can help to relax the muscles and promote milk flow. You can also massage the affected area while in the shower.
• Use a breast pump – using a breast pump can help to empty the breast more effectively and prevent clogged milk ducts. Make sure to use the correct size flange and adjust the suction level to your comfort.
• Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water can help to keep your milk flowing and prevent clogged milk ducts. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.
• Rest and relax – stress and fatigue can contribute to clogged milk ducts. Make sure to get plenty of rest and take time to relax and unwind.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a condition that occurs when a milk duct in the breast becomes blocked and is not properly relieved. This can cause the breast to feel hot and painful, and can also lead to flu-like symptoms that can make you feel very unwell. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have mastitis.

Tips for treating mastitis:

• Antibiotics – antibiotics are the most common treatment for mastitis. Your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to help clear the infection. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before the course is finished.
• Pain relief – mastitis can be very painful, and pain relief is an important part of treatment. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Rest and hydration – rest is important when you have mastitis, as it allows your body to focus on fighting the infection. Make sure you get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Warm compresses – applying a warm compress to the affected breast can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can use a warm flannel or a heat pack, but make sure it is not too hot as this can damage your skin.
• Breastfeeding or expressing milk – continuing to breastfeed or expressing milk can help to clear the infection and relieve engorgement. Make sure you empty your breasts fully to prevent milk from building up and causing further problems.
• Massage – gentle massage of the affected breast can help to relieve pain and encourage milk flow. You can do this yourself or ask a partner or friend to help.
• Seek medical advice – if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment, or if you develop a fever or other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. Your doctor may need to prescribe a different course of antibiotics or investigate further to rule out any underlying conditions.

Breast Abscess

When a breastfeeding mother develops mastitis, it is important to seek treatment promptly. If left untreated or if the infection does not respond to treatment, it can develop into a breast abscess. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the abscess and prevent further complications. It is important for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their breast health and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise.

Baby Tongue Tie

Breastfeeding can be a challenge for some babies with tongue tie, a condition where the frenulum (the strip of skin that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is shorter than usual. While some babies may not be affected by it, others may have difficulty moving their tongue freely, making breastfeeding a struggle. Fortunately, tongue tie is easily treatable, allowing babies to breastfeed comfortably.

Inverted Nipples

Having inverted or flat nipples does not mean you won’t be able to breastfeed, but it may make it trickier for you to feed your baby.

Try these tips for breastfeeding with inverted nipples:

• Pump before feeding – get your milk flowing before feeding your baby by pumping before nursing.
• Pull your nipples out before latching your baby.
• Use nipple shields to make breastfeeding easier.

Baby Sleeping At The Breast

It’s not uncommon for newborns to fall asleep while breastfeeding, especially in the first few weeks after birth. However, if your baby is consistently sleeping at the breast, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough milk. To keep your baby awake and engaged during feedings, make sure milk is flowing throughout the feeding.

Let-down Pain

A common breastfeeding issue is the milk let-down sensation, which can feel like a tingling or pins-and-needles sensation. However, for some mothers, this sensation can be painful and achy, particularly when there is an abundance of milk being produced. It’s important for mothers to communicate any discomfort they may be experiencing with their healthcare provider to ensure a comfortable and successful breastfeeding journey.