The 5 most common breastfeeding problems and Solutions

The 5 most common breastfeeding problems and Solutions

Breastfeeding can be inspiring and scary. Getting ready to breastfeed is a great start, but some moms have breastfeeding issues that overshadow these unforgettable moments. It’s all part of your own experience, but having clear answers about breastfeeding problems will help you stay calm.

If your baby can’t grasp the breast well, your nipples are chapped, or you are experiencing discomfort or pain while breastfeeding, you are not alone in your concerns and this article provides tips and ways to help you get through it. We are here to help you, but our advice is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. If you are having breastfeeding problems and are worried about it, always consult your doctor.

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1- My baby can’t hold the breast

It may take some time to teach your baby how to grasp the breast correctly, but stay calm: you and your baby can handle it. The problem of improper breast grip is one of the most common breastfeeding problems and may be one of the reasons why breastfeeding is painful at times.

If your baby can’t breastfeed, several problems can result, so it’s important to get help if you’re determined to achieve good breastfeeding. Signs that indicate your baby may not be grasping the breast correctly may include the following:

  • Your nipples are sore during feeding
  • Your baby is only gripping the nipple and not the areola (areola ring) when feeding
  • Your baby’s lips are retracted during feeding
  • you hear a smacking sound or loud sucking sounds
  • your baby becomes upset when you try to feed
  • milk production is decreasing, even though you breastfeed often
  • the baby loses weight

(breastfeeding problems )

Here are some breastfeeding tips to keep in mind to help your baby get a good grip:

Create a calm environment: The key to comfortable breastfeeding is being calm and relaxed. Lie in bed, leaning on pillows, or sit in a comfortable chair.
Hold your baby in your arms, making skin-to-skin contact: Place the baby on top of you with the head between the breasts, skin-to-skin, so you both feel comfortable and relaxed.
Do not force the baby’s grasp on the breast: Allow your baby to take the lead during feeding. You can certainly guide and support your baby, but you should definitely not rush or force your baby to grab the breast.
Find a comfortable position for yourself: Sometimes knowing the right positions for you when feeding can make all the difference. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions and find the ones where your baby can grasp the breast well.

Use techniques to help ensure a good breast grip: start by gently touching your baby’s upper lip with your nipple to activate her search reflex. This will help your baby open his mouth wide and thus capture more of the areola. (breastfeeding problems )

2- My nipples hurt

In the very early stages of breastfeeding, you may experience some sensitivity in your nipples, which is only natural. But that doesn’t mean you have to endure the pain. Breastfeeding pain can be due to a variety of reasons, from skin sensitivity to improper positioning or improper latching while breastfeeding. The following tips will help you solve this breastfeeding problems in the first few days:

  • Good milk flow: It is important that you ensure good milk flow from your breasts while you are breastfeeding. If you feel you still have milk in your breasts, consider squeezing to empty your breasts completely.
  • Get into an appropriate feeding position: Make sure your baby is gripping the breast correctly when feeding. Your whole nipple and most of the lower part of the areola should be in your baby’s mouth.
  • Use warm and cold compresses: Use warm compresses and light breast massage before breastfeeding, and apply cool compresses to the breast after breastfeeding. In both cases, thermal pads are convenient to use and can be used either warm or cool as needed. (breastfeeding problems)

If the pain persists, you should seek help from a lactation consultant to correct the problem more quickly. Sometimes, if these problems last too long, they can lead to problems with your breasts, such as decreased milk supply or mastitis. (breastfeeding problems )

3- My nipples are cracked

Another common problem among breastfeeding mothers is cracked nipples, often caused by poor breast grip. This happens when the baby only grips the nipple and not the areola, which can cause cracked or inflamed nipples. In such cases, immediate action should be taken to avoid increasing pain or infection.

Here are some of the best ways to soothe and protect your nipples so you can breastfeed comfortably:

  • Apply decanted milk to your nipples: You can actually use your own breast milk to heal chapped nipples. Simply apply a few drops to your nipples and allow them to dry.
    Stimulate the flow of milk before you feed: Applying the Philips Avent multipurpose pads warmly to your breast area and pumping a little breast milk before feeding can help stimulate milk flow.
  • Use protective nipple pads: While you’re healing cracks, why not relieve the pain by using nipple pads during feedings? These nipple pads help ease the discomfort of breastfeeding. Applying nipple cream after breastfeeding also helps soothe and moisturize the sore nipple area.
  • Prevent nipple chafing with clothes and milk collection pads: Protect your nipples from clothing chafing between feeds with these milk collection pads. Simply wear them in your bra: they will help prevent nipple irritation and collect excess breast milk. Also included are ventilated pads that help dry and protect chapped nipples and accelerate healing. The holes in the pads allow air to circulate. You may also consider using bra liners to prevent breast milk stains on clothing.
  • Use the right position for breastfeeding. This is often quite simple to do: use a pillow to lift the baby to the breast, or ensure a good grip on the breast in another position to avoid inflamed or cracked nipples.
  • Try using thermal pads before and after breastfeeding: To soothe sore nipples, use Philips Avent thermal pads after breastfeeding when they are cool
  • Seek help when you need it: If cracks don’t heal or if you still have questions, be sure to seek help from a professional, such as your doctor. (breastfeeding problems )

4- My baby coughs while feeding

It is often the case that a new mother’s milk flow is too strong. This can cause the baby to choke, cough, or regurgitate while feeding. This problem usually goes away as lactation sets in, when the milk flow is not as strong, but there are several methods to help sooner:

  • Squeezing the nipple: Limit the flow of milk by gently squeezing the nipple while feeding.
  • Feeding in a semi-reclining position or squeezing before feeding: To slow the flow of milk, you can try a half-lying position while breastfeeding. Another technique to help slow the flow of milk is to decant some breast milk before you start breastfeeding.
  • Use nipple pads: If squeezing the nipple, feeding in a half-lying position, or squeezing before breastfeeding are ineffective, try feeding your baby through nipple pads. They help your baby not get choked or rejected by a strong flow of milk. (breastfeeding problems )

5- My nipples are flat or retracted

Every woman’s breasts are unique – and that’s one of the wonderful things about the female body. Nipples come in all different shapes and sizes. Flat, retracted, large, and so on.

Because the baby must have a good grip on the nipple along with most of the areola for successful breastfeeding (breastfeeding problems ), when the nipples are retracted or flat, you need to help the baby achieve a good grip. First, know that you are not alone: up to 10% of women face the same problem.1 Here are some helpful tips for breastfeeding mothers who have flat or inverted nipples:

  • Help yourself with your fingers: You can try pulling your nipples while twisting them between your fingers. Or use a breast pump before breastfeeding to pull your nipples out.
  • Talk to your doctor: If you are concerned about the condition of your nipples, talk to your doctor about it.
  • Wear breast milk collection pads: put the pads on so that the nipple is in the center where the hole is located. The pads create light pressure, and the nipple is pushed out into the hole.
  • It is difficult for the baby to get a grip on the nipple: In this case, use nipple protectors when breastfeeding for the first time so that the baby can grab the nipple and pull it out over time.

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