Breast Feeding Problems
Engorgement - Breast fullness
Mastitis - Inflamation of the breast
Engorgement
Causes
During the first week after delivery, as the colostrum is changing to mature milk, your breasts will become full. This normal postnatal fullness usually diminishes within 3-5 days. Engorgement may develop if your baby does not remove enough of the milk from your breasts. During this time, your breasts will feel hard, painful and hot.Prevention/Treatment
- Nurse Regularly
- Vary nursing positions to help promote drainage of the breast
- Wear a supportive bra
- Lie flat on your back between feedings so that your breasts are elevated
- If your breasts remain full and tender after nursing, you may want to pump for 5-10 minutes to remove all the milk that comes out quickly and easily
- Engorgement usually subsides within 1-2 days, so hang on.
Sore Nipples
Causes
Nipple tenderness is common for most women in the first week of breastfeeding. The most common cause of sore nipples is bad positioning during feeding or poor latch on. If the pain is severe or lasts more than a couple of days, you should contact your doctor, you may have thrush.Thrush is a yeast infection that can travel between your breast and your baby's mouth. Thrush can make nursing very painful, but it is usually easily treatable.
You should also contact your doctor if you have persistent, blistering, cracking or bleeding nipples.
Prevention/Treatment
- Alternate positions at each feeding
- Nurse more frequently if your baby is vigorous during feeding
- You could try rubbing your nipples with ice before feeding to slightly numb them
- Keep your nipples dry and expose them to air whenever you can
- Avoid using soap, massage oils or creams (except those perscribed by your doctor)
Mastitis
Causes
Mastitis is an inflamation of the breast which may or may not be caused by an infection. It is caused by a blockage of the ducts in the breast. Some of the symptoms of mastitis include:- Fever
- Headaches
- Flu like symptoms
- One breast which is tender with red patches
Prevention/Treatment
- Make sure your baby is properly latched on
- Get as much rest as possible
- Massage your breasts where thay are sore
Inadequate Milk Supply
Causes
The baby’s milk demand or milk use determines the mother’s supply. Checking weight and growth frequently is the best way to ensure your baby is taking enough milkPrevention/Treatment
- Frequent feedings
- Adequate rest
- Good nutrition
- Adequate fluid intake
Leaking Breasts
Causes
It is not uncommon for breastmilk to leak or drip during the first few weeks, especially if it is your first baby. The leaking should improve and resolve with timePrevention/Treatment
- Use nursing pads
- If leaking comes from over production, you can remove it by frequently breastfeeding your baby.
- Leaking should improve after a few weeks or months. If not, see your doctor
Breastfeeding - Information for nursing mothers
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