Breast Feeding Problems

Engorgement - Breast fullness

Sore Nipples

Mastitis - Inflamation of the breast

Inadequate Milk Supply

Leaking Breasts

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 milk

Prevention/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 time

Prevention/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

Tweets for why breastfeed

theecochic (Calley)
Question? Why do/did you breastfeed your baby? Why don't/didn't you breastfeed your baby? Curious!
2 July 2009, 12:22 pm

Shui_Chi (Shui)
Question: ALL moms say they'd "Die for.." their children. My simple rebuttal question to you is: THEN WHY WON'T YOU BREASTFEED?
1 July 2009, 11:21 pm

jenz30 (Jennifer Zoromski)
I's sooo tired...I can't wait to sleep in. Ice Age pretty much sucked!! And why do people need to breastfeed in public?
1 July 2009, 9:57 pm

MomsPledge (Julie Harris)
Breast Feeding is a natural thing, a human thing, Why should we hide ourself while we breastfeed? It's kinda like going … http://disq.us/rwo
1 July 2009, 7:28 pm

WeSingleMoms (Elaina Mc)
@GenerateMLMInc Why not breastfeed?
1 July 2009, 6:23 pm

RadicaLactivist (Cassaundra Blyth)
Why oh Why do I keep hearing HORRIBLE stories abt nurses who sabotage/attack Women who are trying to breastfeed? Why r these Harpies in HC!
30 June 2009, 5:07 pm

Morgaine_LaFay (Kareena V Hoy Poy)
@mammabelle Why can't she breastfeed her doll? Why instill shame about normal baby feeding?
30 June 2009, 2:33 am

kacieaulait (Kacie Tuck)
@CherylWestbury There are only a couple of reason why a mom absolutely could NOT breastfeed. There are resources to help you if you want. :)
29 June 2009, 4:10 pm

_huny (huny young)
@SoulAfrodisiac I had them done for a number of years but took them out to breastfeed. I don't see more babies in my near future so why not
29 June 2009, 1:27 pm

9lives353 (Graham Lacey)
Why is it always the fat mingers who breastfeed in Starbucks?
27 June 2009, 6:25 am

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    Breast Feeding Problems


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