Breastfeeding baby is very good for baby’s health. However, sometimes breastfeeding can be very daunting for mothers. Read on to find about the common breastfeeding problems and solutions for these breastfeeding problems.Most of the present day mothers are aware that breastfeeding is best for their newborns. However, usually there are some common
breastfeeding problems that a new mother can face. Knowing about the problems also helps in dealing with it properly and effectively.
Common Breastfeeding Problems and Their Solutions
Read on to find the common breastfeeding problems and how to treat these problems.
Insufficient Milk Supply
Many new mothers find that there is inadequate breast milk supply. If this is the case with you, it is good to take care of the feed timings, take proper sleep, pay attention to nutritious diet and increase intake of fluid. Massage your breast before feeding your baby for proper and right consistency of milk flow.
Engorgement of Breasts
This is the condition when breasts become hard along with the nipples and the infant finds it difficult to latch on. Here cold packs or ice bags are of real help. Do not give hot water treatment to engorged breasts. You can also wrap cabbage leaves and leave them for 20 minutes on your breasts. You can make use of this treatment two or three times a day.
Relieve Plugged Ducts
One of the most common problems is occurrence of plugged ducts in the breast. Hot water bags and slight massage helps get rid of these ducts.
Difficulty in Latching
Some of the infants find it very difficult to latch on and hence proper impulsion of the milk does not come about. There can be different reasons behind this and you can treat it after finding what the cause is. If needed take doctor’s help and advice. You should also learn the right technique and help your baby latch on properly.
Sore Nipples
Nipples are sore if the skin there is excessively dry or excessively moist. If it is dry, try to moisturise it keeping in mind that your baby feeds on it. If the core or cracks are due to excessive moisture, you should change your bra. Probably the material of the bra is not fit for the breastfeeding time. The best and advisable material is cotton. Also, maintain proper hygiene and care.
Sore nipples can also be caused due to biting of the child specially when the child has started having teeth. If this happens often, try to give something cold and wet to chew few minutes before feeding him. This will reduce the biting problem.
Breast Infection
This happens usually when the mother is stressed, over pressured or does not get sufficient rest. If there is fever accompanied by the infection, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Letdown Reflex
This is quite normal and almost every mother faces this problem. This happens when there is sufficient supply of milk but due to stress or anxiety they get released into milk ducts. This locks the milk in the ducts and this causes pain and discomfort. However, this problem even gets rectified after sometime.
Breastfeeding is easy, convenient and best for the mother and the child. You should keep a check on your baby’s weight and see whether it is increasing in a proper way or not. See that your baby wets five to eight diapers daily and looks healthy and alert as well. You should also help yourself stay calm, relaxed and happy taking care of your diet and rest. Remember, breastfeeding has both emotional and physical benefits. So, if there is any problem that you cannot handle, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
