Hi Everyone!

I know, we all are still about two months far from the delivery and the breast feeding, but, since I read a very useful article on breast feeding on the internet, I just wanted to share it with you all. So, here it is:

Breast milk is the best food for your baby, so try to breastfeed your newborn as soon as possible after birth and for as long as possible. Don’t be disappointed, however, if in spite of your best efforts, some problems arise. Here are three of the most common problems, and what you can do about them.

Swollen or hard breasts:

Two or three days after delivery, the breasts usually become engorged, or temporarily swollen and uncomfortable. The increased flow of blood to the breast and the start of milk production cause this. Some women feel their breasts are only slightly fuller, but others feel their breasts are very swollen, tender, lumpy and throbbing, and sometimes the swelling may extend to the armpits. This swelling usually lessens within 24 to 48 hours, but may get worse if you nurse your baby too briefly or infrequently.

What to do:

*Breastfeed only. Avoid giving your baby water or formula.
*Breastfeed often, 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, and make sure your baby nurses at least 10 minutes on each breast at every feeding. Express your milk with a breast pump or by hand if you miss a feeding.
Don’t let baby start sucking when the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple) is too hard or your nipple is flatter than usual because of the fullness of your breasts. Try taking a warm shower. It helps the “let-down reflex” or the free flow of milk from your breasts, and the areola will soften to allow baby to latch on without damaging your nipple. Or, try expressing some milk, but only until your baby can latch on comfortably. (Expressing a lot of milk will increase your milk production and make your breasts even more uncomfortable.) Before nursing, you can also try gently massaging your breasts. Once the milk starts to flow, allow your baby to nurse. You can also massage your breast gently while baby is nursing to help milk flow.
*To ease the swelling and pain of engorgement, put an ice pack or cold towel on your breasts after nursing.
*Wear a supportive nursing bra, even during the night, making sure it is not too tight.

Sore or cracked nipples:

Sore nipples are usually the result of improper positioning of the baby at the breast. Sometimes nipples are not just sore but are actually cracked and may bleed a little.

What to do:

Avoid using soap or shampoo on your breasts during the last two months of pregnancy and during the months you are breastfeeding. Your breasts secrete a natural lubricant-disinfectant.
*Don't delay nursing. Shorter, more frequent feeds are easier on the nipples. Feed baby before he gets too hungry.
*Put ice on the sore breast before feedings and begin nursing on the less sore side, if there is one.
*Proper positioning of the baby while nursing is essential, and good “latch on” is a must, which means that baby should take the nipple and most of the surrounding areola in his mouth when he nurses. If you hear a smacking sound when baby is feeding, then he is not properly latched on.
*If you are really sore, try changing your nursing position. This change will shift the pressure point of baby's sucking. For example, lying down is always a good position. Lie on your side and put the baby on his side with his feet facing the same direction as yours.
*For soreness, you might also try using “breast shields,” a small plastic product that fits over your nipple to protect it while baby nurses; you’ll find breast shields in large pharmacies.
*Don’t let baby continue to suck on your breast after emptying it.
*Break baby’s suction carefully before removing your nipple from his mouth. This can be done by inserting your little finger between your breast and the corner of his mouth.
*Let your nipples air dry. If they are sore, express some milk and spread it on the nipples, letting them air dry after each feeding. Milk contains a natural healing agent.
*Use a nursing bra made of cotton rather than synthetic materials. Cotton lets air circulate, and allows your breasts to breathe.

Thrush Nipples:
This happens when a yeast infection in baby’s mouth spreads to the mother’s nipples. Nipples become swollen, red, tender and sometimes cracked. Occasional peeling or a red dotty rash can be seen on the nipple, and you may complain of itching and flaking, or burning.

What to do:

*If you suspect thrush, carefully inspect baby’s mouth to see if he has white patches on the gums, inside of cheeks or on his tongue. If you don’t see anything in his mouth, check and see if he has a diaper rash that could be caused by thrush. You will have to see a doctor for treatment. If baby does have thrush, he will most likely be given anti-fungal drops and you will be prescribed an anti-fungal cream to apply on your nipples after each feeding.
* Briefly exposing your nipples to the sun each day may speed the healing.
* To prevent re-infection, pacifiers, bottles, and anything that goes into baby’s mouth must be boiled for five minutes each day of the treatment.
* If you are using a breast pump, you must wash all pump parts thoroughly after each use, and sterilize any parts of the pump you can.
* If you feel no improvement either in your nipples or in baby’s mouth after five to six days, consult your baby’s pediatrician and a dermatologist for an alternative course of treatment.

Take Care & Keep Smiling!!! ishita replied. Thanks alott sonal; the article is really helpful. shazia replied. As far as i know lying down and feeding the baby is not at all good for the baby.As it is very dangerous for the baby.

The best position to feed the baby is sitting. shazia replied. Hi sonal ,

first time moms usually get sore nipples. to avoid it ,its better to massage the nipples everyday with oil or vaseline. It really helps.