Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t make it easy. In fact, many mothers experience varying levels of hardship and common breastfeeding problems throughout their breastfeeding journey. Keep reading to discover remedies and ways to fix challenges that may arise when breastfeeding.
Common Breastfeeding Problems
Baby Won’t Latch
Like many things in life, your baby getting a good latch takes time and practice. It doesn’t always just automatically happen. A good and proper latch makes breastfeeding a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for you and your baby.
Start by placing your baby’s nose right in front of your nipple and tilt their head back slightly until their mouth opens and touches the nipple a little bit. This should encourage them to open their mouth wider so you can bring them close and ensure your breast fills their mouth, and not just your nipple. When your nipple is positioned in the back, at the soft part of your baby’s mouth, you’ll be less likely to get sore, and your baby will be able to feed to their heart and tummy’s content comfortably.
Signs of a good latch are seeing and hearing swallowing, your baby’s lips turned out, their chin touching your breast, and the latch is comfortable and pain-free.
If you’ve practiced and feel like you’re positioning baby correctly but they’re still not latching properly, try feeding your baby in a relaxing, quiet space, having more skin-to-skin contact with your baby, and letting them lead while you support their neck, shoulders, and hips. Additionally, you can contact your breastfeeding consultant from the hospital or your midwife if you have one.
RMC is proud to provide International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)-certified with over 50+ years of breastfeeding experience at our Women’s and Children’s Pavilion.
Dry, Cracked, or Sore Nipples
Your nipples may be a little sore when you first begin breastfeeding as they get used to the sensation. However, if the soreness persists or worsens, this could be a sign of poor latching. If your baby has a good latch, but your nipples are sore, cracked, blistering, or bleeding, there could be another cause contributing to the problem.
If you need to remove your baby from your breast before they’re done feeding, make sure you release their suction by gently putting a clean finger in the corner of their mouth. In addition to this, ensure you’re using the right size flange when you pump. These tactics will help you avoid nipple trauma, which can contribute to dry, cracked, and sore nipples.
If nipple pain, bleeding, and cracking persists, see your healthcare provider or your baby’s doctor as soon as possible so they can determine what may be the issue.
Engorged Breasts
Engorged breasts are a painful occurrence that happens when the breast becomes swollen with fluid due to blocked milk ducts. They will also be painfully tight and may cause you to run a fever for 24 hours. They can occur if you have a delayed start to breastfeeding, have too much milk/don’t express milk or have enough feedings, or if your baby has a poor latch on your breast.
To get your milk flowing again or avoid engorgement, you can try unrestricted feeding, ensuring you breastfeed as soon as possible after birth and make sure your baby has a proper attachment.
Low Milk Supply
Feeling like your baby isn’t getting enough milk can be very concerning. Many mothers experience low milk supply for a variety of reasons, including stress, not enough skin-to-skin contact, delivery complications, illness, diabetes, and others.
To increase and maintain a healthy milk supply, you can try increasing your skin-to-skin contact, sleeping in the same room as your baby, breastfeeding exclusively unless medically necessary to supplement with formula, and speaking with a lactation consultant before leaving the hospital.
Mastitis and Blocked Milk Ducts
Mastitis and blocked milk ducts are common breastfeeding challenges that can occur when milk isn’t draining properly from the breast. They can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to more severe complications. Causes of blocked milk ducts include inadequate milk removal, pressure on the ducts, and irregular feeding patterns. You may have blocked milk ducts if you’re experiencing symptoms of a tender, localized lump or knot on the breast, redness and warmth at the affected area, mild fever, or general malaise.
You can avoid blocked milk ducts with frequent feedings, completely emptying the breast by feeding or pumping, changing your nursing positions, and wearing loose clothing. If a blocked duct is not treated, it can lead to mastitis. It can also be caused by bacteria entering the breast through a cracked nipple or other opening.
Symptoms of mastitis are similar to those of blocked milk ducts, including breast pain and swelling, redness, and warmth over the affected area, and fever and flu-like symptoms. You can prevent mastitis by quickly treating blocked ducts, completely emptying the breast during feedings or by pumping, keeping good breast hygiene, and antibiotics if it’s caused by a bacterial infection.
Lactation and Breastfeeding Services at RMC
Navigating common breastfeeding challenges can be a transformative journey for new parents. That’s why RMC’s Women’s and Children’s Pavilion stands out as a beacon of support and commitment to patient safety and support. Our certified lactation consultant team consists of registered nurses (RNs) and is available every day to help new moms receive the breastfeeding support they need to feel comfortable and confident before going home with their new bundle of joy.
Furthermore, we’re proud to provide free breastfeeding classes and educational videos on newborn care and breastfeeding. With a dedicated focus on guiding new parents through the joys and hurdles of breastfeeding, the Pavilion ensures that each family’s journey through parenthood is met with expert care and compassion. Let us be your trusted partner in enhancing the beautiful moments that surround the arrival of a new family member.