Breastfeeding can be challenging...to say the least. And especially in the early days. But I am here to say that you are not alone! For some women, it comes easy. But if you are anything like me, problems may arise almost every month during the journey and even be different from child to child. Here are some of the tips and tricks I use with every issue that I've had.
Sore Nipples
In an ideal world, breastfeeding should not only be comfortable, but also painless. And sometimes it may not always happen. But in either case, it takes time - for both you and the baby to learn each other, learn how to latch properly, and find a position that works. Which may come fast, may come late, and may even switch from time to time.
Tips:
- Make sure the baby is nursing correctly. They should be latched on from not just the nipple, but also around most of the areola. Your nipple should not look misshapen (flat or compressed) after being released from the baby's mouth. Instead, it should be round and long or look as though completely normal (how it was before feeding).
- Try different feeding positions. Sometimes a baby may not be feeding correctly because the position is not comfortable for their body and/or mouth.
- Avoid cracked nipples. You can do so by either adding/rubbing a little milk to the nipple after a feeding, using a purified cream, letting them air dry after a feeding, or wearing a softer bra/shirt.
- Avoid wearing tight fit bras or shirts. They may be constricting the nipples from flowing properly by adding more pressure onto the nipples.
- Change your nursing pads more often or brand entirely. The added amount of milk may trap in too much moisture to the nipple. Which may be caused by too full of a pad or the kind of pad that you are using.
- Avoid harsh cleaning supplies on the nipples and breasts. Most of the time, just using a good ol' water cleansing is all that you will need to keep up with good nipple hygiene.
Low Milk Supply
If you are anything like how I was with my first born, you are in constant worry as to whether or not you are producing enough for your baby. But sometimes it may be all in your head. Around 6 months to about 2 months, your baby will begin to nurse more frequently and your boobs will begin to feel as though they are less full. You may also have a little confusion with supply during growth spurts. In which your baby will want to nurse longer and more often. But sometimes your milk supply really will be producing less.
Tips:
- Make sure the baby is nursing correctly. They should be latched on from not just the nipple, but also around most of the areola. Your nipple should not look misshapen (flat or compressed) after being released from the baby's mouth. Instead, it should be round and long or look as though completely normal (how it was before feeding).
- Try different feeding positions. Sometimes a baby may not be feeding correctly because the position is not comfortable for their body and/or mouth.
- Follow your baby's lead while nursing. Let the baby nurse for however often and long that they may like. Never force them to nurse and don't unlatch too early (remember, your supply is all about supply and demand).
- Offer both breasts. Start by letting the baby feed on one side, and then offer the nest once they either begin to slow or completely stop.
- Try different pumping techniques. You may want to pump directly after a feeding, pump for a longer duration, pump one side as they nurse on the other, or try a different flange and/or brand (they may not be tailored for your breast size and shape).
Oversupply of Milk
Yes, even having an over production of milk is a challenge as well. Which is what I am experiencing with my daughter right now. And it is stressful! Which is also why I say that breastfeeding with every kid is different.
Tips:
- Feed on one side. Do NOT feed on both sides, but instead choose one and stick with it for a two to three hour period. And then begin to gradually increase the length of time every few days.
- Hand express or pump before feedings. Sometimes having an overproduction of milk can make it harder to nurse. But relieving some of the pressure beforehand can help.
- Use a cold compress. It will reduce any swelling or discomfort.
- Feed the baby before the hunger strikes. If the baby is less hungry at the time of nursing, they are less like to suck as aggressively and less prone to choking during feedings.
Strong Let-Down
Also known as oversupply's best friend!
Tips:
- Clamp your nipple. Use your fingers as a clamp and lightly press on the milk ducts to reduce the amount of force.
- Unlatch the baby. If you can physically feel the let-down or your baby begins to choke, quickly unlatch them and let the extra milk flow onto a cloth.
- Let the baby latch and unlatch as they seem fit. Babies are very intuitive. They are going to get to know your body just as fast as you are going to get to know them. So trust them to know how to nurse sometimes.
-Try different positions. Such as side-lying or the football hold. Any one that can reduce the amount of force.
Engorgement
It is the build up of milk that males the breasts hard and painful - happening at any time during the breastfeeding journey. And although it is very common, it can cause swelling, tenderness, warmth, redness, throbbing, misshaped nipples, low-grade fevers, blocked ducts, and/or breast infections.
Tips:
- Allow the baby to feed as long and often as they would like.
- Make sure the baby is nursing correctly. They should be latched on from not just the nipple, but also around most of the areola. Your nipple should not look misshapen (flat or compressed) after being released from the baby's mouth. Instead, it should be round and long or look as though completely normal (how it was before feeding).
- Feed on the engorged boob and/or massage it. It will encourage the milk to move freely and prevent overly fullness. Also massage the area in a circular motion towards the nipple to get it to move even more.
- Hand express or pump before feedings. Sometimes having an overproduction of milk can make it harder to nurse. But relieving some of the pressure beforehand can help. And if exclusively pumping, do so AT LEAST every 3 hours.
- Use a cold compress. It will reduce any swelling or discomfort.
- Take care of your health. Breastfeeding starts with you. Make sure to get enough sleep, nutrition, and fluids.
- Avoid wearing tight fit bras or shirts. They may be constricting the nipples from flowing properly by adding more pressure onto the nipples.
Blocked Milk Ducts
My good ol' foe this time around. It is a tender and sore lump that is caused by an improper draining of milk. It can happen if your baby isn't latched right, when the baby clamps down too hard, or anything else that constricts the nipple.
Tips:
- Feed on the blocked up boob and/or massage it. It will encourage the milk to move freely and prevent overly fullness. Also massage the area in a circular motion towards the nipple to get it to move even more.
- Use either a warm compress or take a warm shower. Probably my favorite. The warmth is going to get the milk to open up and move freely in the easiest way.
- Avoid wearing tight fit bras or shirts. They may be constricting the nipples from flowing properly by adding more pressure onto the nipples.
- Try different feeding positions. Sometimes a baby may not be feeding correctly because the position is not comfortable for their body and/or mouth. The one that I've found the best with blocked ducts is to lay the baby down, get on all fours, and feed by hanging the boob. Because it directs the blocked duct's milk to move more toward the nipple.
Mastitis
Basically what happens when a blocked duct becomes infected. Along with the soreness comes a fever, nausea, vomiting, yellow discharge (different from collostrum), and/or warm to the touch breasts.
Tips:
- Feed on the blocked up boob, pump, and/or massage it every two hours or LESS. It will encourage the milk to move freely and prevent overly fullness. Also massage the area in a circular motion towards the nipple to get it to move even more.
- Use either a warm compress or take a warm shower. Probably my favorite. The warmth is going to get the milk to open up and move freely in the easiest way.
- Avoid wearing tight fit bras or shirts. They may be constricting the nipples from flowing properly by adding more pressure onto the nipples.
Nursing Strike
When your baby suddenly refuses the breast. It can vary from your baby letting you know that something is wrong, just being fussy, or just entirely refusing. This is something I just went through for a whole MONTH with my daughter. But now she is back on the boob!
Causes:
- Mouth pain due to teething, thrush, or a cold sore. Always make sure to check your baby's mouth!
- An ear infection. They hurt...A LOT! And even more so if they are lying on that side, adding pressure to it and therefore more pain. Which they often do while breastfeeding.
- Soreness from the position. Did they just get a shot from the doctor? Well their legs may still be a little stiff or sore. They could also feel this way if they had been taking a lengthy nap in the same position.
- Major change in routine. This may be during a vacation, move to a new house, and much much more.
- Getting easily distracted.
- Having a stuffy nose. It can be especially difficult to swallow when you can't even breathe!
- Finding more pleasure in the bottle or pacifier. Sometimes a baby just might like being fed more so by bottle. I mean, it is a little easier to extract. And may even be a better fit for their mouth.
Tips:
- Try to hand express or pump in tune to your baby's normal feeding schedule. It will prevent engorgement or blocked ducts, while also keeping up your supply and keeps your baby feeding on breastmilk.
- Keep track of your baby's dirty diapers. You'll want to make sure that they're still getting enough milk and nutrients.
- And what worked for me: Keep offering the breasts. And then just stop of they are becoming frustrated then try again later. Focus more on your contact with the baby. Try positions with more skin-to-skin contact and snuggle up!
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