Introduction:
A woman goes through various physiological changes in their body while they are in the pregnancy phase and breastfeeding. Some signs may indicate normalcy and happen because of biological differences, while some symptoms could cause the abnormality. It is evident and typical to have some worry during the lactation phase as it is a new experience. Establishing a bond between mother and baby is essential for a smooth and successful breastfeeding experience.
How Can a Mother Overcome Breastfeeding Challenges?
It is usual for a new mother to feel uncomfortable during the early stages of breastfeeding while a mom and the baby adapt to breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding must be pain-free, and any feeling becoming problematic for you and your baby needs to be corrected. Sometimes some simple modifications help to breastfeed mothers, while other times, you may need the guidance of a breastfeeding counselor or lactation specialist.
Sore Nipples:
A new mom may experience some signs of soreness in the breast during the postpartum period. It can be considered normal and part of the changes happening with all women during the initial days of breastfeeding. However, if the difficulties increase and your nipples develop soreness, cracks, blisters, or bleeding in your nipples associated with pain, you should immediately seek help from your lactation specialist.
The causes of sore nipples include:
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Improper baby latch technique and positioning.
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Fungal infections.
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Nipple trauma.
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The formation of milk blisters.
For treating sore nipples, the causative factors are first determined by discussing the signs with the mother. Symptomatic treatments are then recommended like improper latch can be corrected by changing the positioning and learning proper latch techniques. Milk blisters can be removed by massaging, applying warm compression, and extracting the extra milk.
Improper Latch Technique:
Good latch develops with practice, but it is crucial to adapt to the best suitable positioning for you and your baby to maintain a milk flow and avoid any complications in your breastfeeding.
Different known holds like cradle hold, cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying can be tried to know the best suitable hold for you and your baby. You may also seek help from other experienced mothers or consult some lactation specialist or breastfeeding counselor to learn the most appropriate position for you and your baby.
Engorged Breast:
Breast engorgement is a painful and distressing condition for women. It is normal to have this feeling in the initial few days after delivery. You may have developed engorgement in your breast because you are keeping a large gap between breastfeeding, becoming more dependent on formula milk, practicing improper latching techniques, early weaning, or wearing a tight-fitting bra. If you find breastfeeding difficult because of engorged breasts, you need to breastfeed your baby often, learn and develop a good latch for you and your baby, apply cold compression, or massage your breast.
Low Milk Supply:
It is usual to have a low milk supply as you start breastfeeding, but it should gradually increase on demand from your baby. When your baby sucks your nipples and empties your breast, it increases the milk flow. However, some women suffer from low milk supply if they lack skin-to-skin touch with the baby, switch to weaning early, develop some infection or inflammation in the breast like lactation mastitis, or because of a previous history of surgery or as a result of certain hormonal medications. Milk supply can be increased by breastfeeding often, maintaining skin-to-skin touch with the infants, massaging the breast, using both breasts for feeding, taking a highly nutritious diet, and drinking enough water.
Lactation Mastitis:
Lactation mastitis leads to inflammation of the breast associated with or without infection. The primary cause of lactation mastitis is milk stasis due to blockage of the mammary duct, breast engorgement, improper latch positioning, or milk blebs formation. The associated risk factors include smoking, stress, age, or complications during delivery. You can get rid of milk stasis by removing the collected milk, some symptomatic treatment, and antibiotic therapy in case of infection.
Fungal Infection:
Some moms may find their nipples sore, pink, flaky, shiny, itchy, cracked, or blistered. It indicates a fungal infection around the nipples or in the breast. It requires immediate concern as it is an infectious disease and can be transferred to your baby and lead to the development of white spots on the cheek, tongue, or gums.
A baby may refuse to breastfeed when upset, distracted, or sick. Under such circumstances, all you need to do is give extra love and affection to the baby by holding them close to your breast and feeding them in a quiet and calm environment.
Size and Shape of Nipples and Breasts:
All mothers can breastfeed their babies irrespective of the size and shape of the breast. You only need to develop a bond with your baby and learn the most accurate and comfortable position for you and your baby. A mother can have emotional disturbance and may feel tired, sad, or depressed. It might disturb breastfeeding, and you may find it harder. Adequate nutrition, rest, and care from elders and your partner can make you comfortable and help you with breastfeeding. A new mom may find it difficult to start feeding in their initial days, especially when it is needed in public. In that case, you can ease yourself and try to begin breastfeeding with confidence without caring about anyone’s judgment.
Conclusion:
The baby’s sucking ability determines the volume of milk production. The best way to avoid breastfeeding problems is to develop and practice a good latch. A good latch promotes milk flow and inhibits the development of any form of milk stasis. You can learn proper latch techniques only by practice. However, you may take help from your doctor or lactation specialist to learn appropriate latching techniques and position in case of any difficulty.
