Introduction
Breastfeeding is very healthy for both the mother and the child. It is recommended that babies should feed only on breast milk for the first 6 months, and then breast milk can be continued as the main diet until the child turns at least 1 year to 2 years old. Breastfeeding gives a good experience for both the mother and the baby and creates a bond between them. However, breastfeeding is not always easy and both require a little time to get used to it.
The following can be done meanwhile to help with the process:
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The mother can start breastfeeding soon after the birth.
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You can take the help of a nurse or a lactation counselor.
What Are the Complications Faced by Breastfeeding Mothers and How Can They Be Tackled?
The following complications can be faced during breastfeeding:
1. Nipple Sorenes
Most of the women experience less or no pain during breastfeeding. However, sometimes, the mother may experience tenderness in the nipple and breast soreness during the first week. The following can be the causes:
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The poor technique of feeding.
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Wrong positioning of the baby while feeding.
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Not maintaining the hygiene of the nipple.
Also, if the skin is too dry or too moist and if the baby slips off while sucking, nipple soreness may be caused. Wear cotton bras and use olive oil to avoid drying of the nipple. Teething babies can also tend to bite the nipples. You can give the baby a wet and cold object to chew on for a few minutes before breastfeeding.
2. Engorgement of Fullness of The Breast
Breast fullness is caused due to the slow accumulation of blood and milk in the breast a few days after birth. It indicates the beginning of milk production. During this time, the breasts become swollen, painful, and hard. The nipples may also not get erected for latching. To improve this, you can try relaxing and utilizing a comfortable position while feeding the baby. Also, massaging the breast and avoiding distraction can help. Nursing often can also help.
3. Not Enough Milk To Fulfill The Need of The Baby
Most mothers do not face this issue but this can happen in rare cases. The supply of the milk is based on the demand of the baby. Good milk supply can be maintained by frequently feeding the baby, taking adequate rest, consuming good nutrition and enough fluids.
4. Blocked Milk Duct
Sometimes, the milk duct can become clogged or blocked. The causes for the same are if the baby is not feeding well or if the mother misses feedings, or if the mother wears a too-tight bra. When the mother experiences a blocked milk duct, she may have tenderness, redness, or heat in any one area of the breast and the presence of a lump close to the skin. Massaging and putting pressure on the breast can relieve the block.
5. Breast Infection
Mastitis is a breast infection that can lead to muscle pain, fever, redness, hot, and tender area on any one of the breasts. You should contact your physician if you experience the above-mentioned symptoms.
It can be treated by the following methods:
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Antibiotics to cure the infection.
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Take adequate rest.
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Application of moist, warm compresses to the infected area.
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It is advisable to wear a comfortable bra between feedings.
If the mother continues to nurse from the infected breast, healing can be enhanced. Breast milk is safe for the baby even if the mother experiences this infection. Also, this can prevent engorgement of the breasts. The mother may try pumping or manual expression of milk from the breast if there is any discomfort in feeding.
6.Thrush
Thrush is also known as candidiasis. It is a clinical condition characterized by yeast infection which can be spread to the child from the mother. The causative organism is the yeast Candida albicans which can live in warm, moist areas. The good places for its growth include the mother’s nipples and the mouth of the baby. This type of infection is seen more commonly during or after any antibiotic treatments.
The symptoms experienced by the mother during this infection are deep-pink-colored nipples that are tender or feel uncomfortable during, and right after feeding the baby. Also, if there are white patches and more redness in the mouth of the baby, it is indicative of a yeast infection. The baby may experience a diaper rash, mood changes, and the child will want to suckle on the nipple more frequently.
7. Illness
If the mother experiences any fever or illness, you should contact your doctor. However, in most infections, the mother can safely feed the baby as it will help in the transmission of antibodies to the baby.
8. Breast Abscess
If mastitis is not managed on time, or if it does not respond to the treatment, a breast abscess may be formed which may require drainage.
9. Latching Problem For The Baby
It takes a tie for the baby and the mother to get used to breastfeeding. If the child does not seem to be completely fed, it can be indicative of latching issues by the baby. You can try a better position and guide the child for feeding.
10. Excessive Breast Milk
Rarely, the mothers may produce excessive milk which the child feels unable to cope with. You can take the help of the nurse or midwife to know the cause and management. Changing the position of feeding may also help.
11. Breastfeeding And Tongue Tie
Literature shows that about 1 in 10 babies experience tongue ties in which the frenulum is smaller than normal. Some children may not have any difficulty but a few other babies may find it difficult to suckle while breastfeeding due to this. Tongue-tie can be managed by a pedodontist or an ENT surgeon.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding complications are common in nature and do not possess any serious effect in most cases. You can consult a specialist online through online medical platforms to know more about this condition.
