Breastfeeding Problems
When everything’s going right, breastfeeding is easy. It’s convenient, soothing, and effortless. But occasionally things do go wrong, and it can be difficult to get back on track again. Here are a few common problems, how to spot them, and solutions.
Dehydration
New mothers always worry about the baby getting enough milk. Breasts aren’t like bottles, after all. They don’t come with a gauge on the side to measure how many ounces are left. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, especially in the first few weeks and on hot days. After the first day or two, a baby should be producing six to eight wet diapers (five or six disposables) and two to five bowel movements every 24 hours. Other symptoms of dehydration: sleeping more than usual, skin that doesn’t flatten out immediately when gently pinched, sunken fontanels, an absence of tears, and a dry mouth. But don’t wait for more than one of these symptoms to develop before seeking help. If you suspect your newborn isn’t wetting enough diapers, call a pediatrician immediately.
If dehydration is caught early, treatment may be as simple as visiting a lactation consultant to improve nursing habits. Occasionally a baby will need to be hospitalized and rehydrated with an IV. Don’t let this set back turn you away from breastfeeding, though. There are many ways to increase your milk supply and get more of it into the baby.
Sore, bleeding, cracked nipples
Most women will experience sore nipples in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. They’re getting used to doing a new job. It also takes a while to get the latch just right to avoid further irritation. This is usually a temporary annoyance. Avoid getting soap on the nipples while bathing or showering. Massage some breast milk into them after each feeding and let air-dry – breast milk has oils to moisurize and antibacterial properties will prevent infections and promote healing. You can also apply lanolin cream to soothe them, and there’s no need to wash it off before nursing.
Occasionally nipples will become cracked and may even bleed. This is often caused by latch and positioning problems, and a visit to the lactation consultant can help. To give nipples a chance to heal, alter the baby’s position with each feeding to change the part of the nipple that the baby’s mouth is contacting. Alternate between the three basic positions: “football” hold, “cradle” hold, and the side-lying position. Make sure the baby takes in as much as the areola as possible. Don’t be afraid to break the latch and try again if it’s uncomfortable. Insert a finger into the side of baby’s mouth to break the suction before pulling away.
Thrush
One cause of sore nipples and painful breasts is Thrush, which is caused by the same fungus that gives women vaginal yeast infections. As well as making nursing painful for the mother, it can also cause the baby to be reluctant to nurse because of soreness in the mouth. Symptoms of thrush: red, flaky, itching nipples; cracked nipples; pain in the breast during or after feeding; a vaginal yeast infection; diaper rash; and white patches on the inside of baby’s mouth.
You can continue to nurse with thrush and while being treated. Prevent thrush by eating yogurt containing acidophilus cultures, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, washing toys and all nipples and pump parts in boiling water daily, washing hands frequently, and cutting down on sugar consumption. Thrush can be treated with a topical application of acidophilus yogurt, gentian violet, or an antifungal medicine administered by a physician.
Plugged Ducts
If you experience a sore, tender spot or lump in your breast, and no fever is present, you may have a plugged milk duct. They usually come on gradually, and are sometimes caused by constrictive clothing (tight or underwire bras, for example), or can happen when the baby isn’t nursing as much as usual.
To treat a plugged duct, apply heat with a warm bath, shower, or heating pad and massage the affected area before nursing or pumping. Nurse or pump on the affected side first, changing positions occasionally to promote adequate milk drainage.
Mastitis
Plugged ducts can sometimes lead to mastitis, which is a breast infection. If your breast soreness or lump is accompanied by a fever of over 101 degrees and flu-like symptoms, contact your physician immediately. You will probably be prescribed an antibiotic, and should begin feeling better within a couple of days. Continue breastfeeding as usual.
Nursing Strikes
Babies usually don’t self-wean before nine months of age, and do so gradually. If your baby suddenly decides he wants nothing to do with the breast, chances are he’s on a nursing strike. There are several reasons why your baby may go on strike, such as teething pain, an illness or injury that makes nursing uncomfortable. If you’re having severe stress or anxiety, the baby may be reacting to that. Or perhaps the baby bit you, causing a strong reaction, and the baby was frightened.
Romancing baby back to the breast can take patience and persistence, but it’s worth the trouble. Seek medical attention if an injury or illness is causing the strike. Take extra time to cuddle with the baby. Nurse in a quiet, dim room to minimize distractions, and try nursing when the baby’s sleepy. If you need to express milk, feed the baby with a cup or spoon instead of a bottle to avoid nipple confusion.
It’s quite possible to get through years of breastfeeding without having any of these problems. But if they do occur, these basic guidelines and tips should help you recognize them and know when to seek help. If you have any questions or need assistance with breastfeeding, contact your physician, a lactation consultant, or your local chapter of La Leche League.
Author:
Baby First Year
