Solving Common Breastfeeding Problems For First Time Mothers

By Mayra Pierce


There are instances when it comes to mothers who have their first child, that they only realize the advices from doctors in breastfeeding when they actually start doing it. This is still regarded as the best means in nurturing the baby. This is also the joy for mothers and their moment to bond with their babies.

There are many challenges that mothers undergo from conception to nurturing the babies. The overwhelming responsibility and work makes them risky to have most of the common breastfeeding problems. Although it is only natural that the doctors would be there to help as well as the family, but it is much better that the mother know themselves what to do in case of these problems.

There are latching pains that may happen for the mother. This is either caused by incorrect positioning of the mouth or by some other underlying causes. First, you need to remove the latch by sliding one finger and letting the baby release the latch. You can either wait for them to yawn or tickle their chins so you can reposition and have them latch again.

Cracked nipples could mean that there are latching problems, dry skin, thrush, or incorrect pumping of the breast. This could be an symptoms to other worse cases, but before that you need to do some initial adjustments by doing the same repositioning. You can also let the cracks heal through either water or with the milk. Do not even try to use other moisturizers.

If the ducts are clogged and then if there is also a feeling of feverish temperature and aching breasts, then it could be a sign of an infection. But if it is only a bearable sore and redness, you can do some warm compress to ease the pain. Also, massaging it gently would let the milk flow better as well.

Sometimes the lactating can come in large amounts which makes it difficult for the baby to feed or properly latch. Try hand expressing first which controls the flow and softens the breast. The more you nurse, it is less likely for your breast to get engorged.

There are cases when the breast is infected with bacteria, which causes Mastitis. It gives pains on the breast and accompanied with fever, too. The way to solve this is by taking in antibiotics, applying hot compression, and let the milk be expressed frequently.

Yeast and fungi may cause thrush which gives of a nasty rash and annoying itchiness. This is likely first found on the mouth and lips of the infant which tends to be passed towards the breasts of the lactating mother. Have this checked by the doctor to get recommendations on the anti fungal medicines that you can use. Also, the application is both on the mouth of the baby and then the breasts.

There are times when the breast would feel like there are small needles poking it, but this is quite normal. But if it lasts longer than a few minutes and the pain tends to become unbearable, this is already a sign for an infection. Ask help from your doctor in order to know what kind of infection this is and to get a prescription.




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