A Look At Breast Feeding Problems
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Breast feeding problems are more common than you may think, and should be reported to your midwife or health visitor who will be able to advise you of the best things that you can do.
Breastfeeding pain can be associated with a number of problems, and mastitis in breastfeeding can be an alarming experience. The thing to remember is that it's not the end of the world, and there are normally ways to sort out any breastfeeding problems that you will encounter.
Lets take a closer look at breastfeeding problems that you may experience.
Breast feeding problems - Breast feeding pain
- Mastitis. This is caused by the milk ducts being blocked. It can be vary painful for you and even lead to feeling like you have a bout of the the flu,with high temperature and shivering. You should check to make sure that when feeding your baby, he is positioned and attached correctly to the breast. If you have mastitis you will normally be given a course of antibiotics. It is important that you continue to breast feed during this time.
- Blocked milk ducts. This can be a lump in your breast that may be painful. You may also notice a red or inflamed patch on your skin near to the lump. If this happens then check with your health provider. Normally positioning of your baby and attachment to your nipple can help to eliminate this problem. Engorgement, failure to empty your breasts, and poor fitting bra's may also be a contributor to this problem.
- Cracked or bleeding nipples. One of the most common breast feeding problems. This normally occurs when your baby doesn't latch on properly. This can cause extreme pain for you and you may see deep cracks around your nipples. Lanolin, and natural nipple butter can help to ease this problem. The only way to stop the problem is to make sure that baby is positioned properly for a feed, and latches onto your breast in the proper way.
- Breast engorgement. Another of the more common breast feeding problems, this occurs when your breasts contain too much milk. You may feel pain or even feel a throbbing sensation in your breasts. It may be that you are not breastfeeding your baby enough, or you may have blocked milk ducts.
Breast feeding problems - The other stuff
- Inverted nipples can cause a problem with feeding your baby. Inverted nipples don't point outwards, but are sunken in. There are products out there to help with this problem.
- Thrush. Pain, a burning sensation and redness, or even a white patchy appearance to the breast. You may notice that your baby has a white tongue. See your GP if you think thrush may be a problem, as both yourself and your baby will need to be treated.
- Milk supply. Positioning and attachment to the nipple can cause low milk supply if they are not correct. See your health visitor who can help with positioning your baby correctly at your breast.
Like all things in life, breastfeeding may bring problems. Your midwife will be there when your baby is newly born to help with any questions and problems that you have. After your midwife has passed you onto your health visitor she can help with continual breastfeeding care.
And try to remember (although it may be hard at the time) Breastfeeding benefits will outweigh any breast feeding problems that you may encounter.
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