Breastfeeding can be a challenging task for many new moms. First-time mothers are more likely to face problems during nursing as they are totally inexperienced. However, these problems can be easily overcome with some professional help and little care.

If you are determined to breastfeed your baby, you can speak to a lactation consultant or a gynecologist about your concerns and resolve the issues at an early stage. In fact, it is a great idea to begin nursing your baby in the hospital itself, as you can easily get started with the guidance of nurses and lactation experts.

Many new mothers experience some breastfeeding problems. These are very common, especially to the mothers who have given birth for the first time. Of course, breastfeeding requires time and practice for the new mothers to adjust. Once the adjustment process is over, it will surely be a joyous time for the mother and baby during the breastfeeding period. Below are some of the most common breastfeeding problems that may arise in the first few weeks after delivery.

#Sore Nipples

Sore nipples are another common complaint of lactating mothers. This usually arises when the baby does not latch on properly, and your nipples get cracked, blistered, bruised, irritated, etc. If the pain and redness continue for more than two days, it is recommended to seek a lactation consultant’s help.

Every new mother needs to learn about proper nipple care to make breastfeeding comfortable and enjoyable. Since nipple soreness is a common concern that makes the feeding sessions extremely painful during the first few weeks of lactation, a breastfeeding mom should start caring for nipples during pregnancy. Treatment for this includes:

• Express milk from the affected breast first.
• Dry your nipples after every feed.
• Wear lightweight and breathable feeding dresses to ensure proper air circulation to your breasts.
• Change the position during feeding so that the pressure is equally distributed to different parts of the areola.
• If your nipple is very sore, try a sombrero shield.

Sore nipples need special care. So a breastfeeding mom should use a nipple care cream while frequently changing her bras and nursing pads. Moreover, she should not wear synthetic bras while restricting chemical-based soaps and lotions on the breasts.

#Improper Positioning of Baby

Adequate positioning of the baby is as vital for the mother as for the baby. Improper positioning of the newborn during feeds is also one of the major causes of nipple pain. So if you are suffering from this problem, you must try different feeding positions and techniques like breaking the suctions in between and latching the baby adequately.

#Less Milk Production

A mother’s body produces milk according to the demands of the baby. However, a lack of sufficient nutrition and fluids in the body may affect a mom’s milk-producing capacity. The milk supply is likely to settle down as per the baby’s requirements within a few weeks of birth, and a mother can boost her milk production by taking enough rest, eating well, drinking more water, and increasing the frequency of her feeding sessions. Expressing the milk with a breast pump can also help a mother increase her milk supply.

Breast fullness, infections, and engorgement are other problems a mother faces during the lactation period. Thankfully, all these difficulties can be overcome with some preventive measures and adequate care.

#Breast Engorgement

This is commonly found in women in the early days after birth and late in the postpartum. The swelling of the breasts causes this due to the increased production of milk. The best way to avoid this is by feeding the baby as often as you can. If the problem still persists, then express the milk out with the help of a breast pump.

The engorgement in some women may be severe, with unbearable pain in the breasts along with swelling. If the engorgements are late, you may try to relieve it using heat packs. You can also try the following tips to relieve breast engorgement:

• Try different breastfeeding positions.
• Latch the baby onto your breast correctly.
• Massage your breasts gently before feeding.
• Place an ice-pack wrapped in cloth under your bra to relieve pain and swelling.
• Wear a well-fitting, supportive nursing bra. Take it off entirely while you breastfeed.

#Plugged Ducts

Plugged ducts are developed when the milk stays stagnant in some ducts of the breasts. Usually, hard lumps are found in the area of the breasts where the duct is plugged. A possible common cause for this is the failure to empty the breasts. So, to avoid this, feed your baby as frequently as you can. Here are some tips to help you manage this condition:

• Breastfeed your baby often.
• Start feeding with the affected breast.
• Try changing the positions during breastfeeding.
• Avoid restrictive clothing and wearing bras with underwires.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Apply heat to the clogged area before feeding.
• Increase your fluid intake to stay well-hydrated.

#Mastitis

Mastitis is a condition that arises out of an infection in the breasts, and it appears in the form of redness, swelling, and tenderness in the breasts. The symptoms of Mastitis are exhibited in the form of fever, chill, or sometimes a flu-like feeling. However, this disturbance should not interrupt you from breastfeeding. To solve this problem, consult a physician for medical help.

If you notice the symptoms of Mastitis, you can try the following tips:

• Massage the affected area.
• Breastfeed on the affected side every two hours.
• Wear supportive, well-fitting nursing bras.
• Apply warm, moist compresses to the sore area.

Call your doctor if symptoms are getting worse or you don’t get relief within 24 hours after trying these tips.

Final Thoughts:-

When you are pregnant, many questions about the baby must pop into your head every time and every day. One of the scariest feelings is that you have to breastfeed your child. Some women think that it’s awkward; some feel that it’s painful, and so on. There is no end to their fear, but you know what, it is very easy, natural, and a thing that you would want to cherish your whole life.