Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it doesn’t come without challenges and lots of disappointments. Yes, breastfeeding can be very challenging—especially in the first few weeks. But like learning a new skill, it will take patience and a lot of getting used to for both you and your new bundle of joy.
Don’t worry, mama! While breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, it doesn’t come easy for many new moms like you. Ahead, we list down some of the common problems you may encounter and how you can solve them.
1. Painful Latch
A good latch is crucial in breastfeeding as a poorly-latched baby will not be able to get enough milk. Your first few tries are expected to hurt, but breastfeeding overall isn’t supposed to hurt. Check if your baby is properly positioned to achieve a deep latch—their mouth should cover more of the areola below the nipple rather than above it and you should feel your nipple towards the back of their mouth.
If you notice your little bean isn’t latching well onto the breast, remove them from your breast and get them to latch again. If it continues to be painful, you may need to seek help from a lactation consultant.
2. Engorgement
After your baby is born, your body prepares to ramp up milk production, which in turn causes changes in your breasts. Engorgement happens when your breasts feel uncomfortably full because of high milk supply. So don’t be surprised if they seem to be more swollen than usual. The solution? Try feeding more frequently (even when your baby is not yet very hungry) or pump if you need to.
3. Milk Leakage
This usually happens to mamas who are new to breastfeeding because their body is still adjusting to the process of milk production. Milk leakage can be prevented by breastfeeding more often and not letting too much time pass in between sessions. You can use disposable nursing pads to absorb the milk and prevent it from leaking further.
4. Sore or Cracked Nipples
This is common in the first few days of breastfeeding, so in a way, this problem also tests how much a mama wants to continue with the journey. Sore nipples can be caused by a number of factors, including improper latch, incorrect position of your baby, inverted nipples, or a tongue-tied baby. You need to identify what is causing yours to address the issue. But the key is to keep on feeding.
Wash your nipples with water and apply lanolin cream after feeding. You can also use a nipple shield if it’s painful to nurse the baby. And did you know you can put your breastmilk on your nipples to treat them?
5. Clogged Milk Ducts
Your milk ducts can become clogged if milk doesn’t flow completely from your breasts due to a blockage or lack of drainage. An area of the breast feels swollen, sore, and lumpy when you are experiencing this.
Your breasts will fill up in between your baby’s feeds, so it’s important to avoid tight bras and to empty the breasts completely during breastfeeding. Say no to missed feeding and have your little one feed from both breasts throughout the day to avoid plugged ducts. You can also gently massage the swollen area in long, firm strokes towards the nipple. Do not ignore this problem as it can lead to mastitis.
6. Breast Infections
Breastfeeding is already challenging enough, so you’d want to avoid any more hassle in the form of breast infections like mastitis and thrush.
Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue due to clogged ducts, engorgement, or cracked nipples, and is characterized by flu-like symptoms and swollen and painful breasts. You will be advised to take antibiotics and you can continue to breastfeed. You can also use hot or cold compress over the affected breast.
Thrush, on the other hand, is a yeast infection that can affect both you and your little one. You’ll notice this when your baby exhibits fussy behavior as they feel the pain of red or white spots on their tongue or inner cheek, while you feel a burning sensation in your nipple area. Thrush can be treated with antifungal medication that should be applied on your baby’s mouth or tongue and your nipples.
7. Low milk supply
Milk production is a process that may take time to stabilize. You might experience producing only a small amount of milk in the first few days due to the hormonal changes your body is going through. To ensure that your milk production will be on track, take care of your own body by eating well, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress as much as possible. Build up your milk production by feeding your baby on demand instead of just a fixed schedule. If you suspect that you may have a milk production problem, seek the help of a lactation consultant or specialist.
8. Sleep deprivation
Feeding on demand may mean less shut-eye for you, mama. It can be more exhausting if you’ve just given birth and are still recovering. There are many ways you can ensure you still get enough ZZZs and rest when breastfeeding, such as nursing on your side, pumping breast milk, and more.
