Overcoming breastfeeding problems

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Breast feeding

Plugged milk ducts; Nipple soreness when breastfeeding; Breastfeeding - overcoming problems; Let-down reflex

Breastfeeding (nursing) your baby can be a comfortable and relaxing experience. But it takes time and practice. To encourage a comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience, get an early start in the hospital. Request the help of a lactation consultant or nurse to get you started with proper positioning and breast care.

NIPPLE SORENESS

It is common to have some pain or discomfort when your baby first latches on and begins feeding in the first few days or weeks. Some breastfeeding mothers describe nipple soreness as a pinching, itching, or burning sensation.

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For these common symptoms, ask for advice and stay with breastfeeding. Over time, you should feel little discomfort or pain when breastfeeding.

Nipple soreness may also be caused by not having the right:

• Feeding techniques
• Position of the baby when breastfeeding
• Nipple care

For many women, there is no clear cause of nipple soreness.

A simple change in your baby's position while feeding may relieve nipple soreness.

Nipple soreness may be caused by the baby continuing to suck as he or she comes off the breast. You can help your baby learn to release (and reduce your discomfort) by gently inserting a finger into the side of the mouth to break the suction.

Skin that is too dry or too moist can also cause nipple soreness. Moisture may be due to wearing bras made from man-made (synthetic) fabrics. These fabrics may increase sweating and slow evaporation. Using soaps or solutions that remove natural skin oils can cause dry skin.

• Ointments containing lanolin may be helpful for the care of dry or cracking nipples.
• Olive oil and expressed milk can also soothe sore nipples.

Nipple soreness can also be caused by your baby chewing or biting on the nipples. When your baby begins teething, the gums will swell, itch, and hurt. Biting and chewing seems to help relieve the baby's discomfort.

• To comfort your baby and reduce the desire to chew on or bite your breast, provide something cold and wet for the baby to chew on a few minutes before breastfeeding. A clean, wet washcloth from the refrigerator will work well for this purpose. The cold will help numb painful gums and may give your baby relief throughout the feeding.
• You may want to allow the infant to chew on another cold, wet washcloth before feeding on the other breast.