5 Problems That Can Arise From Breastfeeding And Its Solutions

Knowing the problems that can arise from breastfeeding can help you prevent or solve them.

There is no better food for your baby than the milk your body produces after giving birth. Breastfeeding your newborn should be soothing and stress-free, not scaring you or giving you trauma.

Choosing to feed your baby with breast milk is an excellent decision, but learning to breastfeed can be difficult. The problems that can occur during breastfeeding increase the risk of early weaning.

In the following list, you will see the most common problems you may face at the beginning of breastfeeding:

Poor grip on the nipple

One of the biggest problems that can arise from breastfeeding is poor grip on the nipple.

Problem : the baby does not suck properly on the breast because he only takes the nipple with his lips, which can trigger other problems.

Solution : use your index and middle fingers as a clamp to grasp the nipple and insert it softly into the baby’s mouth. You need to make sure that the nipple and most of the nipple are in your mouth.

Abundant or poor production of breast milk

Problem : Hormonal changes increase or decrease breast milk production during the first months after delivery.

Solution : let the baby’s needs regulate the mother’s milk production. When it is assumed that the production is abundant, it is recommended to offer the child only one breast per feeding.

The key to naturally stimulating the production of breast milk is otherwise to give the breast free when the baby wants it.

Tip : How do you know if you are producing the right amount of breast milk for your baby? You should evaluate whether your baby often fills the diaper according to his age. Also, make sure that your child is holding the right weight. If so, you have nothing to worry about.

3. Rejection of the breast

Problem : the baby rejects the breast for one of the following reasons:

• Bad experience due to poor grip on the nipple or poor position.
• The baby has already been given bottle food and finds it strenuous to suck the milk out of your breast.
• Maybe the child feels an unpleasant odor or taste caused by products you use on your skin, such as a perfume or lotion.

Solution : Avoid using skin care products on your breasts and continue to offer the breast to your baby. Also do not use bottles and pacifiers. Be patient and place your baby on your chest for as long as you need to stimulate the sucking reflex.

Cracked and sore nipples

Problem : the cause of this common problem is that the baby is poorly placed on the breast or sucks incorrectly.

Solution : try breastfeeding in different ways until you find a position where you both feel comfortable. To make it easier for milk to drain, it is recommended that you apply warm cloths to a breast before breastfeeding. This helps to avoid the little pain that occurs when the baby starts to suck.

You can also use a few drops of your own breast milk as a lubricant in the area, or use breastfeeding-safe creams to restore the tissue and prevent it from cracking more.

5. Milk congestion

Problem : the affected breast is overloaded by a blocked milk duct, or it takes too long between each breastfeeding. The warm breast milk is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause an infection.

Symptoms of mastitis: the area feels warm to the touch, hard, sensitive, tender and there may be redness, fever and congestion.

Solution: the best solution to this problem is the baby’s recurring sucking. It is important to clarify that the infection will not harm your baby. It is also recommended that you consult a doctor who can prescribe antibiotics so that you can fight the infection internally.

It is perfectly normal to go through problems that arise from breastfeeding and should not discourage you.

Every inconvenience has a solution. Many times the solution is much simpler than you might think. You just have to be very patient and optimistic and you will most likely overcome it.