5 Common Breastfeeding Problems and How to Fix Them
There’s a reason why breastfeeding is considered to be one of the most natural acts in the world. A lot of first-time moms find it easy to get started with breastfeeding, and the initial few days usually go smoothly. However, some difficulties creep up sooner or later in almost every mom.
Luckily, most of these problems are temporary and you will probably get back on track soon enough. However, if you find yourself stuck and unable to troubleshoot any of these issues in your own capacity, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from a lactation consultant or ask another trusted mom for her help and advice. Read on to know about some common breastfeeding problems that new moms commonly face, along with their solutions:
Milk Producing Issue
One of the most common breastfeeding problems is the inability to produce sufficient amounts of milk. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, and it is usually temporary. Some of the most common reasons for this issue are a mom’s diet, her breastfeeding position, her lifestyle, her nursing frequency, and her baby’s sucking technique.
Some moms may also have medical conditions like PCOS or diabetes, which can cause insufficient milk production. You can try out a few simple techniques to solve this issue and make sure that your baby doesn’t go hungry while you wait for your milk production to kick in.
The first and most important thing that you need to do is to stay calm. This is especially important if you’ve just given birth for the first time. Don’t worry about the fact that you aren’t producing enough milk. Instead, focus on feeding your baby as frequently as you can. Frequent feedings will ensure that your baby gets all the nutrients that he or she needs to grow and thrive.
Baby Is Constantly Hungry Or Has Trouble Latching
Some babies have a very strong urge to feed, and they will constantly suck on their mother’s nipples even when they are not hungry. This is caused by the fact that they are not latching properly while they’re feeding. The baby might be pressing against the mother’s breast in a way that blocks their nipple, or they might have a shallow latch. A baby that is constantly hungry or has trouble latching may be trying to tell you that they feel pain while they’re feeding.
When a baby is latched incorrectly, they can get blocked milk ducts and experience discomfort. If the baby is pressing against the mother’s breast very forcefully, they can even cause the mother’s nipples to become sore and cracked. Babies who have a shallow latch will feed for a long time without receiving enough milk, and they can become hungry again soon after the first feeding. If you think that your baby isn’t latching correctly, you can try to reposition them. The best breastfeeding position is the “football hold.” You can also use a nipple shield if your baby is pressing against your breast. Another option is to pump your breast milk into a bottle and feed it to your baby that way until you figure out the problem.
Baby Has Diarrhea Or Is Constantly Constipated
If your baby is suffering from diarrhea or is constantly constipated, it is possible that they are allergic to your breast milk. Some babies have colic and are in pain while they are feeding, and this can cause them to have loose stool or diarrhea.
If you notice that your baby is constantly in pain while they are feeding, you will have to adjust their position. If diarrhea or constipation is causing your baby discomfort, they might be having a sensitivity to your breast milk. You can try switching to formula if your baby has diarrhea or is constantly constipated. If your baby is having diarrhea, you can try adding more fluids to your baby’s diet. If your baby is constipated, you can add more fiber to their diet. Breast milk is recommended for babies until they are about one year old, so you don’t have to switch to formula right away if your baby has a sensitivity to your milk.
Baby Has Chapped Nipples
If you’re unable to breastfeed exclusively, one of the first breastfeeding problems that you’ll encounter is chapped nipples. Chapped nipples are caused by frequent exposure to air or an imbalance of bacteria in the baby’s gut. You can prevent this issue by applying a good nipple cream or oil to the nipples while you feed your baby. If you have chapped nipples, you can try to soothe them with a few home remedies. You can apply coconut oil to the nipples before and after each feeding, or you can use breast milk to soothe them. You can also apply lanolin to the nipples for a few days until they heal.
Your Nipples Are Injured Or Bruised
If you experience pain in your nipples while you’re breastfeeding, they might be bruised or injured. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as breastfeeding too frequently, your baby’s sucking technique, or an incorrect breastfeeding position. If you notice that your nipples are injured or bruised, try to slow down the feeding process. You can also try switching your baby’s position. If you’re still having problems, you can ask your doctor or a lactation consultant for help.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, but it’s not always easy. You may have to deal with a few breastfeeding problems, but you can overcome them as long as you stay calm and don’t give up. Remember that breastfeeding is normal and natural, and it’s also the best source of nutrition for your baby. Try not to be too hard on yourself if you encounter a few problems. Instead, focus on solving them as quickly as you can, and don’t forget to ask for help if you need it.