A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding/Suggestions for Common Breastfeeding Problems

Suggestions for Common Problems

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How do I know by baby is eating enough?

• Watch for good weight gain, urine output and sleeping after feeding
• If you have questions, ask your doctor

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Painful breastfeeding

This is often more of a problem early on, and tends to get better

• Use lotion on nipples and breasts to avoid cracking of skin
• Use pump several times a day instead of baby early on if painful

Breastfeeding Remedies for Sore Nipples (Click Here) --> [1]

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Leaking

• This is a common problem, and usually cannot be helped
• Use bra pads regularly to cut down on the wetness

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Engorgement

This is when the breasts are full of milk and swollen

• It occurs often the first week or so into breastfeeding
• Use a breast pump or hands to express milk between feedings
• Talk with your doctor about pain medicines to use
• Sometimes a good bra that gives support helps

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Mastitis

This is usually an infection of the breast tissue

• It is where part of the breast is usually red, painful and warm
• You can still feed baby, as the milk itself is not infected
• Often, antibiotics are needed, so talk to your doctor quickly

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Weaning

This is where you start to get the baby to stop breastfeeding

• It is best to wait until at least 6 months, and even better, 12 months old
• Start by exchanging one breastfeeding every 2 or 3 days with a cup, bottle or baby food instead
• Over two or three weeks, get to the point that there is only 1 or 2 breast feedings per day, with all the other feedings from a cup or bottle
• Leave the bedtime feeding for last, and finally stop that one too
• Use a tight fitting bra to help with breast pain and swelling

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References

Davidson, M., London, M., & Ladewig, P. (2008). Newborn Nutrition. In Maura Conner (Ed.), Olds' maternal-newborn nursing & women's health across the lifespan (8th ed., Rev., pp. 890-927). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.