A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding/What are some suggestions for common breastfeeding problems?

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Suggestions for Common Problems


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

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]


Leaking

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

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

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

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

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.