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