:: Family Resource Corner ::

If the baby is teething, use a pain reliever on his gums to ease the pain while he breastfeeds. To avoid having the baby’s attention diverted to other activities or to alleviate over-simulation, breastfeed the baby in a room that is quiet and free of distractions. When the baby has a cold and is having difficulty breathing and nursing, try an alternative method such as using a cup or spoon to feed him your breast milk.

Nipple Size and Shape

Sometimes having very large nipples, inverted nipples, or flat nipples makes it difficult for the baby to latch on.
Usually, when a mother’s nipples are large the baby will improve his latching on as he grows bigger. There is a device that can be used for mothers with inverted nipples which helps pull out the nipple right before breastfeeding. Flat nipples pose the fewest problems. As long as the baby can get enough of the areola in his mouth he should obtain a good latch on.
If you have problems breastfeeding because of nipple size or shape, you should discuss it with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Breast Engorgement

Most women experience increased breast size and tenderness when breastfeeding. If the breasts become hard and painful, the mother has a fever, and/or the baby is having difficulty latching on, engorgement may be occurring.

Engorgement is usually caused by:

» Waiting too long before breastfeeding your newborn
» Not breastfeeding often enough
» Not emptying the breasts each time
» Poor latch on or positioning

To minimize the chances of engorgement:

» Make sure the baby is latching on properly
» Allow the baby to nurse as long as he wants
» After the baby stops nursing, make sure the breasts are empty

Treating breast engorgement:

» Apply cold compresses
» Let out a small amount of milk from breasts before nursing
» Wear a supportive nursing bra
» Take an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibruprofen

If the engorgement does not go away within a couple of days, consult your doctor.

Breastfeeding Challenges

Many women have minor problems with breastfeeding, especially if it is their first time. Most of these problems can be overcome. Some of the problems may include sore nipples, engorgement, plugged ducts, etc. Knowing the proper techniques and what some of the problems may be ahead of time will help alleviate those problems.

Some of the most common breastfeeding problems are:

» Sore Nipples
» Baby’s Refusal To Nurse
» Nipple Size and Shape
» Breast Engorgement

Sore Nipples

Although some tenderness is expected at first, the soreness should go away in a week or two. The main cause of prolonged nipple soreness is poor latch-on and positioning.
Make sure that the baby is positioned in one of the four recommended breastfeeding positions (cradle hold, cross cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position). Try a different position each time you breastfeed if your nipples become too sore.

Check to see if the baby has the nipple and as much as possible of the areola (the area surrounding the nipple) in his mouth. Sucking on the just the nipple will cause increased tenderness.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing that puts pressure on your nipples. Use plain water to clean the nipples and a lanoline lotion afterward.

Baby’s Refusal To Nurse

Sometimes, the baby will refuse to nurse even though he has been nursing for several months. Common causes for this behavior are:

» A sore mouth from teething or thrush
» Being distracted by what’s going on around him
» Difficulty in breathing due to having a cold
» Over-stimulation or stress

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