OPTIMUM breast-feeding is generally acknowledged as the most effective way to feed and nourish an infant, as it protects the baby and the mother, as well, against a variety of health problems. Nonetheless, huge numbers of mothers who enthusiastically commenced breast-feeding stop before the suggested minimum of exclusive breast-feeding for six months. Oftentimes, mothers prefer to discontinue the habit because some challenges try to defy and interfere with their ability to breast-feed.
While the huge advantages of breastfeeding are certainly clear and understandable to the rest of us, the manner of nursing babies doesn’t go smooth all the time. Fortunately, common challenges and troubles of breast-feeding and several methods in overcoming these obstacles are already in the internet for everybody’s sake. In line with this, below are common breast-feeding challenges and difficulties, as well as coping procedures, according to webmd.com web site.
Sore nipples. During the initial week of breast-feeding, some soreness is anticipated to rise. As a mother aiming to prevent sore nipples, you have to ensure that your baby latches on properly, and use one finger to break the suction of your baby’s mouth after each feeding. If you still acquire sore nipples, be sure that you nurse with your breast abundantly to empty the milk ducts. If you don’t, your breasts will become engorged, enlarged, and aching. Holding ice or a bag of frozen peas against sore nipples can momentarily relieve pain and discomfort. Maintaining your nipples dry and letting them “air dry” between feedings helps, too. Your baby tends to suck more vigorously at the start. Thus, begin feedings with the less-sore nipple.
Dry, cracked nipples. Soaps, perfumed creams and lotions with alcohol make nipples dry and cracked. As a result, you should be wholly avoiding them. You can gently apply pure lanolin to your nipples after feeding, but you have to make sure you softly clean the lanolin off ahead of breast-feeding again. Changing your bra pads frequently will help your nipples stay dry. Cotton bra pads should only be used.
Worries about producing milk. When a baby wets six to eight diapers a day, most likely he or she should get adequate milk. This is according to the accepted general principle. Supplementing your breast milk with formula should be avoided and refrain from giving your infant plain water. Your body necessitates the recurrent and regular demand of your baby’s nursing to keep producing milk. A number of women mistakenly think they can’t breast-feed if they have small breasts. But, the amount of milk small-breasted women can produce is just the same as to large-breasted women. Good nutrition, plenty of rest, and staying well dehydrated all help, too.
Pumping and storing milk. You can get breast milk by hand or pump and push it with a breast pump. It may take days or weeks for your baby to get familiarized to breast milk in the bottle. If you are going back to work, it is advisable to practice early. Breast milk can be carefully used within two days if it is stored in a refrigerator. You can chill breast milk up to six months. Don’t warm up or soften frozen breast milk in a microwave because that will devastate some of its immune-boosting qualities. Thaw in the refrigerator or in a bowl of warm water.
Inverted nipples. An inverted nipple doesn’t poke forward when you touch the areola, the dark skin around the nipple. A lactation consultant, known to be a specialist in the breast-feeding education, can provide plain and simple tips that have permitted women with inverted nipples to breast-feed productively.
Breast engorgement. Breast richness is natural and healthy. It transpires as your breasts become full of milk, staying soft and flexible. But breast engorgement means the blood vessels in your breast have become jam-packed. This traps fluid in your breasts and makes them feel hard, painful and swollen. It can also help in releasing your milk by hand or use a breast pump.
Blocked ducts. A single sore spot on your breast, which maybe red and not, can indicate a blocked milk duct. This can repeatedly be relieved by warm compresses and gentle massage over the area to discharge the blockage. More frequent nursing can also help out.
Breast infection (mastitis). This seldom results when bacteria enter the breasts, often through a crack nipple after breast-feeding. If you have a sore area on your breast along with flu-like symptoms, fever and fatigue, call your doctor or other health professionals. Antibiotics are typically needed to sort out a breast infection, but you can probably continue to breast-feed while you have the infection and take antibiotics. To relieve breast tenderness, apply moist heat to the sore area four times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time.
Stress. Excessive anxiety and stress can greatly affect your let-down reflex. That is your body’s natural release of milk into milk ducts. It is inspired by hormones released when your baby nurses. It can also be triggered just by hearing your baby cry or thinking about your baby. Keep on being as relaxed and calm as possible before and during the nursing so it can help your milk let down and flow more effortlessly. In return, it can also help calm and relax your infant.
Premature babies may not be able to breast-feed immediately. In some scenarios, mothers can release breast milk and feed it through a bottle or feeding tube.