6 Breastfeeding Problems And How To Solve Them

Breastfeeding is not only important with respect to baby’s requirement for nutrition and immunity, it is also an emotional component that fulfils both mom and baby. Breastfeeding is important but not an easy task. Many new mothers face challenges while breastfeeding their newborn baby.

Here in this blog, you will find some breastfeeding problems and ways to solve them.

If the below-mentioned ideas and solution don’t work for you then please consult a lactation expert for an expert advice and guidance.

Baby doesn’t latch properly

A proper latch is an important part of the breastfeeding. You may feel pain in your nipples if your baby is not latching correctly. To solve this breastfeeding problem, it is vital to hold your baby in a correct way. According to several lactation experts, if the baby is in a right position, a proper latch is obtained, breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both mom and for a baby. To ensure a good latch, follow these simple techniques:

• Make yourself comfortable with a proper back support so that this process does not strain your neck and shoulders.
• Prefer to use breastfeeding pillows as it helps in getting the baby in a proper position to latch well.
• For breastfeeding, bring your baby to you instead of leaning towards your baby.
• Hold your breast and take the nipple to the baby’s mouth.
• The baby should be in a tilted position so that the swallowing becomes easier.
• When your baby opens his mouth dropping his jaw and tongue down, allow him to latch your nipple for feeding. If your baby does not open up his mouth with tongue down, then do not force him. Simply tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple and wait for his widely openly mouth.

Baby sleeps while taking breastfeed

This is quite common and usual breastfeeding problem. Almost every newborn baby sleep while taking a feed from his mother. A baby feels relaxed and secured in a mother’ arms. The best method to keep your baby awake to have a proper feed is to stroke the baby’s little ear gently (not so harshly) so that your baby will again start sucking milk. The second option is a mouthful of milk. Gently squeeze your breast with the help of your thumb and fingers to bring out the milk, your baby will respond that way and will again start sucking swallowing.

Breasts are engorged and swollen

Engorgement is painful and can be even more if your baby is latching on. However, to get relief from engorged breasts, breastfeeding or pumping out the milk is only the way. Engorgement happens due to the accumulation of milk in the breast tissue. You can try gently massaging your breasts or apply warm compress before feeding. This engorgement problem will go automatically once your body knows how much milk is needed by your baby.

Nipples are cracked

Cracked or bleeding nipples are not the normal sign of nursing. The main cause of cracked or bleeding nipples is the improper latch, which causes severe nipple pain. If you make a minor change in your breastfeeding position, you may observe a good relief from this breastfeeding problem.

Sometimes, improper usage of breast pumps also causes cracks and bleeding. Moreover, if your baby has a thrush (a yeast infection in a baby’s mouth), can pass it to you which can further lead to the painful nipples.

To get a cure, clean your nipples gently after each and ever feed to refrain yourself from any yeast infection. In addition, you can apply an antibacterial ointment to the cracked nipples. Do not forget to consult a lactation expert for having a better support and guidance.

Baby vomits after the feed

This is called reflux. Infants get reflux as their stomach is small like a size of a fist or a like a small ball, which gets fills up quickly. There is a valve where the esophagus meets the stomach, is usually not mature enough to work like actually it should. Once it gets matured by 4-5 months of baby age, this vomiting may get a stop. Note: Esophagus is a muscular tube which connects throat to the stomach.

The tips which you can follow to avoid spitting are as follows:

• Keep or hold your baby in an upright position for at least 15 to 20 minutes after feeding. If you are going to start travelling then wait for 30 minutes before keeping your baby in a car.
• Make sure you burp after each and feed. This helps the baby to release an excessive air which he may have gulped while sucking the milk.
• Do not give pressure on your baby’s tummy after breastfeeding. If you are willing to give him a body massage then wait for at least 30 minutes to get everything in a normal place.

If the above-mentioned tips don’t work for you, then you may consult with a paediatrician for medications that may help your baby. Otherwise, vomiting is not a matter to worry, if your baby is active and playing after vomiting. If he gets dull and tired then seek doctor’s advice.

Baby bites while taking feed

Babies start biting when they enter into the teething phase. Their gums start itching which compels them to bite anything which comes in contact with their gums. To prevent yourself from your baby’s bite try pulling your baby close to your breast when he bites. Your breast will make his nose blocked and he will instantly open up his mouth to breathe. Please remember, do not suffocate your baby by pressing him hard. Just bring him closer gently. Your baby is no way willing to hurt you.

So, here I have tried helping all new mommies to deal with some common breastfeeding problems. If these ideas and tricks do not work for you, then it is always good to seek a lactation expert’s advice. She is a correct person who can tailor their advice according to your situation.

Happy Breastfeeding!

Also read: Exclusively Breastfeeding? Tips For Nursing Mothers

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