Being a mother is not an easy task, giving birth to your little one is one aspect that brings yours pregnancy to a beautiful closure. Breastfeeding is the one among the several milestones that you need to cross during motherhood, it is a journey with many ups and downs.
But those initial days might stress you out making you feel like there are more ups and downs than expected. Don’t worry! Ultimately it will get easier with time and practice.
Some of the common problems faced by mother’s during breastfeeding are:
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Problem regarding latching
The main cause of your breastfeeding pain might be the fact that your baby is not latching correctly/properly. While latching your baby must have the large portion of the lower part of the areola in their mouth. In a non-scientific language, the dark skin around the nipple.
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Cracked/sore nipples
Sore or cracked nipples may be seen as a result of improper breast latching. During breastfeeding, if your baby is not correctly latched on to your nipples, it might cause soreness as a result of friction on nipple when your baby’s mouth chafes are moved against the skin. To avoid this soreness try helping your baby latch on your breasts correctly.
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Less/low milk supply
There are many factors that can cause less/low milk supply during breastfeeding. One such factor is waiting for too long to breastfeed, breastfeeding must be done more often inorder to ensure proper supply of milk to your baby during breastfeeding. Sometimes medications and previous breast surgeries may also cause inadequate milk supply during breastfeeding.
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Clogged or plugged milk ducts
The root cause of this problem are the factors which are preventing the breast from draining completely. These factors might be pressure on your breasts causes due to wearing tight sports bra or too frequently feeding. Plugged/Clogged ducts can also be called as mastitis. Some times it can also be caused by the way you feed your baby.
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Fungal infection like thrush
Thrush is a type of fungal infection. Mostly a yeast infection. It may occur in breastfeeding women nipples and sometimes in the breastfed babies mouth. Thrush infections usually happen when your nipples get damaged or cracked enabling the candida fungus to get into your nipple. Due to this you may not be able to feed your baby properly.
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Nursing strike
nursing strike usually happens when your breastfed baby suddenly refuses to feed, after breastfeeding properly and well for several months.
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Hard or full breasts
When the milks enters your breasts it becomes firmer and fuller. This should pass without any problems if your baby is feeding properly and frequently. Breast engorgement is a condition which occurs when your baby is not feeding well and your breasts becomes rock hard and tender. To overcome breast engorgement feed your baby frequently and if the problem isn’t solved try consulting a doctor.
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Leaking breasts
Milk leaking breasts are very very common during the early days of breastfeeding, once your milk has come in. When your feeding your baby with one breast, you may notice leak from the other breast. To overcome this problem try using a nursing pad inside your bra.
However, your breastfeeding challenges might be different from the ones mentioned. Don’t be discouraged! You can consult your doctor or trained midwife to help you with your breastfeeding.