" Various breastfeeding problems and their solutions "

Who wants to give hischild lunchbox anddrinking bottle in thenursery bag probably appreciates the fact that the days of breastfeeding problems are over when your child couldn't tell you what the problem with feeding was. Breastfeeding is not always easy, especially for babies, and new mothers who find it difficult are generally in good company. A US study of more than 500 mothers found that 92% of women struggle with breastfeeding difficulties in the first few days and weeks. Fortunately, however, many initial problems can be solved relatively easily. In this article, we have briefly summarized the solutions to the most common breastfeeding problems.

The 5 most common breastfeeding difficulties and their solutions

1. difficulties with breastfeeding: Pain

Pain when breastfeeding is often caused by sore nipples. Inflammation can occur, especially when breast milk comes in during the first few days after the birth. Some mothers even report cracked and bleeding nipples. In such cases, it is very likely that the baby is not grasping the mother's nipple properly. In the best case scenario, the infant will take the entire lower areola into the mouth, with the nipple gently enclosed by the tongue and touching the palate.

Make sure that you adopt the correct breastfeeding position during breastfeeding so that your baby can grasp the nipple correctly. Keep changing your position: the best way to relieve the painful areas may be in a supine or cross-legged position, in a reclined position or by breastfeeding lying down.

breastfeeding pain

It is also important that you always clean the nipples afterwards with some damp absorbent cotton to remove any residue. Breast pads should be used to soak up any leaking milk. To soothe the irritated, dry skin around the nipples, a few drops of breast milk can work wonders. Pure lanolin is also excellent for soothing irritated areas.

2. difficulties with breastfeeding: The baby does not grasp the nipple properly

It is not uncommon for newborn babies to have difficulty grasping the nipple properly with their mouth. There are many reasons for this: perhaps you and your child simply need a little more time to adjust to each other or you may have inverted or flat nipples.

Here too, it is advisable to first change the breastfeeding position, as the baby needs to be able to relax while breastfeeding. Lying down to breastfeed is often helpful here so that the baby can fully relax. It's best to let your child choose their own position, as this allows their natural sucking reflexes to kick in so that they can reach your nipples more easily.

breastfeeding lying down

If, on the other hand, the cause is flat or inverted nipples, nipple shapers can help. These are simply inserted into the bra and exert slight pressure. This brings out the nipples and makes it easier for the child to feed. Many experts also recommend the temporary use of a nipple shield. This provides the baby with a firmer, larger attachment point.

3. difficulties with breastfeeding: Milk blockage

If one or more milk ducts are not emptied properly, this can lead to milk stasis. This is often accompanied by red, pressure-sensitive swelling and the breast feels warm. A common cause of this is stress. Your baby will find it difficult to express the stagnant milk on its own.

It is important that you take plenty of time for yourself and your baby if you have a milk blockage. Put your baby on about every 2 hours and try out different positions so that the breast can empty properly from all sides. In addition, it often helps if the breast is gently squeezed by hand so that the milk residue can be released.

Milk stagnation

If you subsequently feel sensitive pressure or even pain due to the engorged milk, cool the affected areas for a while. Cool compresses with cold curd cheese or cold white cabbage leaves from the fridge are a real miracle weapon here.

4. difficulties with breastfeeding: Not enough breast milk is being produced

Especially at the beginning, many women complain that breast milk is only produced in small quantities. This is due to hormonal changes, which only occur slowly. However, with each breastfeeding session, production is stimulated more and more.

Many women worry that their child is not getting enough milk in these first few days. However, a newborn baby's stomach is still very small, so the little ones only drink a little. You only really need to worry if your child loses more weight than you would expect or simply produces too few wet diapers.

You should breastfeed your baby as often as possible to ensure an abundant production of breast milk. About eight to twelve times a day is recommended. After one or two days, you will notice that your breasts become significantly heavier and fuller. It is best to always let your child feed on demand and not strictly according to a schedule. As a new mother, you should also take short breaks from time to time and concentrate exclusively on your baby while breastfeeding.

If you experience an unpleasant feeling of tension or pressure while breastfeeding, you should consult a healthcare professional. Midwives, lactation consultants and doctors can also assess the extent to which your current milk production is sufficient for your baby.

5 Difficulties with breastfeeding: Breast engorgement

Once your milk has come in, your breasts will feel harder and fuller. This phase usually runs smoothly if the baby feeds often and a lot. For some mothers, however, the breasts are rock hard due to the milk coming in. They feel uncomfortable, tense and sometimes even cause severe pain when touched. This is known as breast engorgement.

Mammary gland swelling

Due to all the different processes that take place in your body during and after pregnancy, this is similar to a kind of traffic jam. Although such swelling of the mammary glands usually disappears on its own within 24 to 48 hours, your baby may have significant difficulty grasping the nipples properly with the mouth.

Breastfeed your baby frequently and change your breastfeeding position from time to time if your child cannot grasp the nipples properly. If the symptoms persist for longer than 48 hours, if your baby is unable to feed or if you develop accompanying symptoms such as fever, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Breastfeeding problems: Seek advice from a breastfeeding consultant

If you experience persistent breastfeeding difficulties or problems that could have health consequences, you should always consult a professional expert. A breastfeeding counselor can support you in all matters relating to known breastfeeding difficulties. Many doctors or midwives have completed special additional training and can therefore also offer advice. There are also special breastfeeding advice centers where professional medical staff work who have undergone special training in the field of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding advice can answer your most important questions and help you and your child to bond more quickly.

No matter what questions or problems you have - the breastfeeding counselor will be able to help you. For many women, it's good just to be able to talk to someone. Every mother can turn to a professional breastfeeding advice center for help. It is good when new mothers are strengthened in their own abilities to provide their offspring with healthy breast milk.