COMMON BREASTFEEDING PROBLEMS

COMMON BREASTFEEDING PROBLEMS

Inverted or Retracted Nipples

Since these may cause difficulty in breastfeeding, the mother is advised to manually stimulate , stretch and roll out the nipples to make them protractile (prominent) several times a day, especially before offering the feed. In a large majority, the condition resolves in a couple of weeks.

Sore Nipple

The cause include poor attachment, frequent application of soap, forcibly pulling the infant off the breast while he is still engrossed in sucking, natal tooth and fungal infection of the nipple. Application of hind milk and airing after the feeds resolve the problem.

Breast Engorgement

Swollen, congested and painful breast may result from overdistention of alveoli when adequate emptying of breast does not occur because of delayed or infrequent feeding, faulty attatchment or incorrect positioning of the infant at the breast. Treatment consist in application of warm water packs and oral analgesics. Gentle expression of milk assists in softening the breast, ensuring correct positioning and attachment.

Breast abcess

It may result from delayed attention to engorged breast, infected sore or cracked nipple, mastitis or a blocked duct. It may cause high fever in addition to local manifestations. Treatment is incision and drainage along with antibiotics and analgesics.

“Not enough milk”

Though a number of factors (wrong technique/ positioning, infrequent or hurried BF, local problems of breast etc) can cause “not enough milk”, at times mother’s impression is not well founded. In such cases, the infant demonstrates adequate weight gain, passes urine at least 6 times/ day and sleeps for 2-3 hours after each feed. Such mothers need reassurance. In others, it is important to look for the reason and offer treatment accordingly.