To accomplish a successful breastfeeding session, you must have a proper amount of milk supply and have your baby positioned correctly. If you face any problems feeding your baby, contact a lactation consultant Madison, WI to receive the help that will make breastfeeding easier and pleasant.
Sore nipples
Breastfeeding women usually experience sore nipples in the first few weeks after birth when the baby is learning to suckle properly. To avoid the painful experience, you should ensure your baby latches on your breast correctly, avoid wearing tight clothing around your chest area, avoid harsh soaps and ointments on your breasts, and try different positions when breastfeeding to avoid a lot of pressure on one area.
Insufficient milk supply
The thoughts of not satisfying the hunger pangs of your child are frustrating. A low milk supply can be disheartening to any mother. Certain medications and stress can bring it on. Although a low milk supply is rare, it can happen to a small number of mothers. If you feel you are not producing enough, you can use the following actions and remedy the situation.
Breastfeed your child often. An interval of two or three hours is good. You can offer both breasts at feedings or alternate the breasts when feeding, keep away from feeding bottles and pacifiers for the first couple of weeks, and try hand expressing when you are feeding.
Mastitis and breast infection
An infection, whether bacterial or fungal, is another problem breastfeeding mothers can face. Mastitis is an infection caused by bacteria, presenting symptoms like your breast becoming warm, red, painful, or hard. If it is advanced, you can have a fever and red streaks on your breasts.
Fungal infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast, and the symptoms that will appear on your baby will be white spots on the tongue, gums, and the inside of the cheeks. Your breasts will be achy and sore. You can get rid of the infection problem through correct diagnosis from a specialist and treatment of you and your child simultaneously.
Breast engorgement
Breast engorgement occurs when your breast becomes full with milk, making them swell and painful. Although the heaviness and fullness occur in the first few days, they go away without intervention. However, if the engorgement persists, the heaviness can cause a breast infection and hence you should see a doctor.
To deal with this problem, you can apply a warm moist piece of clothing to your breast or an ice pack after feeding. While using the above remedy, be careful and avoid moist heat or ice on your nipples.
The shape and size of your nipples
While the shape and size of your nipples are not a problem, they can create a feeding challenge for your baby. Whether your nipple is flat or inverted, you can learn how to help your child latch on properly and feed without swallowing air or making it a painful experience for you.
If you face the above problems or any other breastfeeding problem, you can consult a lactation consultant at Physicians for Women. Call or book your appointment online to receive personalized care for you and your baby and start enjoyable breastfeeding sessions.
