First time mothers will most likely gather the full realization of how breastfeeding works the moment they actually experience it, rather than getting the information from their doctors on what to do and what not to do. This is, in fact, still considered the most effective way in giving nutrition to newborn babies. This is a time for mothers to be able to bond with them, too.
Although there are some challenges that mothers would undergo. There are many common breastfeeding problems that occur that would make the feeding time a bit uncomfortable. But of course, the doctor is there to help you with it, but the mother should be able to identify it when it arises so it can be solved as fast as possible.
One problem is when the baby does not latch properly when they start to feed. What happens is that their mouths would go beyond the areola and this makes it uncomfortable for the mother. It could simple be readjusted and repositioned by gently sliding in the index finger in the mouth and letting them release it. When they yawn or when they open their mouths from tickling the chin, you can take this opportunity to let them latch again.
Cracked nipples tend to happen because of dry skin, improper pumping, thrush, or basically just latching problems. Do the same as the above in repositioning the baby. You can also let the cracked areas heal by spreading the milk over it and letting it air dry. Do not use other household products and only use water to moisturize it or, of course, the breast milk.
Clogging of the ducts could be an infection, but this can only be determined when there is accompanying feverish tendencies and then aches on the breast. You can initially massage it gently to generate better milk flow. Also, apply warm compress over it. If the pain persists, you can contact your doctor.
Lactation of the breasts would sometimes end up too much and the baby would find it difficult to latch onto it. What you can do about this is to hand express first the breast and until it becomes soft, you can then let the baby latch to it. Nursing frequently would make the engorging to be less often.
Mastitis is an infection caused by bacteria. It is accompanied with fever and breast pains. This might be caused by engorgement, plugged ducts, and cracked skin. The only way to solve this is through antibiotics, hot compression, and frequently expressing the milk.
Yeast and fungi may cause thrush which gives of a nasty rash and annoying itchiness. This is likely first found on the mouth and lips of the infant which tends to be passed towards the breasts of the lactating mother. Have this checked by the doctor to get recommendations on the anti fungal medicines that you can use. Also, the application is both on the mouth of the baby and then the breasts.
There are times when the breast would feel like there are small needles poking it, but this is quite normal. But if it lasts longer than a few minutes and the pain tends to become unbearable, this is already a sign for an infection. Ask help from your doctor in order to know what kind of infection this is and to get a prescription.
Although there are some challenges that mothers would undergo. There are many common breastfeeding problems that occur that would make the feeding time a bit uncomfortable. But of course, the doctor is there to help you with it, but the mother should be able to identify it when it arises so it can be solved as fast as possible.
One problem is when the baby does not latch properly when they start to feed. What happens is that their mouths would go beyond the areola and this makes it uncomfortable for the mother. It could simple be readjusted and repositioned by gently sliding in the index finger in the mouth and letting them release it. When they yawn or when they open their mouths from tickling the chin, you can take this opportunity to let them latch again.
Cracked nipples tend to happen because of dry skin, improper pumping, thrush, or basically just latching problems. Do the same as the above in repositioning the baby. You can also let the cracked areas heal by spreading the milk over it and letting it air dry. Do not use other household products and only use water to moisturize it or, of course, the breast milk.
Clogging of the ducts could be an infection, but this can only be determined when there is accompanying feverish tendencies and then aches on the breast. You can initially massage it gently to generate better milk flow. Also, apply warm compress over it. If the pain persists, you can contact your doctor.
Lactation of the breasts would sometimes end up too much and the baby would find it difficult to latch onto it. What you can do about this is to hand express first the breast and until it becomes soft, you can then let the baby latch to it. Nursing frequently would make the engorging to be less often.
Mastitis is an infection caused by bacteria. It is accompanied with fever and breast pains. This might be caused by engorgement, plugged ducts, and cracked skin. The only way to solve this is through antibiotics, hot compression, and frequently expressing the milk.
Yeast and fungi may cause thrush which gives of a nasty rash and annoying itchiness. This is likely first found on the mouth and lips of the infant which tends to be passed towards the breasts of the lactating mother. Have this checked by the doctor to get recommendations on the anti fungal medicines that you can use. Also, the application is both on the mouth of the baby and then the breasts.
There are times when the breast would feel like there are small needles poking it, but this is quite normal. But if it lasts longer than a few minutes and the pain tends to become unbearable, this is already a sign for an infection. Ask help from your doctor in order to know what kind of infection this is and to get a prescription.
