Health care providers believe that breast milk is best for babies. However, breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. For most moms, their choice is often based on their lifestyle, comfort level, and a certain health condition they may have. Lactation-related problems can include mastitis, engorgement, and sore nipples. These problems can cause anxiety that leads many women to stop breastfeeding. However, these difficulties can be treated allowing mothers to continue feeding.

Common Breastfeeding Problems

Mastitis

This condition is known as infection of the breast. It usually shows a sensitive, firm, red, swollen area of ​​the breast and sometimes accompanied by fever. (Over 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius). Symptoms can also include chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Treatment

• See your health care provider to find out what to do and get a prescription. In most cases, a pain control medication and an antibiotic are prescribed.

• An oral antibiotic is usually prescribed to be taken for 10 to 14 days. The mastitis should start to improve within 2 to 5 days after the first dose of antibiotic.

• Health care providers generally do not recommend stopping breastfeeding during mastitis treatment; Consult your doctor in order to obtain more information.

• Get as much rest as possible.

congestion

This problem is about inflammation within the breast tissue, which leads to pain. In women with this problem, hot to the touch, their breasts become tender and feel as if they are throbbing. In some women, they develop a mild fever.

Treatment

• Apply warm compresses to your breast or try a warm shower.

• Avoid arm rings. You can wear a simple, supportive bra.

• Massage the breast to stimulate milk flow. Use a pump or manual extraction to smooth the areola just before lighting. Keep the feeding schedule based on your baby’s demand and don’t skip feedings.

Sore nipples

Sore nipples usually occur during the first 30 to 60 seconds of breastfeeding. It is usually due to an injury to the nipple (such as a crack, bruise, or blister on the nipple) that causes pain throughout the breastfeeding period. Generally, this problem resolves within a week after delivery. If the sore or pain persists beyond the first 7 days, consult your doctor about it.

Treatment

• Establish adequate lactation. Let your baby feel her nipples and wait until she opens her mouth. Place your entire nipple in your baby’s mouth and let him suck your milk while his chin presses on the milk ducts under your areola.

• Gently squeeze your breast to express some breast milk after feeding to maintain needed moisture.

• Let your nipples air dry.

• Try a different position while feeding and choose a position that establishes a comfortable routine.

• Avoid tight bras with underwires. Wear comfortable, clean, and supportive nursing bras.

• Do not use breast creams with an alcoholic ingredient. It is not necessary because the mammary glands produce natural oil for protection and lubrication.

• If you are using nursing pads, change them often.