What Is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is very healthy for both the mother and the child. It is recommended that babies should feed only on breast milk for the first six months, and then breast milk can be continued as the main diet until the child turns at least one year to two years old. Breastfeeding gives a good experience for both the mother and the baby and creates a bond between them. However, breastfeeding is not always easy, and both require a little time to get used to it. The following can be done meanwhile to help with the process:
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The mother can start breastfeeding soon after the birth.
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They can take the help of a nurse or a lactation counselor.
What Are the Complications Faced by Breastfeeding Mothers, and How Can They Be Tackled?
The following complications can be faced during breastfeeding:
1. Nipple Soreness
Most of the women experience less or no pain during breastfeeding. However, sometimes, the mother may experience tenderness in the nipple and breast soreness during the first week. The following can be the causes:
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The poor technique of feeding.
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Wrong positioning of the baby while feeding.
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Not maintaining the hygiene of the nipple.
Also, if the skin is too dry or too moist and if the baby slips off while sucking, nipple soreness may be caused. Wear cotton bras and use olive oil to avoid drying of the nipple. Teething babies can also tend to bite their nipples. Women can give the baby a wet and cold object to chew on for a few minutes before breastfeeding.
2. Engorgement or Fullness of the Breast
Engorged breasts, also known as breasts that are swollen and tense from an abundance of milk, are very full, firm, and difficult for the infant to latch onto. In addition, like many breastfeeding issues, engorged breasts can be quite painful for the mother. During the early stages of breastfeeding, when the milk initially appears, and the body is still learning how to control milk production, the breasts may swell up. Before feeding the baby, try expressing a bit using hands. Doing this will stimulate the flow of milk and relax the breast, making it simpler for the baby to latch on and obtain milk.
3. Not Enough Milk to Fulfill the Need of the Baby
Most mothers do not face this issue, but it can happen in rare cases. The supply of milk is based on the baby's demand. A good milk supply can be maintained by frequently feeding the baby, taking adequate rest, consuming good nutrition, and enough fluids.
4. Blocked Milk Duct
Sometimes, the milk duct can become clogged or blocked. The causes for the same are if the baby is not feeding well, if the mother misses feedings, or if the mother wears a too-tight bra. When the mother experiences a blocked milk duct, she may have tenderness, redness, or heat in any one area of the breast and the presence of a lump close to the skin. Massaging and putting pressure on the breast can relieve the block.
5. Mastitis
Mastitis is a breast infection that can lead to muscle pain, fever, redness, hot, and tender area on any one of the breasts. Women should contact a physician if they experience the above-mentioned symptoms. It can be treated by the following methods:
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Antibiotics to cure the infection.
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Take adequate rest.
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Application of moist, warm compresses to the infected area.
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It is advisable to wear a comfortable bra between feedings.
If the mother continues to nurse from the infected breast, healing can be enhanced. Breast milk is safe for the baby even if the mother experiences this infection. Also, this can prevent engorgement of the breasts. The mother may try pumping or manual expression of milk from the breast if there is any discomfort in feeding.
6. Thrush
Thrush is also known as candidiasis. It is a clinical condition characterized by yeast infection which can be spread to the child from the mother. The causative organism is the yeast Candida albicans which can live in warm, moist areas. The good places for its growth include the mother’s nipples and the mouth of the baby. This type of infection is seen more commonly during or after any antibiotic treatments.
The symptoms experienced by the mother during this infection are deep-pink-colored nipples that are tender or feel uncomfortable during, and right after feeding the baby. Also, if there are white patches and more redness in the mouth of the baby, it is indicative of a yeast infection. The baby may experience a diaper rash and mood changes, and the child will want to suckle on the nipple more frequently.
7. Illness
If mothers experience any fever or illness, they should contact their doctor. However, in most infections, the mother can safely feed the baby as it will help in the transmission of antibodies to the baby.
8. Breast Abscess
If mastitis is not managed on time, or if it does not respond to the treatment, a breast abscess may be formed which may require drainage.
9. Latching Problem for the Baby
It takes time for the baby and the mother to get used to breastfeeding. If the child does not seem to be completely fed, it can be indicative of latching issues by the baby. Mothers can try a better position and guide the child in feeding.
10. Excessive Breast Milk
Rarely, the mothers may produce excessive milk which the child feels unable to cope with. The mother can get the help of the nurse or midwife to determine the cause and management. Changing the position of feeding may also help.
11. Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie
Literature shows that about one in ten babies experience tongue ties in which the frenulum is smaller than normal. Some children may not have any difficulty, but a few other babies may find it difficult to suckle while breastfeeding due to this. Tongue-tie can be managed by a pedodontist or an ENT surgeon.
12. Baby Sleeps at the Breast
It is normal and even anticipated for newborns to fall asleep while nursing during their initial few weeks after birth because they can get very drowsy during this time. Still, if the infant fails to receive enough breast milk, he or she may also fall asleep at the breast. During the initial let-down of a feed, milk supply is always at its fastest. Therefore, starting with the broader breast and switching to the other as soon as possible if one wants to maximize efficiency.
13. Inverted Nipples
Nipples that tip flat or inward instead of outward are known as inverted nipples. Another name for it is retracted nipples. Either one breast or both may experience it. Before feeding the baby at the breast, one may utilize a breast pump to get the milk flowing and extract as much of the nipples as possible, in addition to seeking professional assistance. Consider utilizing nipple shields as well. Nipple shields are tiny silicone covers that go over the nipple to increase its protrusion and facilitate easier latching.
Conclusion
For moms and newborns alike, breastfeeding requires practice and patience. The primary reasons for quitting breastfeeding early are difficulties related to it. To guarantee that breastfeeding continues, nipple pain must be recognized and treated. Breastfeeding can be difficult for many mothers, but with the correct care, these problems can be resolved. Breastfeeding complications are common in nature and do not possess any serious effect in most cases.
