Breastfeeding problems

There are multiple breastfeeding problems mothers can and do encounter. Fortunately, many of these breastfeeding problems can be fixed. Here is a guide to some fairly common breastfeeding problems – inverted nipples, breast milk leakage, and mastitis/plugged ducts – and how to fix them:

Inverted Nipples

Inverted or flat nipples, depending on the severity, can be difficult for a baby to latch on to. If your nipples do not protrude when stimulated, however, do not worry. There are things you can do to break adhesions at the base of the nipple that are keeping it inverted.

Hoffman Technique – firmly but gently rub the base of your nipples with your thumbs, pulling your thumbs up and down and sideways. Do this exercise up to 5 times a day, working your way up slowly.
Lovemaking – oral or manual stimulation can become a part of your lovemaking, and it can prepare your nipples for lovemaking.
Breast shells – these will exert a gentle and constant pressure on your areola. They are placed directly against your breast, and they can break the adhesions beneath the skin that are keeping the nipply from properly protruding. Start wearing these while still in the last trimester, slowly increasing the length of time per day you wear them (do not wear them to bed, though). Wash them every day.
Breast pump – a breast pump can be used once your baby is born to draw out your nipples before you breastfeed.
Pull it out – start pulling your nipple out. Sometimes, simply pulling it out multiple times in a row can lead to it finally staying out.
Meet with a lactation consultant – The lactation consultant will likely have many tips on how to breastfeed your baby if you have inverted nipples. Remember, inverted nipples are relatively common: you are not a hopeless case.

Breast milk leakage

This breastfeeding problem is one that many mothers encounter, and it can lead to both embarrassment and/or discomfort. It happens because of a lactation reflex called “letdown.” This generally happens for 2-3 weeks to 6-8 months after giving birth. Here are some tips on how to avoid the problems associated with breast milk leakage:

Nursing pads – these are simply placed inside the bra and absorb leakage. They must be changed often to avoid discomfort, wet clothing, breast infections, and sore nipples.
Patterned clothing – this does not stop leakage, but it does hide it.
Breast shells – these can collect the milk.

Mastitis (Breast Infection)

Both breast infections and plugged ducts are fairly common breastfeeding problems that can be treated with rest, applied heat, and breastfeeding on the affected side. The main difference between plugged ducts and mastitis is that mastitis is accompanied by flu-like systems and a fever. The plugged ducts most often occur in mothers with abundant milk supplies. To avoid getting them:

Do not miss feedings.
Do not shorten feedings.
Make sure the baby is properly latched and positioned.
Be sure your bras are fitting properly (constant and consistent pressure on the ducts from bras and other factors can lead to mastitis and plugged ducts.)

Treat your plugged ducts right away to make sure they do not develop into an infection.

Empty both breasts completely and often.
Apply moist heat (warm shower, compress, etc.) before nursing.
Between feedings, use a heating pad.
Nurse from the sore side.

If both breasts are affected, be sure to contact a doctor – the same is true if you have a high fever, blood in the milk, red streaks near the sore area, etc.

The abovementioned problems are only a few of the breastfeeding problems that a mother may encounter during her days of nursing. If you experience any breastfeeding problems and are unsure as to what to do, be sure to consult with a lactation consultant and/or doctor.

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