Breastfeeding Challenges
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Breastfeeding Challenges
Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the early days. But remember that you are not alone. Lactation consultants can help you find ways to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby. Some women face many different problems while breastfeeding, while others do not. Also, many women may have certain problems with one baby that they don’t have with their second or third baby.
Challenge: Sore nipples
Many moms say that their nipples feel tender when they first start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should feel comfortable once you and your baby have found a good latch and some positions that work.
What you can do
- Your baby should not be suckling from just the nipple. The baby should be nursing from most of the areola (the darker colored area around the nipple) and the nipple.
- A good latch is key, so visit the Getting a good latch section for detailed instructions. If your baby sucks only on the nipple, gently break your baby’s suction to your breast by placing a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth. Then try again to get your baby to latch on. (Your nipple should not look flat or compressed when it comes out of your baby’s mouth. It should look round and long or the same shape as it was before the feeding.)
- If you find yourself putting off feedings because breastfeeding is painful, get help from a lactation consultant. Delaying feedings can cause more pain and harm your milk supply.
- Try changing positions each time you breastfeed. The Breastfeeding holds section describes the various positions you can try.
- Help cracked nipples stay moist so you can continue breastfeeding. Try one or all of these tips:
- After breastfeeding, express a few drops of milk and gently rub the milk on your nipples with clean hands. Human milk has natural healing properties and contains oils that soothe.
- Use purified lanolin cream or ointment that is especially made for breastfeeding.
- Let your nipples air dry after feeding, or wear a soft cotton shirt.
- Get help from your doctor or lactation consultant before using creams, hydrogel pads (a moist covering for the nipple to help ease soreness), or a nipple shield (a plastic device that covers the nipple during breastfeeding). In some cases, you should not use these products. Your doctor or lactation consultant will help you make the choice that is best for you.
- Don’t wear bras or clothes that are too tight and put pressure on your nipples.
- Change nursing pads (washable or disposable pads you can place in your bra to absorb leaks) often to avoid trapping in moisture that can cause cracked nipples.
- Avoid harsh soaps or ointments that contain astringents (like a toner) on your nipples. Washing with clean water is all that is needed to keep your nipples and breasts clean.
If you have very sore nipples, you can ask your doctor about using non-aspirin pain relievers.
Challenge: Oversupply of milk
An overfull breast can make breastfeeding stressful and uncomfortable for you and your baby.
What you can do
- Breastfeed on one side for each feeding. Continue to offer that same breast for at least two hours until the next full feeding, gradually increasing the length of time per feeding.
- If the other breast feels unbearably full before you are ready to breastfeed on it, hand express for a few moments to relieve some of the pressure. You can also use a cold compress or washcloth to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Feed your baby before he or she becomes overly hungry to prevent aggressive sucking. (Learn about hunger signs in the Tips for breastfeeding success section.)
- Burp your baby often if he or she is gassy so there is more room in baby’s tummy for milk.
Challenge: Strong let-down reflex
Some women have a strong milk ejection reflex or let-down. This can happen along with an oversupply of milk.
What you can do
- Hold your nipple between your first and middle fingers or with the side of your hand. Lightly press on milk ducts to reduce the force of the milk ejection.
- If your baby chokes or sputters when breastfeeding, unlatch him or her and let the extra milk spray into a towel or cloth.
- Allow your baby to latch and unlatch from the breast whenever he or she wants to.
- Try positions that reduce the force of gravity, which can make milk spray worse. These positions include the side-lying position and the football hold. (See the Breastfeeding holds section for illustrations of these positions.)
