Dealing with Breastfeeding Issues
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your
baby. But, for many mothers, it's not the easiest. A large
number of women have breastfeeding difficulties, so don't feel
alone. Here are some of the most common and some ideas to help
you deal with them.
Sore Nipples Your nipples will be tender at first. Keep them
moisturized to help avoid the dry skin that makes them crack.
There are special creams designed just for this problem that can
help tremendously. Also, try rubbing a little breast milk on
each nipple at the end of each nursing session. Another trick is
to make sure your nipples are getting enough air. This is a
tricky one, unless you are willing to walk around topless. But,
even going braless with a loose fitting shirt on for a couple of
hours a day can help. Your nipples will get tougher, and this
problem should go away. Baby who won't latch on Babies are not
necessarily born knowing how to breastfeed, and may take some
training before they can accomplish it properly. You will likely
have a lactation consultant visit you in the hospital, who
should teach you the mechanics of latching on. Be consistent
with your baby if he's having trouble - presenting the nipple
the same way each time will help him learn. And, don't keep
feeding if he isn't latched on properly. This will make your
nipples more and more tender, and will not help him learn how to
nurse properly.
Inverted Nipples Sometimes even the slightest bit of a flat
nipple can cause a baby to reject the breast. It's even worse if
you have one nipple that is not inverted, because this makes the
baby only want to nurse on one side. You will need to "work your
inverted nipple out of hiding" before having the baby nurse.
Usually a breast pump works well for drawing the nipple out.
These are three of the most common breastfeeding issues, but
there are others. A lactation consultant can be a godsend while
you're getting adjusted to breastfeeding. If you had a lactation
consultant in the hospital, they will probably follow up with
you after you are back home, and can recommend someone to work
with you if you need further assistance. Many women have
breastfeeding difficulties, but most can be overcome with help,
so, if you really want to breastfeed, don't give up!