How to Overcome Breastfeeding Difficulties

According to the U.S. Federal Government, the health benefits for both baby and mother linked to breastfeeding are numerous, such as "breast milk has disease-fighting antibodies," and "mothers who breastfeed have lower risk of [developing]...breast cancer and type 2 diabetes." But for most mothers, learning to breastfeed comes with many challenges and sometimes painful side effects. Most of these will disappear once breastfeeding has become well established---usually by the third week.

Instructions

Sore Nipples

1

Check baby's nursing position. Make sure your baby has a proper position and latch on your nipple with most of the areola in her mouth and her tongue covering her lower gums. Consult a nursing guide for detailed positioning and latch-on instructions.

2

Start with the least sore breast. Nurse your baby on the least sore breast first because her sucking action will be more vigorous at the beginning of the feeding session. Break the suction to reposition your baby if needed or at the end of the session by gently inserting your finger into the corner of her mouth and pulling slowly back towards her ear.

3

Apply lanolin cream to your sore nipples and cover with breast shields between nursing sessions. Expose the nipples to air as much as possible, but be prepared for possible leakage from "let down" or sudden lactation.

Clogged Ducts or Engorgement

4

Nurse your baby frequently to empty your breasts as needed. Feed your baby from the more engorged breast first, and position him so that his chin will massage the clogged ducts as he feeds.

5

Apply warm compresses to your breast with a hot wash cloth before nursing. Massage the clogged ducts by gently pressing them and working the compress towards the nipple.

6

Apply an ice pack to the engorged breast for no more than a half an hour, if the compresses do not ease swelling. Wear a nursing bra that fits well and does not constrict breasts.

Low Milk Production

7

Empty at least one breast completely at each nursing session, and rotate which breast you begin with each time.

8

Feed every 2 to 3 hours around the clock, or if your baby goes longer between feedings, use your breast pump to express the breast milk. Store the milk in bottles, and freeze it for future use.

9

Pump with the breast pump immediately after finishing each nursing session to ensure both breasts have been emptied.