Breastfeeding your baby can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The time you spend with your little as she nurses forms an instant and lasting bond between both of you. Moreover, breast milk is easier for her to digest and protects her immune system, giving it a chance to develop properly. The problem is, millions of new moms experience problems that can make breastfeeding difficult, if not impossible. Stories abound regarding the challenges – some of them painful – that mothers confront.

In this article, we’ll reveal four of the most common issues new mothers cope with while nursing their infants. We’ll also provide a few helpful suggestions for resolving the problem and enjoying the experience.

#1 – Low Supply

A low milk supply is best gauged by whether your little one is receiving enough for her needs. There are ways to determine whether this is the case. For example, following the first week, she should be wetting up to eight diapers and eliminating twice each day. Also, check to see whether she appears to be latching properly and seems content after nursing. If these things are true and you’re breastfeeding her seven or eight times daily, she’s likely getting enough.

That said, many women simply produce too little milk for their babies. This can occur due to many reasons, and should prompt you to speak with your pediatrician. He or she can recommend strategies to improve your supply, such as more frequent nursing, dietary changes, and other measures.

#2 – Mastitis

Caused by an infection, mastitis is usually uncomfortable and often painful. The infection can form for a number of reasons. For example, bacteria that enter the breast through a cracked nipple. Or, if the breast is not emptied as frequently as it should be, milk remains within and begins to stagnate. Plugged milk ducts can also contribute to mastitis. When it is painful, this problem can make enjoying the experience of nursing your baby practically impossible.

Again, consult your pediatrician. He or she may recommend antibiotics (taken orally), use of a warm compress on the area prior to nursing, and an ice pack afterward. It is important to let your doctor know about the problem. If the infection isn’t treated, it can cause more serious issues in the future.

#3 – Clogged Milk Ducts

Milk exits the breast through pores in the nipple. These pores can become clogged and prevent milk from leaving. When this happens, the area will become sensitive and even painful to the touch. This, of course, makes breastfeeding your baby very difficult.

One of the problems many women experience with clogged milk ducts develops when they neglect to inform their pediatricians. The clogs eventually lead to mastitis as milk is allowed to stagnate.

Here too, doctors usually recommend using a warm compress before nursing and an ice pack afterward. Your pediatrician may also suggest trying different positions while nursing, and feeding more often to help empty the breast.

#4 – Latching Issues

Some babies are unable to latch on properly. They fail to take in a sufficient amount of the breast and instead, latch onto the nipple. This results in discomfort and soreness. With enough time, it can lead to cracks in the nipple, which sets the stage for bacteria and infection.

If your baby is having difficulty latching properly, make sure she is fully awake prior to feeding. Then, make sure her mouth is wide open right before latching on. This will help her take more of your breast in rather than latching directly onto the nipple.

For many women, nursing is an important part of strengthening the bond that exists between them and their babies. If you experience challenges while breastfeeding, speak with your doctor. Often, a few simple changes are enough to resolve the problem.

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Category: Parenting
Keywords: nursing problems, new mothers, nursing, breastfeeding