Tips for Preventing Complications When You Breast-feed
Breast-feeding is one of the healthiest ways to feed your newborn infant. However, it can create different kinds of challenges for the new mom that you might not have considered prior to delivery. While obstacles can sometimes make this new magical experience frustrating and stressful, don't worry! There are various methods and information available to help overcome these hurdles so you can reap the numerous benefits from nursing. Tension and Stress
It is pretty normal to have anxiety about breast-feeding. Though you want to give the best nutrients to your newborn child, keep in mind you need to have patience. It takes some time and practice before becoming an old pro. Stressing about the situation can only make matters worse, too, but with the right tools, such as a Mombo nursing pillow you can feed your child more easily--anything that makes you and your baby calm is a good thing. Friends and family can also be good go-to resources to ask if you want to tweak your method, too. They can often suggest relaxing ways to bond with your baby that have worked for them.
Sore Nipples Moms usually experience sore nipples when they are in the early stages of breast-feeding. To help ease the soreness, you can try different feeding techniques, finding a better position, and taking good care of your nipples. You can also get some relief by applying lanolin ointments, olive oil, and expressing your milk. The good news is the itching, burning, and pinching sensation you are experiencing will decrease over time.
Engorged Breasts
Your baby may have trouble latching on to the breast if you have engorged breasts. This condition causes the breast to become very hard (and sometimes a little painful), and your nipple becomes so tight that your infant may have difficulty nursing. According to Melissa Nagin, a certified lactation expert, the proper way to relieve engorgement is to apply ice to the affected breast for about ten minutes, allowing the swelling to go down--then massage all around the breast area in a circular motion. Make sure you don't put heat on an engorged breast--that will make the inflammation worse!
Plugged Ducts
Another problem you may face as a nursing mother is plugged ducts. They feel like little knots or balls inside your breast tissue. In this situation, you do use local heat and that coupled with massage should relieve the affected area and release the plug. You'll want to point the baby's nose toward the plug while they nurse when removing them for the best result. Melissa Nagin demonstrates how to remove plugged ducts correctly a minute into the video "Relieve Breastfeeding Problems."
Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the glands inside the breast tissue that typically affects women who are lactating. This inflammation makes the breast become red and sore to the touch. It also generates other uncomfortable symptoms such as a burning sensation, chills, and an elevated body temperature. The common culprits of mastitis include sporadic feedings and incorrect positioning. However, there are easy solutions to help you feel better such as nursing the baby more often, staying well hydrated, and expressing milk.
Not Enough Milk It is also possible for your milk supply to decrease if you get sick or have trouble maintaining a healthy lifestyle while breast-feeding. Drinking enough fluids, frequent feedings, getting adequate rest and eating a balanced diet is crucial for a new mom maintain a good supply of milk to feed their child. If you are still having problems getting your baby to feed, you can find help from a lactation specialist about different options available as your baby needs necessary nutrients to grow and develop during the early months of their life. Nursing on the Go Going back to work can be a difficult adjustment for a nursing mom. Luckily, you are never alone. There are ample tips and information available across the internet and in parenting magazines written by other nursing moms about successfully adapting to this new normal. One common piece of advice is to express your milk with a breast pump and store it in the refrigerator for later feedings to help ensure your baby is getting the proper nourishment throughout the day. If your place of employment doesn't have a secure area for pumping, consider an alternative location.
There are now breast pumps available with adapters that can be plugged into your car enabling pumping from the comfort of your car. Another tip is also to tweak your schedule to provide enough time for your child to feed before and after work. This also gives you plenty of time to bond before your busy day.
Finding a secluded place to nurse when you’re out and about with your baby can also be tricky for new moms. Popular ways to nurse include sneaking away to your car if possible for feedings in the backseat, using a nearby bathroom stall, or a fitting room in a clothing store. Many establishments of all kind are realizing the need for personal space by providing a breast-feeding friendly environment that supports the nursing mom. Being able to breast-feed your infant can be rewarding for both mother and child. While concerns typically arise throughout the course of your feedings, you can get the process off to the right start by properly educating yourself. This article outlines some common complications mothers can expect to have and there are many resources that nursing moms can go to for education regarding lactation benefits and common complications, such as your healthcare provider, private classes and your local health department, to name a few. Many of the resources are online, so you can surf the computer and feed baby at the same time!
Holly Chavez is the author of this article and is a multidisciplinary writer who often contributes to health and medical forums. She breast-fed both of her children and is a big fan of the big health benefits it brings while helping you bond with your child at the same time.
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