Breastfeeding (also called chest feeding or body feeding) is one of the best ways to provide immune support, infection prevention, and nutrition to a new baby. Human milk is nature’s perfect food for human babies! Being natural, though, does not mean it always comes easily to a new mom or baby. Often, help is needed to make sure your baby , and you, can get the benefits of breastfeeding.
Here are the top four most common problems moms face when providing milk for their babies and some suggestions to help.
Breast Pain
The first few days after your baby is born can be uncomfortable as well as joyous. Engorgement — painful swelling of the breasts — happens to new moms when their milk “comes in,” usually three to five days after birth. It lasts for a day or two and then often subsides. Here are some ways to get relief.
- Remember the acronym BAIT:
- Breast rest-gentle massage only, continue breastfeeding on demand or typical pumping routine. Avoid extra pumping.
- Advil, which is Ibuprofen, a medicine that decreases swelling
- Ice, and apply ice often
- Tylenol, which is Acetaminophen, a medicine you can also take to decrease pain
- If your baby is having a hard time latching, try reverse pressure softening to move fluid away from the nipple area. Press all five fingertips around the base of the nipple and apply gentle steady pressure for about a minute.
It’s normal for milk output to be minimal during the first few days, even though your breasts may feel full. Milk ejection will be noticeable and increasing in volume throughout the first week. If you experience engorgement or discomfort after the first week, or if you at any time feel flu-like symptoms, consult your provider as this problem may require medical intervention.
Low Milk Supply
Often, a mother’s main concern is whether her baby is getting enough milk. Despite what is portrayed on social media, you do not need a freezer full of excess milk to feed your baby. As long as your baby is eating often and growing well, you are making enough milk.
Here are some indications your baby is eating enough:
- You are breastfeeding on demand 8-12 times/day or pumping 7-8 times/day (or a combination of pumping and breastfeeding).
- Baby is making 6-8 wet diapers per day, having yellow, curdy stools and gaining weight.
- Moms who pump breast milk can expect 1 ounce total at each pump session by the end of the first week post-partum, and 2-3 ounces per session after 2-3 weeks.
If you do not pump or nurse at night, or if you offer bottles and don’t pump at that time to keep up your supply, you may make less milk. Women who have had breast reductions or women with polycystic ovary syndrome may also have a lower milk supply. As a rule, the more you pump or breastfeed, the more milk you will make.
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Nipple Pain
Breastfeeding should not be painful. Pain with breastfeeding may mean baby is not latching properly. Try a different position when breastfeeding. Bring your baby close to your body and line up the baby’s nose with your nipple. Wait for baby to open their mouth wide and then aim the tip of your nipple to roof of their mouth. The baby’s mouth should be covering the areola (the darker skin around your nipple) and you should see more visible areola above baby’s nose than by their chin to ensure a deep latch. Your baby needs to pull on the ducts behind the nipple to release milk, and needs a wide open mouth to get a deep latch.
Other causes of sore nipples may be:
- An allergic reaction to a topical product being used. Only use topical products if needed. Best to use coconut or olive oil. If you have a rash present, consult your provider as this problem may require medical intervention.
- A yeast infection on the nipple. This can be quite painful and needs to be diagnosed and treated by a physician.
- Baby may have a tongue tie, a short, tight band of tissue that limits movement of the tongue and mouth. This is a condition that needs to be diagnosed by a pediatrician, and may require medical intervention.
- Flat nipples. This can make it hard to center the breast in the baby’s mouth. A nipple shield may help, and a lactation consultant can help to ensure proper size and fit.
- Too much pressure on a breast pump. Higher pressure does not necessarily mean more milk removal. Only turn the pump pressure up as high as you are comfortable.
Finding Reliable Information
Navigating the internet for accurate and helpful information on breastfeeding and pumping breastmilk can be overwhelming. Between blogs, corporate promotions and social media, it can be hard to find quality sources for the information you need. We recommend these reliable websites for accurate and research-based information.
Be wary of blogs or social media posts that may be based on personal opinion or folklore. When in doubt, check with an internationally board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) or your pediatrician for up-to-date, evidence-based information.
Overall, breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for your infant and growing child! Your own health and well-being is critical to your baby’s well-being, and breastfeeding can provide a positive experience for you and your growing child. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, reach out to your baby’s pediatrician or your primary care provider. You can also call or text 833-TLC-MAMA to connect with the Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
