Various breastfeeding problems are experienced by nursing mothers from time to time, the most common problem being nipple pain or sore nipples. Most of these problems are caused by irritable babies who are only interested in sucking a tender nipple or crying when they are refrained from doing so. Most often, the nipples get sore and cracked and then they start to bleed. When you try to get the child to suck from them, they tend to run dry and create further problems.
Reasons For Sore Nipples
When the nipples do not lose their tenderness after the first week of breastfeeding, they tend to become sore. However primarily, the main reason for the soreness of the nipples is improper clutching by the baby and its inability to latch on correctly. If this cause is ruled out, then other reasons could be infections such as thrush, cracking, blisters or persistent pain between or at the time of feedings. It's advisable to consult a doctor or a lactation consultant for a proper remedy to these breastfeeding problems.
Sometimes due to improper positioning or faulty latch-on, the nipples might split or crack leading to excessive pain. Applying an ointment can provide temporary relief. However, you should ensure that the ointment is not toxic and that it does not have any side effects. Purified Lanolin causes an allergic reaction although it gets rid of the soreness and as such it should not be used by mothers who are sensitive. Vitamin E oil is also effective but it can get deposited in the baby's liver as it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Salves based on Petroleum can clog your skin pores and products containing alcohol can make your skin very dry. Generally, it is advisable to avoid application of ointments on the breast.
A better solution to your breastfeeding problems is the correct positioning of your baby and the following tips can be very useful.
Correct Positioning Tips
You should experiment with different ways and find the best and most comfortable breastfeeding positions. The cradle or football hold techniques are very effective. You should first lie down and find the most comfortable position for each feeding. You should prop your baby on pillows so that it can come up to the height of your breast and there would be no need for it to tug or pull your nipples.
For eliminating breastfeeding woes you should increase the frequency of feeding so that the baby doesn't get excessively hungry and vigorously tug and pull at your nipples. You should first offer the less sensitive breast/nipple. When you want to stop feeding, you should insert your finger between the breast and the tongue of the baby and in the side of its mouth and thus release the suction. Rubbing ice on the nipples and numbing them before feeding can be very effective.
You should try to keep your nipples dry by exposing them to air frequently. Breast pads should be changed at regular intervals so that the nipples don't absorb the dampness. Soap should not be used as it causes dryness of the skin.
Breastfeeding problems can also cause plugged ducts and mastitis. You should take care of your nipples with the help of the above tips but if breastfeeding problems still persist, you should consult a doctor or a healthcare provider.
Reasons For Sore Nipples
When the nipples do not lose their tenderness after the first week of breastfeeding, they tend to become sore. However primarily, the main reason for the soreness of the nipples is improper clutching by the baby and its inability to latch on correctly. If this cause is ruled out, then other reasons could be infections such as thrush, cracking, blisters or persistent pain between or at the time of feedings. It's advisable to consult a doctor or a lactation consultant for a proper remedy to these breastfeeding problems.
Sometimes due to improper positioning or faulty latch-on, the nipples might split or crack leading to excessive pain. Applying an ointment can provide temporary relief. However, you should ensure that the ointment is not toxic and that it does not have any side effects. Purified Lanolin causes an allergic reaction although it gets rid of the soreness and as such it should not be used by mothers who are sensitive. Vitamin E oil is also effective but it can get deposited in the baby's liver as it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Salves based on Petroleum can clog your skin pores and products containing alcohol can make your skin very dry. Generally, it is advisable to avoid application of ointments on the breast.
A better solution to your breastfeeding problems is the correct positioning of your baby and the following tips can be very useful.
Correct Positioning Tips
You should experiment with different ways and find the best and most comfortable breastfeeding positions. The cradle or football hold techniques are very effective. You should first lie down and find the most comfortable position for each feeding. You should prop your baby on pillows so that it can come up to the height of your breast and there would be no need for it to tug or pull your nipples.
For eliminating breastfeeding woes you should increase the frequency of feeding so that the baby doesn't get excessively hungry and vigorously tug and pull at your nipples. You should first offer the less sensitive breast/nipple. When you want to stop feeding, you should insert your finger between the breast and the tongue of the baby and in the side of its mouth and thus release the suction. Rubbing ice on the nipples and numbing them before feeding can be very effective.
You should try to keep your nipples dry by exposing them to air frequently. Breast pads should be changed at regular intervals so that the nipples don't absorb the dampness. Soap should not be used as it causes dryness of the skin.
Breastfeeding problems can also cause plugged ducts and mastitis. You should take care of your nipples with the help of the above tips but if breastfeeding problems still persist, you should consult a doctor or a healthcare provider.
Some breastfeeding problems, such as nipple pain are common occurrences during breastfeeding. However, you should not get worried by these and stop breastfeeding your child. You can treat most of the problems with simple home remedies for breastfeeding, which you can use in consultation with your lactation consultant or doctor to get rid of your breastfeeding woes. Pregnancy provides more information not just about breastfeeding but also for all your questions related to pregnancy.
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