Why Some Moms Give Up on Breastfeeding

Do you feel that you would love to breastfeed, but also feel really inadequate and as if you are doing something wrong? Here are some of the biggest reasons why some moms give up on breastfeeding...

1. Moms think they can't breastfeed. May moms feel inadequate. So many moms out there think that they are not capable of breastfeeding; most of them assume that they have a low milk supply.

2. Moms are not educated about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is natural, but the process of breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally. You need to educate yourself before you breastfeed...read and read some more! It will really be worth it.

3. Lack of breastfeeding support. You need to surround yourself with individuals who are like minded and that support breastfeeding. Also it is always nice to have someone around who can help with a few things around the house.

4. Moms supplement with formula. The first few weeks are crucial for developing a good milk supply. When you supplement with formula you taking away that stimulation on the breast that is needed for milk production since milk supply works on a supply demand basis.

5. Mom thinks she can pump her breast milk instead of breastfeed. Some moms might think they are producing too little and try pumping to see how much is coming out. A breast pump can never extract milk like your baby and should never be used to estimate how much milk you are producing. Also a breast pump can never stimulate your breast like baby and therefore your milk supply will decrease if you replace normal breastfeeding with pumping.

6. Moms feel uncomfortable. Breastfeeding is a learnt skill, as time goes by it becomes easier and easier so don't expect it to be comfy the first few times. Try all the different breastfeeding positions like holding baby on your side (football hold breastfeeding position) or keep baby in an upright position on your knee (Australian breastfeeding hold)

7. Baby has some sucking problems that go undetected. Your baby might not be latching on properly and this can cause allot of frustration. You should get your baby checked out for things like tongue tie, tongue thrust etc.

8. Mom has terrible nipple pain. In the beginning some nipple sensitivity is normal but if it continues it can sometimes cause mom to stop breastfeeding. Nipple pain is usually connected to a bad latch. Mom should try get her nipple and part of her areola into baby's mouth so that your nipple is against his soft pallet. A shallow latch is when baby has your nipple on he's hard pallet which will definitely cause pain during breastfeeding.

Raynaud's Syndrome and Breastfeeding Pain - A Highly Treatable Condition

Pain from Raynaud's Syndrome during breastfeeding is reported to be so intense it has been likened to a "vise clamping around the nipples". Is it any wonder that women who suffer from this disorder temporarily stop breastfeeding and resort to expressing breast milk into a bottle for their babies until the pain subsides?

All in the Head?

There are many possible causes of breastfeeding pain, but Raynaud's Syndrome, a disorder that affects 20% of women of childbearing age, has only recently been recognized as one possible cause of painful nipples during breastfeeding. The association between Raynaud's Syndrome and breastfeeding was first reported in the early 1970's, when it was described as "psychosomatic sore nipples", implying that the cause of the pain is more a negative association to breastfeeding rather than a real, physiologic disorder.

Is Raynauld's Syndrome to Blame?

When a woman reports pain during breastfeeding, lactation consultants will usually start out by ruling out other possible causes: the baby's mouth clamping down on the nipple, improper positioning, or improper latching of the baby's mouth. Once these other possible causes are ruled out, a Raynaud's Phenomenon test, which includes exposure to sudden cold temperatures, is carried out, to see whether this would trigger blanching or any other color changes and pain in the nipples. If this test is positive, then Raynaud's Syndrome becomes a strong suspect for breastfeeding pain.

Women who complain of the strong pain are sometimes misdiagnosed as suffering from Candida albicans infection and repeated inappropriate treatment with topical antifungal creams is not unusual for these breastfeeding mothers.

Possible Links

Interestingly, there are ongoing discussions in the medical community about the relationship between a history of breast surgery and use of breast implants vis-a-vis the onset of Raynaud's Syndrome and other auto-immune disorders.

Get Quick Help

When women experience Raynaud's Syndrome breastfeeding problems, it is important to seek treatment promptly in order to allow them to return to happily breastfeeding their babies as soon as possible.

The good news is that Raynaud's Syndrome breastfeeding pain is considered to be a highly-treatable condition.

Breast Feeding Problems

Breastfeeding is the manner in which a mother is able to nourish her little one by being the source of nourishment for her little one due to the milk which her breasts produce. This tradition has been around ever since the start of humanity. For a long time breastfeeding has been the only way to feed a newborn baby.

Engorgement may occur at the beginning of the milk-producing cycle. The milk-making cells enlarge following hormonal stimulus and an increase in the blood supply. The process lasts for two to three days and in many women causes the breasts to swell painfully. Cold compresses and a mild painkiller should relieve the condition.

The most common problem every mother will face is breast engorgement. It happened due to excess milk in your breast. Your breast will feel swollen, hard, heavy and painful. To overcome the problem, simply express out some of the milk before feeding. Make sure you have empty your breast after feeding by expressing the excess milk in your breast.

Using not too hot water to wash the breast before breastfeeding, also, using firm brassier to support the breast after breast feeding equally helps to reduce tension from the breast. If the engorgement is severe, the above methods are not allowed because they are painful. Rather, the woman should use some analgesic.

The onset of breast milk jaundice is typically at 1-2 weeks of life and occurs in about 1% of the population of breast feeding newborns. It is apparently caused by the presence of a substance in the breast milk that enhances red cell hemolysis or alters liver function. it is rarely necessary to stop breast-feeding.

Thrush is a yeast infection in the baby's mouth that looks like little white patches on their tongue and the inside of the cheeks. Mom can continue to breast feed as long as both she and the baby are treated with a medication.

The benefits of breast feeding are so many. When the baby sucks the breast, it helps in maturing the jaw alignment and the appropriate formation of the cheek bone. Seems amazing, but this is the main reason for an adult to go less to the doctor's chamber for orthodontic work, if breast feeding is done properly during childhood.

In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time. As above you should restrict your intake of oily fish to two portions per week but you should also avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as these fish contain high levels of mercury.

The use of dummies, teats or nipple shields may also contribute to refusal. Some babies actually find it difficult to feed from the breast and bottle as the sucking action is very different. Some become confused, therefore it's always best to avoid using any type of teats or dummies.