by Ashley Motzenbecker, CD (CBI), PED

Every baby deserves to be breastfed!  Nursing a child provides maximum nutrition and is a source of comfort for both mom and baby. But, for some moms, breastfeeding is hard and not at all what they expected.  They experience everything from engorgement to Mastitis, a breast infection.  To help prepare you for the wonderful experience that breastfeeding should be, here are some helpful tips if problems do arise.

Four of the most common breastfeeding difficulties include engorgement, sore nipples, Mastitis and plugged ducts.  Consequently, these are also the most painful of the breastfeeding problems, and often lead to the end of a breastfeeding relationship.  But they don't have to!  They are all easily remedied with the right help and support.

Engorgement refers to the swelling of the breasts, caused by expanding veins and the pressure of new milk.  Within 72-96 hours of birth, you will notice changes in your breasts as milk production increases.  The often causes a full, firm, warm and sometimes tender feeling in the breasts.  Your breasts will adjust over time, but until then, making sure that you are emptying the breast completely at each feeding, and doing so frequently, is the best way to avoid extreme or prolonged engorgement.  If the engorgement is painful, experiment with both warm and cold compresses, and gently massage the breasts during a feeding.  If the engorgement becomes severe or you are in a lot of pain, or if you develop a fever, seek help from a lactation professional.

Sore nipples are another common complaint among breastfeeding mothers.  Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt, but many new mothers find that in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, they experience tenderness of the nipples.  This is normal and will improve as the baby gets better at nursing.  The key to avoiding prolonged or intense soreness is to make sure that you baby has a good latch, with the nipple deep in its mouth.  You can also apply a lanolin cream to your nipples after breastfeeding to soothe tenderness.  If your nipples are very sore or cracked, a moist environment is recommended for healing.  Medela Tender Care Hydrogel pads are a great product for this.  If after a few days of trying comfort measures the pain increases or you see bleeding, seek the help of a lactation professional.

Plugged ducts are one other common complaint among breastfeeding mothers.  A plugged (or blocked) duct is an area of the breast where milk flow is obstructed.  You will usually notice a hard lump or wedge-shaped area of engorgement in the vicinity of the plug that may feel tender, hot, swollen or look reddened.  The best way to treat a plugged duct is to unplug it.  Continue to breastfeed on the affected side, and pump if necessary.  It is important to get the milk out of the breast, so that the blockage can be dislodged.  Use breast massage and warm, moist compresses to relieve pain.  It also helps to vary the baby's position during feedings, so that milk isn't being pulled from just one section of the breast.  If you develop a fever, seek treatment, as a plugged duct can lead to Mastitis if untreated.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can be caused by obstruction, infection and/or allergy.  The breast becomes inflamed, and there is swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. You may feel tired, run down, achy, have chills or think you have the flu.  Mastitis also causes a fever.  The best way to prevent Mastitis is to relieve engorgement promptly and breastfeeding frequently.  If you do get Mastitis, don't quit breastfeeding!  Weaning increases the risk of a breast infection turning into a breast abscess that requires surgical draining. Continuing to nurse your baby is the best treatment, along with lots of rest and fluids, alternating warm and cold compresses and breast massage.

Most importantly, if you experience ANY problem with breastfeeding, even a minor one, seek help immediately! 

La Leche League of the Wiregrass

Web:  http://wiregrasslll.webs.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Leche-League-of-the-Wiregrass/145790118827986

Wiregrass Birth Network

Web:  http://www.wiregrassbirthnetwork.com/index.html
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/wiregrassbirthnetwork 

Keitha Madrie, RNC, IBCLC

Lactation Specialist, Southeast Alabama Medical Center
334-673-4141 or 1-877-877-8724 ext 4