Breastfeeding Problems and Advices

Although breast feeding is natural, some mothers will run into hitches at times. If this happens, remember that help is at hand and all you need to do is to seek support and advice.
 

Common Breastfeeding Problems

Here are some of the breastfeeding problems you may encounter and the related advices:
1. Blocked duct – commonly a result of breast engorgement or tight clothing. You’ll find a hard, red patch on your breasts. Take a warm shower, massage the breasts gently and express some milk to reduce the pressure.
2. Cracked or sore nipple – a common happening if your baby does not latch on properly. Always make sure that the baby has the whole areola in his mouth and is not sucking only at the tips of your nipples. You may apply some nipple cream to relieve the soreness. While waiting for it to heal, let your baby nurse on the other breast first and express from the sore breast.
3. Engorgement – this happens when there is an excess of milk and your baby is not sucking enough. Use cold towel compress on the engorged breast. Try to express as much milk as possible from the engorged breast. You may need your doctor to prescribe you with some pain killers if the pain is unbearable.
4. Mastitis – this is a result of untreated blocked duct. Apart from a red patch on the breast, you will get flu-like symptoms and fever. Seek medical help when this happens.
5. Thrush – a common fungal infection which can be transferred to your baby. Your baby will have little white spots in his mouth or soreness around the genitals. Consult your doctor to get some anti-fungal treatment.
 

Breast Feeding at Work

Below are some tips for mothers who plan to express breast milk at work :
1. Start planning to express breast milk when the milk supply becomes established. Your baby can feed from bottles when you are at work using the expressed milk and you can continue to nurse him at your breast when you return in the evening.
2. Express your milk at set times of the day. Keep these in the fridge and feed your baby the next day. Expressed breast milk can be kept in the fridge for two days and in the freezer for two weeks. Label all your bottles so that you know which ones to use first.
3. Stand the milk in a bowl of hot water to warm the milk. Avoid microwave as it may contain hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth.
4. You may also need these at work:
- At least 4 bottles to be used inter-changeably.
- Breast pads in case your breasts start leaking and stain your clothes at work. Disposable pads are a good choice.
- Good supportive nursing bras that will care for your breasts.
- Nipple shields to help cracked nipples heal.
- Bottle bags to transport your milk from office back home.

More on Normal Early Childhood Development