Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it does not happen easily. Mothers can face quite a few problems when they start breastfeeding their baby. This article provides useful insight to commonly faced problems by breastfeeding mothers, as well as gives solutions which can help you in breastfeeding your baby. If you are unable to solve your problem or are experiencing difficulties in breastfeeding your child, then we recommend that you consult a professional or an infant feeding consultant for guidance.

Breast pain

Some moms experience pain in their breasts occasionally when they are weaning their child. There can be several causes for this, such as the letdown reflex, too much milk production, blocked ducts as well as thrush and engorgement.

The letdown reflex is caused due to the release of oxytocin hormone, which stimulates the breast muscles to squeeze out milk. The hormone is actually released due to suckling of the breast. However, certain situations or conditions can also lead to the release of the hormone in breastfeeding mothers like thinking about your baby, or seeing a crying or hungry baby. The condition causes slight tingly feeling in some mothers to pressure, discomfort or pain in others.

Blocked ducts

Blocked ducts, also called Mastitis, are another problem faced by breastfeeding moms. Mastisis causes the area of the breast to become red, sore or inflamed, and is usually caused by poor pumping of the breast or by wearing a badly-fitting bra. Blocked ducts, also called inflamed ducts are caused if the baby is not “milking” properly. This causes the produced milk to be forced back into the breast tissue rather than being pumped out, causing swollen lumps to form on the breasts which can be painful. Make sure your baby is latched on properly when breastfeeding. Another solution to blocked ducts is to use a breast pump like Medela pump in style or Ameda purely yours to pump milk out of the breasts.

Sore nipples

Sore nipples are caused due to several reasons, such as a poorly fitting bra, use of certain creams or soaps which can dry the skin, causing dermatitis, or could be due to a poorly latched baby. Sore nipples are not a ‘part and parcel’ of breastfeeding as is understood by many women. In fact, breastfeeding should be a pleasurable experience for you and your baby, and any uncomforting issue should be dealt with professionally. If your baby is teething, it can also cause sore nipples.

Breast refusal

Some babies tend to go on a “breastfeeding strike” when they refuse to take a mothers breast. However this can be due to several reasons which should be identified as early as possible to allow the baby to continue breastfeeding. Some of the obvious reasons for breast refusal include mouth pain from teething, due to which the baby may feel irritated. If the baby has a cold or flu, or has an ear infection which is hurting, the baby can refuse to take your breast. In other cases, if your baby is not latching properly and not getting enough milk from breastfeeding, then the baby may refuse breast milk.

Some other obvious scenarios of breast refusal include the introduction of fluids or solids in the baby’s diet, which leaves the baby feeling “filled” and not want to feed on your milk. If there is a lapse in the emotional bonding between you and the baby that can also lead to breast refusal, like if you have been away from your baby for a while to work, or if you let the baby cry repeatedly before feeding, it can disrupt the baby’s routine. Some other cases of breast refusal may include certain smells of products you may have applied, like a perfume or cream which can put off the baby.

Engorged breasts

Breastfeeding mothers often experience engorged breasts during the first few days or weeks after giving birth. This normally happens due to excess milk production by the breasts, which can cause the breasts to be swollen, tender, lumpy and uncomfortable. Engorged breasts only last for a few days and as soon as your baby starts feeding comfortably at your breast, your breasts will feel softened.

Low milk supply

Mother’s breasts only produce enough milk to meet the baby’s needs. If the baby is not latching properly, or has been introduced to other foods in the diet, then your breasts will not produce more milk. To allow your breasts to produce enough milk, make sure that you feed your baby regularly. Do not wait for a regular routine before feeding your baby. As soon as the baby is feeling hungry you should feed her without waiting for your breasts to “fill up” or for a 3 hour interval to complete.

Whether you are a new mom or have breastfed before, you may experience any of these problems at some stage. Make sure you know the reasons for each of the problems as well as their solutions to be able to solve them and continue feeding your child.

As you know, breastfeeding is best for your baby.  But a study published in the May 2009 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that breastfeeding is also healthy for the mother, decreasing her chances for heart attacks and strokes in the future.

This study began in 1994 with 139,600 women.  The postmenopausal women who breastfed for at least one month had decreased rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.  Furthermore, women who nursed for more than a year were 10 percent less likely to have a heart attack, diabetes or a stroke than those who did not breastfeed.

If you are nursing or have nursed a child, chances are you have heard once or twice, “Your baby is over one year old. When are you going to stop nursing?”   This study proves that extended nursing will benefit you for years to come, so ignore any outside pressure you may receive. 

The health benefits of extended breastfeeding indicate a woman returning to work can benefit from pumping while away from baby.  Family friendly companies who provide a private place for nursing mothers to pump are one step ahead in helping to keep their employees and their families healthy and happy.