Breastmilk is indeed the best for babies. However, many mothers experience different breastfeeding difficulties, and these hinders them to continue breastfeeding and just choose to adhere to infant milk formula. Mothers only want to provide what is the best for their babies and by overcoming these breastfeeding problems, they can make it possible. But, how can they overcome these breastfeeding difficulties?
One of the common problems that mothers encounter during their breastfeeding journey is when they think there is not enough breastmilk produced. Usually, they think that the cry of their babies implies that they are not satisfied with feeds and they need to be fed more often. In addressing this problem, counselling the mother and her breastfeeding support group is very important. Helping them build their confidence and giving them an assurance that babies cry not just because they are not satisfied but with other different reasons such as noise, feeling of too cold, too hot, or other discomforts. The reliable signs that the baby is not getting enough breastmilk are its weight gain and urine output. If the baby passes plenty of urine and gains weight, it usually means that the baby is getting enough milk. The mother should also understand that frequent feeding actually helps her to produce more milk.
Another problem is having a nipple fissure or sore nipples during breastfeeding. This is commonly caused by the poor attachment of the baby to the breast. Nipple fissure is very painful for the mother thus, it is important that the baby is correctly attached to the breast to prevent fissures. Also, the mother should remember to only wash her breast once a day without rubbing and using soap to prevent the removal of natural oils that protects the skin. Putting a little expressed breastmilk on the fissures can help the skin recover and heal. Moreover, engorged breast is another breastfeeding problem that they might encounter. It can be the result of the delay in starting breastfeeding after deliver, poor attachment and when breastmilk is not removed effectively. It can be prevented by feeding the baby right after the deliver and assuring that he/she is properly attached to the breast. It is also helpful to express breastmilk through breast pump to have a continuous production of milk, especially when the mother cannot breastfeed her baby.
Furthermore, having a flat or inverted nipple is a challenge to some breastfeeding mothers. Inverted syringe without the attached needle can be helpful to suck the nipple out before breastfeeding. Breastfeeding frequently may also help them for this problem. Lastly, breast conditions such as mastitis, may hinder the mother in continuously breastfeeding. Mastitis is an infection of the breast that may cause severe pain, swelling with redness of the overlying skin and fever to the mother. Doctor’s advice for medications is needed. Also, giving the mother’s breast a massage and warm compress in between feeds may help her recover from this condition. Also, breastfeeding frequently may help her clear the blocked area of the breast and decrease its swelling.
Women face different problems while breastfeeding. By giving the mothers enough support and advices, they can successfully breastfeed and can provide what is best for their babies. Through proper management and breastfeeding techniques, the mother may prevent and overcome her breastfeeding problems and continue breastfeeding her baby. #FVV
