Common Breastfeeding Problems

Almost every nursing mother comes across a problem or two at some point during her breastfeeding months or years. No one is immune to an occasional problem. Most problems are easily rectified though if you just know how. Breasts are like any other organ, they can get sore or infected. Not every breastfeeding mom will experience problems such as the ones I am about to talk about, but many do.

Mastitis is one of the more common problems that nursing mothers may have. Mastitis is an inflammation and infection in the breast of a woman that either is breastfeeding or trying to wean. The signs and symptoms can include: a fever, tender, swollen breast, hard and/or hot spot on breast, and localized area with redness and pain. The cause is an infection from bacteria that enters the mother's breast from the baby's nose or mouth. It is most common around the third week postpartum but can occur at any time during lactation. The mother may feel as if she has some type of flu with symptoms such as chills and fatigue. Treatment is usually antibiotics but sometimes if it has just started, you may be able to fix the problem without medication by nursing frequently, emptying the breasts completely and resting as much as possible.

Plugged ducts can also occur at any time during lactation but will be most noticeable after feedings. It is a localized area in one breast, usually, that is affected. That area will be tender to the touch and will have a red area on the skin. You will probably feel a lump beneath the areola, where the pain will be. Fever is not associated with a plugged duct. You may be able to see a white milk plug in a nipple opening. The best treatment is frequent nursing sessions and applying moist, hot packs to the area to loosen the plug and encourage milk flow. Antibiotics are not needed for this problem.

Engorgement can be a problem for some mothers. This typically happens in the first few weeks of nursing. Once the milk supply levels out, the engorgement problem goes away on its own. If you continue to nurse frequently and empty both breasts that will help. If needed, you can alternate cold and warm compresses to help the pain. During engorgement, the breasts will feel very full and hard. They will be tender as well and nursing will help that feeling to go away.

Sore nipples can be another problem that nursing moms have. If the baby is not latching on properly, you will have this problem. The soreness can progress to cracked nipples if it isn't corrected in a good amount of time. Remember that pain has a purpose in life, to tell you that something is just not right and a change needs to happen. If you have painful nursing past the first few days, check the way the baby is latching. That is usually the problem. Using different positions can be very helpful. Encouraging more frequent feedings and shorter feeding times is also helpful. If you have very sore nipples, using a nipple cream after feedings is a tried and true solution.

A breast abscess is a localized area of pus. This can occur due to mastitis, a plugged duct or engorgement. If the lump is not going away with mastitis and plugged duct treatments, then it is suspected to be an abscess. Sometimes, a breast ultrasound is necessary to determine if in fact it is an abscess. Surgical draining or antibiotics may be necessary to correct this problem. Moist heat on the affected area may help as well. This problem is not as common as the others though.

Candida, or yeast, on the nipples is yet another issue that a breastfeeding mother may face. This is also called thrush. It is a fungus that thrives in warm, dark moist areas, such as the mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina, diaper area, bra pads and wet nipples. If your nipples are extremely sore, burning or itching or you experience shooting pains in your breasts, you can possibly have thrush. You can also tell if it is thrush by looking in the baby's mouth. If there are white patches on the baby's tongue and sides of the mouth, it is probably thrush. You can also get it if you or your baby have just finished a round of antibiotics. Yeast infections are very common after taking antibiotics. You can try to prevent thrush from happening. Eating yogurt daily, especially ones with active cultures, air drying your nipples after feedings, changing nursing pads frequently and wearing a 100% cotton bra can all help to prevent thrush. Treatment options can include an antifungal cream, and oral antifungal suspension and oral acidophilus.

Even though there can be issues while breastfeeding, they are all generally easy to handle. Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do not only for the baby but also for yourself. It is a wonderful bonding experience and a healthy option for both mom and baby. All of these problems can be cured easily and quickly. Do not stop nursing because of a problem such as mastitis or a plugged duct. Nursing frequently helps all of the problems. Enjoy your nursing experience for as long as possible. You are giving your baby such a wonderful start in life!!