New Mothers: Overcoming Early Breastfeeding Problems

As a former La Leche League Group Leader and mother of three (now grown) children, I helped mothers for many years to successfully breastfeed their babies. I took calls, including many night calls, from new mothers with concerns. Although all mothers and babies are unique, I did find some problems seemed to be more common. Breastfeeding is best for your baby, whether you breastfeed for a day, a week, a month, a year, or longer, your baby will benefit from mother's milk.

In the early days, one complaint that seemed to be a concern was sore nipples. When most women have had their breasts protected inside bras most of the time, to begin nursing a baby regularly, the nipples can tend to get sore, especially if no preparation was done to toughen them beforehand. When a mother has sore nipples, it is wise to check to make sure the baby is latching on properly. Cradle your baby in your arms and touch the nipple to the baby's cheek. His rooting reflex will cause his head to turn toward you. Make sure you put the areola into the baby's mouth and not have him just hanging onto the end of the nipple. Failure to latch-on properly can cause sore nipples, but can easily be corrected.

Be sure to avoid breast pads or bra liners that have plastic backs. It is better to expose your breasts to air circulation when possible. Some mothers have found Vitamin E oil is helpful, but be sure to wash it off before nursing. Avoid soap when you shower as this can be drying. Sore nipples are usually temporary, but if it continues to be a problem and you are sure your baby is latching on properly, contact your obstetrician for an ointment for sore nipples.

Another complaint from some new moms is being so exhausted from frequent nursing. If this is the first baby, many mothers don't realize it can be exhausting adjusting to a new baby in the house whether you breastfeed or not. However, breastfed babies do tend to nurse more often, usually on an average of every two hours. Remember babies have a sucking reflex and will nurse for other reasons besides hunger. They receive comfort from sucking. Don't worry that your baby is not getting enough because your baby is nursing for longer periods.

If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help with other household chores and childcare for other children. Accept meals brought over from friends. Don't try to do everything. Mothers do say that nursing gives them a chance to sit down, put their feet up and rest on a regular basis, so their bodies have a chance to heal from childbirth. Put a glass of water or juice nearby, put a pillow under your arm to support it, and take it easy. Nothing is more important than your baby. Be sure to eat regularly. Many doctors recommend nursing every two hours during the day and not waking the baby up at night to nurse unless he wakes and wants to feed. Ask your doctor what he recommends.

If your baby is nursing often at night, you can lie down and nurse your baby. Mothers have done this safely for many generations. New mothers may worry about rolling over on the bed. I give the example that you don't fall off the bed at night because you instinctually know where the edge of the bed is, and you will certainly know your baby is close.

If your baby does not seem to be gaining weight, remember that mother's milk is produced by supply and demand. The more you nurse, the more milk you make. If you are supplementing with bottles, that is less time you spend nursing and less milk you will make. If possible, nursing exclusively, at least in the beginning, will help you get a good supply established. Be sure to offer the baby both breasts at each feeding, even if it means waking the baby up to shift sides. It is best for your body to have both breasts emptied regularly as well.

Your milk is nature's perfect food for your baby. Your milk contains antibodies to protect your baby from illnesses. Many new mothers report that when a cold has gone through all the family members, nursing babies have avoided it. One reason for this is that the mother's body after being exposed has formed antibodies that pass to the baby through the breast milk. Breast- fed babies get less ear infections and have less dental problems later on in life. Breast milk is always pure, at the right temperature and available.

If you still have problems nursing, contact your pediatrician or your local La Leche League. Finding a supportive doctor to encourage you can be very helpful in the early weeks.