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Breastfeeding problems
For new moms, breastfeeding problems are common. From the get-go, some women experience problems. Some moms have trouble getting their milk to come in. This can bee troublesome, especially because your baby needs to eat in order to thrive. Many lactation experts encourage moms to be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy and use a breast pump in addition to nursing your baby to help establish or increase milk supply.
Once the milk comes in, there can be a slew of other problems. For instance, new moms can experience engorgement. Engorgement is characterized by the breasts being dramatically full and feeling hard and painful. Once engorgement sets in, you may want to avoid pumping if possible. Some experts will tell you to express a little, just enough to feel some relief. Keep nursing and be sure to switch breasts when you nurse, so that each one is sufficiently drained by the baby. Be sure to watch for red, hard lump, fever and flu like symptoms. This can indicate plugged milk ducts and/or mastitis. Mastitis usually requires antibiotics.
Cracked nipples and lessened milk supply are other common breastfeeding problems. For cracked nipples, it is a good idea to find a good Lanolin ointment. Lansinoh is one brand that lactation specialists frequently recommend. If you milk supply lessens, try increasing the number of feedings a day until it is replenished. You should also make sure that you are eating and drinking enough. Be sure to watch and weigh your baby and make sure that she is gaining weight and behaving normally.
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