5 Common Breastfeeding Challenges — and How to Overcome Them

National Breastfeeding Month raises awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and helps spur more support for women and families. While advocates have made progress, many women still struggle on an individual level when it comes to nursing their babies. Fortunately, help and treatments are available.

At The Breast Place in North Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Jennifer Beatty and our caring team work with women to address all of their breast concerns and issues. If you're a new mother struggling with breastfeeding, our lactation services can help.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding not only provides the best type of nutrition for most babies, but it also has health benefits for both infants and their mothers.

Experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, but only one in four babies are. This is likely due to a variety of factors, including unsupportive workplace policies, lack of parental leave, cultural norms, and absence of family support. It can also be because mothers experience health-related issues when trying to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding challenges and solutions

While nursing is natural, it can still have its challenges. The good news is that solutions and support are available.

Clogged milk ducts

When a duct becomes blocked due to surrounding inflammation, milk can't flow to the nipple. This can create a hard lump on the breast that’s painful to the touch. If left untreated, it can lead to an infection.

Often women can unclog the duct at home in a day or two. Nurse as much as the baby needs, but don't feed or pump extra. Advil, Tylenol, and ice applied for 10 minutes at a time can also help. Lightly stroking the breast toward the lymph nodes above the clavicle and in the armpit can help drain the swelling.

Mastitis

Mastitis occurs when the breast tissue becomes inflamed, and it can result in a bacterial infection. Symptoms include breast pain, hard lumps, red marks, and flu-like symptoms, including a fever if an infection is present.

The aim of treatment is to reduce inflammation and to try to prevent infection. Try icing, taking pain relievers, and doing several types of light pressure and massage. Wearing a supportive but not tight bra can help as well. If bacterial mastitis has occurred, antibiotics are needed.

Nipple cracking or bleeding

Cracks in the nipples can cause pain and bleeding. Often it’s due to an improper nursing technique where the baby isn't latching on correctly. It can also occur when the suction on a breast pump is set too high or if the breast shields are an incorrect size. Engorgement with milk can contribute, too.

Treatment for cracked nipples first and foremost is getting the baby latched on properly. Over-the-counter creams and ointments can help, as can rubbing breast milk onto the fissures. Letting the nipples air dry and wearing protective shells to prevent friction against the bra can aid healing as well.

Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs due to an overgrowth of a fungus in the digestive tract and on the skin. Babies can get it in their mouths and on their tongues, while it can strike mothers in the nipples, areolas, and breasts. Women may experience pain, burning sensations, and pale or white areas on the nipples and areolas.

Thrush is treated with an antifungal medication, usually a topical cream or pill. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, as some creams need to be washed off before allowing your baby to nurse.

Low milk supply

Low milk supply is a common concern of nursing mothers. Causes can include not nursing enough either due to short breastfeeding sessions or supplementing with formula or solid food, taking certain medications including birth control pills, not getting enough sleep, and drinking alcohol or smoking.

Nursing often is the best way to increase milk supply. Pumping between feedings can also help. Check that the baby is latching properly, and use both breasts at every nursing session. Relax, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet.

While breastfeeding can come with some challenges, support is available. If you're struggling, we'd like to help. Click to book an appointment online, or call the office today at 843-797-1941.