The most common breastfeeding difficulties and how to deal with them – Project Parenting

Inadequate attachment of the baby to the breast

Contrary to popular belief that babies suckle from the nipple, they actually suckle from the breast. The goal is for the baby to get as much of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) into their mouth as possible when breastfeeding. This means you should wait for the moment when your baby opens his mouth wide, as if he is yawning. This will ensure a productive and painless latch. Otherwise, you risk injuring your nipples and the baby not being fed properly, leading to reduced milk production and poor weight gain.

Extra tip

Try asymmetrical attachment! Make sure to touch the baby's lower lip to the lower contour of the nipple areola. This way, the nipple will point towards his nose. Once his mouth opens wide, bring him closer to you, letting the nipple enter facing upwards. This way, it will reach the soft palate on the baby's palate and there will be less friction. (2) (3)

Try it in a "rugby" stance which gives you a larger field of vision!

Injured or irritated nipples

The most common cause of sore nipples is a poor latch on. Don't discount the pain! Pain while breastfeeding is always a warning sign. Aside from the first few seconds of a feed, breastfeeding should be mostly painless. You can try letting the breast milk on the nipple air dry and leaving your breast uncovered frequently. If you prefer moist healing, try silver nipple cups. Silverette®Silver acts preventively, therapeutically, and protects against friction with clothing (4). It also has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties (5).

Discomfort and swelling when "milk comes in"

In fact, milk does not “come in” on the third day after delivery, but is prepared as early as the third trimester of pregnancy (2). The engorgement of the breasts, which is often observed in the third 24 hours after delivery, is due to venous and lymphatic congestion. The breasts appear swollen, warm and red.

Breastfeeding and nutrition: What you want to know about eating habits during breastfeeding

The most important treatment for congestion is breastfeeding on demand. Whenever and for as long as the baby wants it, but also whenever the mother feels the need to relieve herself. This means that she may need to AWAKENINGS your baby to help you. In the long run, the best approach is to let the baby regulate his milk production and not interfere with a breast pump, at least for the first forty days. This would give your breasts the message that they should raise two children!

If engorgement makes it difficult for your baby to latch on, reversed pressure can be used. In this technique, you place your fingers on the sides of the nipple and press down toward your breastbone to relieve the area around the nipple. Massaging your breasts and expressing milk by hand can also provide relief (2).

Blocked mammary gland duct

When a milk duct becomes blocked, milk cannot flow out of that area. This can lead to nipple pain, local redness and swelling, or mastitis. Again, the key is to get your baby latched on correctly. In fact, it seems to “empty” the area of the breast where your baby’s chin is pointing better, as it massages that area more effectively. This is why alternating is important. breastfeeding positionsUsing a warm compress and massaging your breasts before breastfeeding may help (2).