Like many new mothers, Petula Ann Dias (34), a working professional from Bengaluru, experienced breastfeeding problems soon after she gave birth to her baby. “Within an hour of delivery, I started nursing my baby. In two days, I experienced pain and discomfort while breastfeeding,” she says.
“Most breastfeeding problems will be resolved within two or three weeks of breastfeeding and this must not demotivate the mothers to choose formula milk,” points out Prachi Omkar Shetye, a lactation consultant at Somerset Clinic, Medeor Hospital, Dubai.
Soon after childbirth, the pregnancy hormones (estrogen and progesterone) disappear from the body. Within 48 hours, lactation hormones (prolactin and oxytocin) take over. “The initial milk produced will be five ml per breast and gradually the amount increases,” explains Dr Asha Benakappa, pediatrician, Dr Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, Bengaluru.
But breastfeeding problems could still occur. Experts point out that they are primarily because of incorrect feeding techniques and skill training in breastfeeding can help mothers overcome this obstacle.
Only after consultation did Petula learn that her baby’s latching technique wasn’t proper and that she wasn’t holding the baby the appropriate way.
Common breastfeeding problems
Every mother’s breast is different. The size and shape of the nipple, as well as the size of the areola, vary. “There is no one-size-fits-all advice for breastfeeding,” points out Dr Nirmala Chandrashekar, gynecological oncologist, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, stressing the need to create awareness through campaigns like World Breastfeeding Week. But some of the common breastfeeding problems include:
Breastfeeding pain
Pain during breastfeeding occurs when the child is only sucking the nipple without latching on to the areola. “A child is breastfeeding correctly when it is latching on to 80 per cent of the areola along with the nipple,” says Dr Nirmala.
Incorrect latching could be due to the incorrect breastfeeding position of the mother or because she is holding the baby incorrectly. “When the mother’s or the baby’s position is incorrect, the child fails to suckle efficiently,” points out Shetye.
Sore nipples
Lactating breasts become sensitive and tender during pregnancy and after birth, says Dr Gayatri Deshpande, consultant, obstetrics and gynecology, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai. “Inadequate breast care before childbirth or incorrect latching while breastfeeding can cause sore nipples, marked by rashes, redness and skin cracks.”
In rare cases, sore nipples can cause bacterial infection, warns Dr Nirmala. If the breastfeeding mother suffers from swollen and painful nipples and fever, she must consult a doctor to check for infection.
Inverted or flat nipples
Inverted nipples or flat nipples, a condition caused by contracted muscle fibres, could be inherited, explains Dr Nirmala. Sometimes it could be due to poor suckling of the baby too.
Low milk supply
Low breast milk production can be another issue for new mothers. “This is largely caused by low or no suckling of the baby, unhealthy food, stress, inadequate sleep and/or hydration,” says Varsha Abhishek, a clinical dietitian and nutritionist from Bengaluru.
Engorgement
New moms who do not breastfeed can also experience issues. “When the breastmilk is not expressed, it can cause breast engorgement [excess breast milk which can cause pain and swelling of breasts],” explains Dr Deshpande.
Most often, engorgement happens in the first week after delivery. “If not corrected early, this can cause an abscess in the nipples,” says Dr Deshpande.
Blocked milk ducts
Unexpressed breast milk can block the milk ducts. “Clogged nipples increase the risk of infection,” says Dr Nirmala.
Breast care begins at conception
“Breast care must start when a woman conceives,” emphasises Dr Deshpande. After conception, breasts are the foremost centres of weight gain. “Adequate breast care can prevent most breastfeeding problems,” she affirms. She points out that:
- One must use brassieres that are supportive and breathable.
- One must always wear a bra to avoid sagging and skin cracks around the nipples.
- One must use moisturising creams every day after shower, and lightly massage the area around the nipples and the areola.
Breastfeeding problems can be corrected
Most breastfeeding problems can be fixed. “I learnt the correct breastfeeding position, used nip-care cream for healing the bruises and they healed within a week,” Petula recalls.
Prevent sore nipples
“For breastfeeding mothers who experience sore nipples, the use of nipple shield (the thin silicone cover that covers the areola and nipples) and nip-care creams can help in healing,” explains Dr Deshpande.
Correct inverted or flat nipples through a suction device
Dr Nirmala explains that inverted nipples can be corrected through a suction device that can draw out the nipples. She points out that these correctors must be used every 10-15 days in mothers with severe cases of inverted or flat nipples.
Increase breast milk gradually and organically
While consistent suckling of the baby can increase breast milk, consuming lots of fluids (such as water, milk and fruit juices) and healthy nutritious food can also increase the breast milk supply.
“Reducing stress, maintaining sleep hygiene and listening to music can increase breast milk supply,” says Varsha. She cautions against mothers eating food that is highly citric, spicy or strongly aromatic. “This can adversely impact the breast milk quality and the child may develop digestive issues or aversion.”
Takeaways
- Adequate breast care during pregnancy can prevent most breastfeeding problems.
- Breastfeeding pain, sore/inverted/flat nipples, breast engorgement and low milk supply are some of the common problems in breastfeeding.
- Most of these issues can be corrected through correct breastfeeding techniques, adequate hydration, rest and diet.
