5 Ways To Manage Breast Feeding Problems

It is difficult for some mums to understand how their breasts work especially if they have a baby at home to feed. The nipples can be difficult to work with especially if you are dealing with lactation issues or swelling of the breasts. Here are some things for new mothers to consider:

Focus on the milk flow

Try to enhance the milk production by preventing and treating engorgement. The improper latch can result in the infant not sucking milk properly. The poor latch can result in the infant being unable to suck on the breast properly. You must try to empty the breast fully and completely to prevent the milk flow from affecting your breasts.

Try squeezing the milk by hand in between feedings.

The squeezing of milk by hand can result in the breast areola being soft and it will allow the baby to latch on to the breast better. You can even use a cold pack or shower to assist in relieving the discomfort caused by an enlarged breast. Do not use heat as it can increase swelling but you can use heat just before breast feeding to soften your breasts.  You can also opt for baby mattress cover where heat can help you with latching http://simplesolutionsinternational.com/babesafe-mattress-cover.

Focus on massaging

If you massage your  breasts long enough it can improve the milk flow and reverse pressure techniques can soften the swelling too. If you find it hard to massage your own breasts visit a doctor who can help you with this. You can also try some medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and help you with your breastfeeding experience.

Get help from a physician if you are unsure

You might be unsure of how latching works so get help from a lactation physician. The physician might suggest a saline rinse for sore nipples or a salt water solution to minimize nipple pain. The salt water must be made fresh in order to avoid bacterial growth. The physician might also recommend various other methods like warm breastfeeding therapy to enhance more milk production.  You can decide on what you want based on your needs.

Use a nipple ointment

If you are unsure, use a nipple ointment which can be used by rubbing a small thin layer on to the nipples after you are done with breast feeding. Remember that it doesn’t have to be wiped off before nursing. Use lanolin or hydrogel to add moisture which will heal the damaged nipple but hydrogel must be thoroughly wiped before you nurse your baby again.

Remember to manage any breast problems you have by medicinal or alternative treatments. A young mother can be in a lot of stress which can affect her breast feeding capabilities so use the above mentioned techniques based on your own needs.