Common Concerns of Breastfeeding Moms
Plugged Milk Ducts Breast Infections Cracked Nipples Sore Nipples Engorgement
Plugged milk ducts feel like a pebble or a pea under the skin or areola. They are best treated with hot compresses, breast massage during feeding , and pumping after the feeding. Place the baby's chin toward the plug if possible, massage from behind the plug towards the nipple, and pump for ten minutes after each nursing until resolved. Make sure you are not wearing a nursing bra that is too tight or that has an under wire pushing into your milk ducts.
Mastitis is an infection of the breast usually following an untreated plugged milk duct. Watch for chills, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Use the same techniques as for a plugged milk duct and call the doctor for an antibiotic. If you have been wearing tight-fitting or under wire bras, treat yourself to a supportive nursing bra that won't plug your milk ducts. Remember...heat, rest, empty the breast.
If nipples are cracked or bleeding, follow the steps above for sore nipples, but use breast shells to keep the skin from pulling away when you change bra pads. A little blood won't hurt the baby because breast milk is blood product. A new product is now available that had been used to treat burn victims in the past. These Comfortgel pads are extremely helpful in healing wounded nipples.
Early onset of nipple soreness can be due to a number of things. Poor positioning, poor latch-on, not breaking the suction properly, bras and pads that aren't cotton or changed infrequently, or bad breast pumps. Make sure that the baby's ear, shoulder, and hips are aligned. Make sure the baby has 1 - 1 1/2" of the areola in his/her mouth. Make sure you break the suction when you take the baby off the breast by releasing the seal with your finger. Keep the baby from slipping down by supporting the breast during the entire feeding. Use a firm pillow or nursing pillow to the baby's body from becoming too heavy to hold. Air dry the nipples after each feeding. Use expressed milk or hospital grade lanolin sparingly on sore spots. Comfortgel pads can also be used to speed healing. Use only 100% cotton or paper, breathable nursing pads and change them frequently. Nipples may still be uncomfortable for a few seconds after latch-on, but they should be getting better daily.
If you are experiencing difficulty with breast pain or latch-on 3 to 5 days postpartum, it is probably due to engorgement. Advil is safe for breastfeeding and contains an anti-inflammatory that may reduce some swelling and discomfort. Your best friend during this time is a hot compress. Turn the tap water and let it run until hot. Take two disposable baby diaper and swipe it under the tap three or four times. Mold the diapers around your breast. Repeat this procedure before each feeding. Commercial hot packs are also available, but the diapers work just as well so you may want to save your money for a good breast pump. If the areola is still too hard for the baby to grasp, use a quality breast pump for three to five minutes before latching the baby on. If the baby goes to sleep before emptying the breast, finish pumping afterward. Take heart! Engorgement only lasts for 48-72 hours.