Common Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions Explained

Breastfeeding is a bonding experience, and breastfeeding challenges can be painful and disheartening for new moms. When you lack knowledge about how to deal with these problems, breastfeeding can become all the more intimidating, sometimes even leading to early weaning.

But, by learning about and understanding the common breastfeeding problems, you can be well-prepared to face them and get through them successfully.

In this blog, we’ll explore some common breastfeeding problems and offer solutions to help you develop effective methods of breastfeeding. Keep reading!

Breast Engorgement

Breast engorgement, where your breasts become filled with milk, is a common issue in the early days of breastfeeding when your body is still trying to figure out how to regulate milk production.

Like any breast problem, breast engorgement can be quite uncomfortable, and even painful – even putting on a bra can hurt. In the later days, engorgement can also happen if you go too long between feedings, allowing milk to build up.

Solution #1 for Breast Engorgement: Frequent Feeding

The good news about breast engorgement is that the worst pain would virtually disappear within the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Until then, you can nurse your baby frequently to ease discomfort.

Feeding on demand – meaning following your baby’s hunger cues and feeding them whenever they are hungry – ensures that your breasts gradually adjust to your baby’s needs, preventing excess milk build-up. Remember, it’s perfectly normal for your baby to nurse frequently in the first few weeks.

Solution #2 for Breast Engorgement: Express Milk

If your breast become uncomfortably full between feedings, consider hand expressing a small amount of milk to relieve pain and pressure. However, be sure not to express too much milk, as it will just stimulate your body to make more, further increasing your milk supply.

Some more tips and solutions that can help with breast engorgement:

• Massage your breasts during feedings.
• Use a warm compress before feeding, and a cold one after.
• Wear a well-fitting nursing bra.
• Change your breastfeeding position during feedings.

Leaking Breasts

Breasts that leak, drip, or even spray milk in the first few weeks or months after delivery are perfectly normal and are a common postpartum symptom. During the first few weeks when your body is getting used to making milk and establishing a feeding schedule with your baby, leaks can spring up anytime, anywhere due to the letdown reflex.

What is a letdown reflex, you ask? Your body is attuned to meet your baby’s needs almost to a fault. Just thinking about your baby, smelling your baby, or hearing a baby cry – even if the baby is not yours – can trigger what’s known as the letdown reflex, causing your milk to be ‘let down’ for your baby’s feeding.

One other potential cause behind leaking breasts is pressure on the breasts. For some mothers, any pressure or friction against their breasts, such as from tight clothing or a seatbelt, can stimulate milk flow.

Solution #1 for Leaking Breasts: Nursing Pads

Leaking breasts should take care of itself within four to six weeks as your milk supply begins to match your baby’s milk demands. Until then, you can rely on nursing pads to absorb the milk, prevent embarrassment, and protect your clothing.

Solution #2 for Leaking Breasts: Breastfeed Often

Breastfeed often to prevent your breasts from becoming too full. This can help decrease the amount of breastmilk leaking.

Some more tips and solutions you can try to manage leaking breasts include:

• Wear dark clothes or clothes with pattern to hide leaks.
• Apply pressure on your nipples whenever you feel the tingling sensation of the letdown reflex.

Clogged Milk Duct

Clogged milk ducts are small, tender lumps that develop in the breast when breast milk clogs up and blocks the milk ducts. Usually, a clogged milk duct isn’t a cause for concern and often goes away on their own within a few days. However, ignoring it can lead to a breast infection.

Solution #1 for Clogged Milk Ducts: Warm Compress and Massage

Applying warm compress to the affected area before nursing can help loosen the clog and encourage breast milk to flow better in that spot. Gently massaging the area towards the nipple, as if to guide milk flow to the nipples, can also help clear the duct and provide relief.

Solution #2 for Clogged Milk Ducts: Frequent Nursing

Breastfeed very often to prevent milk from building up and clogging the milk ducts. When you have a clogged milk duct, begin breastfeeding from the side that is affected. Your baby’s strong suction in the beginning can help unblock the milk ducts.

Some more tips and solutions that can help with clogged milk ducts include the following:

• Ensure that your baby is latching properly, as an incorrect latch can sometimes contribute to clogged ducts.
• Change between breastfeeding positions to drain all the areas of your breast.
• Keep yourself well hydrated.

If the lump doesn’t go away, further grows, or if you develop a fever, call your doctor.

Breastfeeding problems are a part of the journey for many mothers, but remember that they are temporary challenges on the road to nurturing your baby. Approach these complications of breastfeeding with care and patience, both towards yourself and your little one. Something that can make this journey a little easier is a baby diaper you can rely on. Made for the Indian baby body type, Teddyy Diapers is one of the best diapers for newborns in India. From their absorbency to their airy, breathable fit, Teddyy can ensure your baby stays comfortable and happy throughout the day and night.