Breastfeeding Problems

Here is a list of Breastfeeding Problems. Where appropriate we have stated the possible causes, symptoms and recommendations.

• Back Pain – Poor posture while breastfeeding can lead to back pain. Try and ensure correct posture is maintained throughout. Product Recommendation – My Brest Friend 

• Blocked Ducts –  A Blocked Duct is a painful swollen lump in your breast, often with a red inflamed patch on the skin near the lump. It can be caused by poor attachment of the baby. The positioning and attachment of the baby should be checked to ensure it is correct. If left untreated could lead to Mastitis. Recommended Products -  Booby Tubes, Bosom Buddies

• Cleft Lip / Palate – Special Needs Feeder (formerly Haberman)
  
  
• Cracked / Bleeding Nipples – This can occur from the baby incorrectly latching on. Intense pain and deep cuts and gashes can appear. The positioning and attachment of the baby should be checked to ensure it is correct. Product Recommendation – Silverette, Natural Nipple Butter, Lanolin

• Engorgement – occurs in the mammary glands when too much breast milk is contained within them. It is caused by insufficient breastfeeding and/or blocked milk ducts. When engorged the breasts may swell, throb, and cause mild to extreme pain. The positioning and attachment of the baby should be checked to ensure it is correct. Recommended Products - Booby Tubes

• Inverted Nipples – An inverted nipple is a nipple that, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the breast and sometimes cannot be seen. Recommended Products - Nipple Formers also the use of a breast pump or other suction device immediately before a feeding may help to draw out the nipple.
  
  
• Leaking Breasts – Heavenly Breast Pads, Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads or Lilypadz
  
  
• Let Down - Pain, stress, and anxiety can interfere with the let-down reflex. This will cause the retention of milk within the milk glands which can cause additional pain and anxiety. Treatment includes relaxation and a comfortable nursing position. Reducing distractions during nursing, performing a gentle massage, and applying heat to the breast will also help. Recommended Product – Booby Tubes
  
  
• Low Milk Supply -  Low Milk Supply may be caused by poor attachment of the baby. The positioning and attachment of the baby should be checked to ensure it is correct. Recommended Products - More Milk Range, Teas, Supplemental Nursing System
  
  
• Mastitis – Caused by the blocking of the milk ducts. Can be painful and lead to a fever or flu-like symptoms. Continued nursing is effective at removing the blockage and alleviating the symptoms. Sudden weaning can cause or exacerbate the symptoms. The positioning and attachment of the baby should be checked to ensure it is correct. Recommended Products - Booby Tubes
  
  
• Nipple Confusion – Is when the baby is refusing to feed from the Breast, generally after frequent supplemental feeds with artificial teats. It is easier to prevent Nipple Confusion than it is to Solve the Problem. Recommended Products - Softcup Advanced Cup Feeder, Disposable Baby Cups

• Positioning and Attachment -  Maternal nipple or breast pain is also associated with incorrect Positioning and Attachment - The mother should have this checked by a Qualified Breastfeeding Councellor. By stroking the baby's cheek with the nipple the baby will open its mouth and turn toward the nipple, which should then be pushed in so that the baby has a mouthful of nipple and areola; the nipple should be at the back of the baby's throat. Achievement of this position is referred to as latching on. Inverted or flat nipples can be massaged to give extra area for the baby to latch onto.

• Thrush –  Symptoms of candidiasis breast infections include pain, pruritus (itching), burning and redness, or a shiny or white patchy appearance. The baby could have a white tongue that does not wipe clean like milk would. Candidiasis is common and may be associated with infant thrush. Both mother and infant must be treated to eradicate this infection. Recommended Product - Diaper Rash and Thrush

• Weak Babies – Special Needs Feeder (formerly Haberman)

To find information on the benefits of Breastfeeding for you and your child click here