Even though your baby has not made his or her arrival just yet, it is not too early to educate yourself about breastfeeding. It may come as a surprise to learn that something so simple and so natural can actually be somewhat tricky to master. Unfortunately, many new moms do not realize that breastfeeding does not always happen easily right away. Don’t feel bad if you have a little trouble getting started and, more importantly, don’t give up. If you would like to breastfeed your baby, here are two of the common difficulties that you may encounter during the early weeks of your baby’s life as well as some tips for getting through those challenges and establishing a successful nursing relationship.
While it is true that some babies latch right on to their mother’s breast the first time it is offered (usually immediately following birth), many moms and babies need a little help when it comes to getting a good latch. A poor latch can leave baby hungry and frustrated, and can leave mom with sore nipples and engorged breasts. If you suspect that your baby is having trouble latching, check how your baby is positioned. Position baby so that he is at the same level as your nipple, with his head and body facing towards you so that he does not have to twist his head. Also, make sure that baby is taking in both the areola (the darkened area around the nipple) and the nipple, because that is essential for proper milk flow as well as avoiding soreness. If the latching trouble persists, do not hesitate to ask for help from a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are a great source of information and can help provide the hands on support that you need to get baby latching on like a champ.
Milk ducts can get clogged, and if you notice a tender lump somewhere in your breast that may be what is happening. Try applying warm compresses for a few minutes before nursing your baby. Also, even though it seems counterintuitive, nurse on the sore side first because baby’s sucking may actually unclog the duct. If the clog persists, or if you begin to develop flu – like symptoms, let your doctor know right away because you may have developed an infection called mastitis which must be treated promptly. It may be possible to keep on nursing, even with clogged ducts or mastitis. Enlist the support of a lactation consultant to help you out.