3 common breastfeeding issues to overcome

Breastfeeding may be a natural thing, but that doesn’t mean everyone takes to it naturally or that it’s easy. There are many challenges and questions associated with it. Sometimes there are physical factors; other times it’s just simple lack of experience.

Whatever the challenge, just remember it can be overcome as long as you don’t give up. As time goes on, it should become easier and more enjoyable, but along the way there are some common problems or discomforts you may face. The Patriot-News shares three common breastfeeding issues and how moms can overcome them.

Decreased supply of milk 

Breastfeeding is a supply and demand system. Your body will produce whatever your baby needs. The more you nurse, the more milk you will produce. If your baby is gaining weight and has the right amount of soiled diapers, relax. If you’re concerned, talk with your doctor or lactation consultant. A few things that stimulate milk production are pumping, adequate hydration, and rest.

Baby can’t latch properly

Poor attachment can lead to pain for moms and less milk for babies. There are a variety of issues that can affect a baby’s latch, and one of the most common is the baby just might have trouble figuring out how to use mom’s breasts to get food. It’s important to be as patient as you can. It often takes babies several tries before they can latch on correctly.

Another common problem is positioning, which is easily corrected with help from a lactation consultant. Parent recommends moms look down at your baby and if your entire nipple and areola aren’t in his or her mouth, you’ll need to readjust the latch. Moms can use nursing pillows or rolled-up blankets to help prop and get into a more comfortable position. In rare cases, it may be because of flat nipples. If your nipples don’t protrude enough for the baby to latch on, you can use one of these options:

• Breast Shells: They fit over the nipple and apply gentle pressure to help it protrude.
• Breast Pump.

Returning to work

Exclusively Breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended. Working moms have a few options so they can continue: New nursing moms not only need to learn how to breastfeed, their babies do too.  Relax and rest assured there are few problems or discomforts that can’t be handled. Successful breastfeeding is a combination of patience, good technique, and perseverance.

1. If moms live near work or have an onsite or nearby daycare, they can take nursing breaks to feed their baby.
2. If option one doesn’t work, they can keep up their milk supply by pumping during the work day. Federal law requires nursing mothers be given break time and a private place other than a bathroom to express milk.
3. If moms aren’t comfortable pumping at work, they can still continue to nurse at night and each morning. However, they risk the chance of diminishing their milk supply.