If you're expecting, you may be considering whether to bottle-feed or breastfeed. Breastfeeding can help to grow the bond between you and your baby and it also offers certain health benefits to both of you. While breastfeeding can be a positive experience, it is not without its potential disadvantages. If you've decided to breastfeed, there are several issues you may encounter and it's important to understand how to deal with these problems should they arise.
Improper Latch
One of the biggest challenges new moms face in attempting to breastfeed is making sure their baby is latched on properly. According to La Leche League, an improper latch makes it more difficult for your baby to apply sufficient pressure to draw your milk down. If the baby's mouth is positioned incorrectly, nursing can be painful and result in sore or cracked nipples. Flat or inverted nipples can also present additional problems when trying to get your baby to latch on.
Milk Supply
Having too high or too low a milk supply can also present an obstacle to successful breastfeeding. During the initial engorgement period, your breasts have a higher-than-normal supply of milk. According to The Bump pregnancy resource, engorgement can make feeding painful and latching on difficult. As your body adjusts to feeding, you may find that your milk supply drops to significantly lower levels, which can result in your baby not gaining weight normally.
Newborn Response
While some babies take to breastfeeding quickly, you may find that your newborn's moods make breastfeeding more difficult. One of the most common problems you may encounter is your baby falling asleep at the breast. While drowsiness is a sign that your baby is full, if your baby is constantly falling asleep during feeding it can prevent him from gaining weight properly and it can also potentially have a negative effect on your milk supply.
Thrush
Thrush is a specific type of yeast infection that infants get in their mouths. According to Abbott Nutrition, the company that manufactures Similac brand formula, thrush can be transmitted through your baby's mouth to your breast, resulting in pain, itching or burning in your nipples while nursing. Thrush can also make it more difficult for your baby to feed as latching on can be painful. If left untreated in both mother and baby, it can make it more difficult for both of you to heal.
Mastitis
Mastitis is a bacterial infection that can affect your breasts, making feeding much more painful. According to The Bump, mastitis is more common in the early stages of breastfeeding and it can be caused by cracked nipples, clogged milk ducts or engorgement. Mastitis typically causes flu-like symptoms including fever and body aches. If you discontinue breastfeeding while you have mastitis, you can potentially develop an infection or abscess in your breast.
