You or your infant may have difficulty breastfeeding for a variety of reasons. Low milk production, painful nipples or clogged milk ducts can impede your milk supply, while teething, illness or a change in milk's taste can affect your child's desire to feed. Consult your physician or a certified lactation consultant to discover potential causes and discuss strategies to encourage your infant to nurse.
Low Milk Production
Delays in milk coming in shortly after your baby's birth may continue, occurring gradually as well as suddenly. Even if you have been producing sufficient amounts, your production can slow or decrease. Factors such as severe stress, excessive postpartum bleeding, retained placental fragments, thyroid conditions and smoking can contribute to this phenomenon. Your physician may recommend increasing breastfeedings from 10 to 12 in 24 hours and increasing the skin-to-skin contact you share with your child. Pumping immediately after a feeding -- using a medical-grade device -- can also be helpful.
Nursing Strike
Though your infant may not wave signs, she might wave her fists, arch her back and refuse to nurse. Called a "nursing strike," this event is not uncommon and typically lasts no more than four days. Mastitis -- an infection in your breasts -- teething or an infant ear infection can lead to your child's nursing strike. She might also be responding to low milk supply or something you ate or drank; what you put into your body can cause reactions in your infant. Increasing your skin-to-skin contact, cuddling and taking a warm bath together may encourage your child to feed.
Painful Nipples
Initial pain in your nipples and breasts is normal; after a few weeks, however, breastfeeding should be relatively pain-free. Sore nipples may indicate your child is not latching on or sucking correctly. His mouth should reach into the widest part of your nipple, known as the areola. His tongue may be tied to the floor of his mouth by a piece of skin called the frenulum. As a result, his tongue cannot reach out far enough, giving you the feeling that he is biting your nipple. Yeast infections can also cause nursing difficulties. If your nipples are red and sore and your baby has white spots in his mouth, you may have a yeast infection. In this case, contact your doctor or lactation consultant for further instructions.
Blocked Milk Ducts
Clogged milk ducts can feel like a lump in your breast. Typically occurring when you don't empty your breasts frequently enough, blocked ducts can cause soreness. Ineffective sucking and your infant not emptying your breasts can also contribute to the condition. Changes in your daily schedule or returning to work can lead to delays in feeding or pumping schedules, affecting your milk ducts. Continuing to breastfeed can remedy the problem. Remove milk often, and alternate your child's feeding positions. You can also apply warm compresses or soak your breasts in warm water. Massaging your breasts when breastfeeding may encourage milk flow.
