Leading experts like the United States Department of Health and Human Services and The American Association of Pediatrics agree that breastfeeding is the best choice you can make for you child. That being said, it isn't a bed of roses for every mother. Common breastfeeding problems can frustrate even the most experienced mothers and put a cloud of worry over an otherwise happy time. Understanding these common problems and how to correct them can lead to an easier and more enjoyable breastfeeding experience.
Low Milk Supply
According to Baby Center.com, low milk supply is a rare condition that affects 2 to 5 percent of lactating mothers. When a mother's body doesn't produce enough milk, it puts the baby at risk for malnutrition. There are many reasons why a woman may experience low milk supply. Poor latching, infrequent breastfeedings, hormonal birth control or hormonal diseases and imbalances can all contribute. Signs that you're suffering from this condition include an inability to express a usable quantity of milk when pumping; a baby who doesn't produce regular stools, isn't gaining weight and seems lethargic; and losing the feeling that your breasts are full with milk. The first few weeks you breastfeed your breasts will naturally produce more or less milk as you adjust to your baby's feeding demands, so weight and stools are a better indicator of low milk supply than how your breasts feel.
High Milk Supply
The opposite of low milk supply is hyperlactation, or too much milk. Signs that you're producing too much milk are large, engorged and painful breasts on a constant basis, milk that squirts out forcefully or leaks on a near-constant basis and your baby spitting, choking or gagging because she can't swallow all the milk she is being given at a fast enough rate. Hyperlactation happens to a lot of mothers, and the body usually corrects itself once it adjusts to your baby's feeding needs, but if it continues to be a problem, you can pump or express milk between and before feedings to ease engorgement and slow down your milk flow. Never empty the breast during this process as an empty breast is a signal for your body to make more milk.
Nursing Srike
Some babies breastfeed just fine and then suddenly refuse to feed in an act known as a nursing strike. Nursing strikes usually only occur if something is wrong, such as sore, teething gums, stuffy nose, an increase in pacifier use or a disruption in the baby's regular feeding schedule. Take your baby to the doctor to make sure the nursing strike isn't related to a health problem, then patiently try to regain your previous feeding schedule. You'll need to pump milk every few hours to keep your supply up, since the baby isn't emptying your breasts. Try to avoid giving breast milk in a bottle, as this can make it even harder for your baby to return to the breast.
Sore, Cracked or Bleeding Nipples
According to Medline Plus, sore nipples just go with the territory when you're breastfeeding, but cracked, bleeding nipples are a sign of a breastfeeding problem. When your baby isn't latching on properly or isn't situated properly on the breast, it can put too much pressure on your nipples. A good latch should include the nipple and the areola, and you should change positions at each feeding. You could also have an oral yeast infection that has spread to your nipples. Your doctor will be able to give you medication to help heal your nipples while you continue to feed.
