10 Problems of breastfeeding mothers and how to overcome them

Breastfeeding should be a pleasant experience for both mother and baby because there are many benefits of breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding. But sometimes, various problems arise when breastfeeding both the mother and the baby, making the process difficult. What are the common problems that occur in mothers and babies during breastfeeding and how can they be overcome?

Various problems with breastfeeding in mothers and babies

The problem of breastfeeding is not a myth of breastfeeding mothers and the challenges of breastfeeding alone, but it can also be experienced by mothers as breastfeeders. Sometimes, babies don't always go through the breastfeeding process easily and smoothly.

So, so that the breastfeeding process can be more optimal, find out the various breastfeeding problems that can be experienced by mothers and babies and how to deal with them appropriately.

Here are some breastfeeding problems that mothers and babies may experience:

1. The problem of sore nipples when the mother is breastfeeding

For those of you who are for the first time, it is normal for nipples to be chafed or sore while breastfeeding. This is indeed one of the many problems for mothers and babies during breastfeeding.

However, do not take it for granted when the blisters or sores on the nipples appear worse or become more painful while breastfeeding.

The causes of sore nipples when breastfeeding can vary.

Launching from the NHS page, the difficulty for babies to stick their mouths to the mother's nipples is usually the most common cause of nipple blisters or sores while breastfeeding.

If the baby's mouth is not latched on properly, the baby will suck or pull the nipple too deeply which can hurt your nipple.

Improper breastfeeding can also cause sore, chapped, and bleeding nipples when breastfeeding. The nipple can be caught between the baby's tongue and palate or even be bitten.

That is why some breastfeeding mothers feel sore and reddened nipples after breastfeeding.

This may be a sign that your breastfeeding position is not correct so that the baby's mouth and breasts are not “locked” properly.

When the breastfeeding position is done correctly, the baby can reach your nipples well and can suckle milk smoothly.

Tips for dealing with sore or sore nipples while breastfeeding

Here's how to deal with sore or sore nipples while breastfeeding to make it easier for mothers and babies:

• Make sure the baby sucks all parts of the nipple and areola of the breast while feeding.
• When you want to remove the nipple from the baby's suction, separate the baby's mouth with the nipple slowly by pressing the breast near the baby's mouth using the index finger.
• Let the nipples dry before dressing again.
• Avoid using soap on the nipples as this can dry out your skin.
• Give warm compresses to the nipples.
• Make it a habit to start breastfeeding from the part of the breast that doesn't feel pain first.
• We recommend that you wear a bra made of cotton so that air circulation in the breasts is good, even better if you wear a nursing bra.
• Apply a little of your breast milk to the injured nipple area, this is useful for speeding up the healing of your sore nipple. Because the content of antibodies in breast milk keeps your nipples healthy.

The doctor can also give you medicine for sore nipples while breastfeeding depending on your condition. Take for example lanolin ointment as a moisturizer on your nipples and a topical antibiotic to treat sore nipples while breastfeeding due to a bacterial infection.

Another choice of medication to relieve sore nipples or sores while breastfeeding is systemic antibiotics. This medicine is usually recommended when discharge or pus appears due to a bacterial infection.

In addition, antifungal drugs can also be used to treat sore nipples or sores while breastfeeding caused by a fungal infection.

Before breastfeeding, make sure the nipples are clean from nipple cream blisters or cuts so that the baby will not eat them.

You can also take pain relievers to relieve complaints of sore nipples or sores while breastfeeding, for example acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil).

2. Problems with swollen breasts during breastfeeding

Swollen breasts are one of several problems for mothers and babies when breastfeeding. This could be due to a buildup of milk in the breast, making it feel big, full, and hard.

Quoting the Office on Women's Health page, the buildup of breast milk is due to the duct that is supposed to drain milk from the breast glands to the nipple, which is blocked.

This blocked duct is what makes you feel pain in your breasts accompanied by swelling.

This blockage of the milk ducts usually does not occur directly on both sides of the breast at once, but only one of them.

This swollen breast period usually lasts for the first few days or weeks while breastfeeding.

When your body is trying to adapt to breastfeeding, you can relieve pain and pressure in your breasts.

Tips for dealing with swollen breasts while breastfeeding

Here's how to deal with swollen breasts during breastfeeding to make it easier for mothers and babies:

• Breastfeed as often as possible according to the baby's wishes and should not be stopped if he is not satisfied.
• If the baby is full, but the supply of milk in the breast is still quite a lot, you can remove it by pumping it. Either with an electric or manual breast pump.
• Give warm or cold compresses to the breasts to reduce pain.
• Gently massage the breasts, for example in the shower, when the breasts are irrigated by hot or cold water.
• Try all breastfeeding positions until you and your baby find the position that is most comfortable.
• Use a bra that is not too tight because it can restrict the flow of milk.
• Make sure you are getting enough fluids and rest.

If not treated properly, the swelling can progress to mastitis or painful inflammation of the breast.

3. Mastitis problems in breastfeeding mothers

Mastitis is a breastfeeding problem in mothers and babies characterized by inflammation of the breasts.

When the swollen breast is inflamed, it is possible to develop an infection. This means that there is a growth of bacteria in the inflamed breast tissue.

Mastitis can be characterized by red, hard, sore, hot, and swollen breasts. You can also experience symptoms such as chills, headaches, high body temperature, and fatigue as signs of mastitis.

Mastitis can also be caused by a build-up of milk in the breast, for example because the milk ducts are blocked. This condition causes milk to accumulate in the breast so that the breast tissue becomes inflamed.

Tips for dealing with mastitis while breastfeeding

Here's how to deal with the problem of mastitis while breastfeeding to make it easier for mothers and babies:

• Immediately contact your doctor if you feel the symptoms of mastitis so that they are given the right treatment.
• Try to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
• Apply a warm compress to relieve inflammation.
• Babies can still breastfeed on the breast with mastitis.
• You can breastfeed your baby from a breast with mastitis or from a healthy breast.
• Pumping milk to the breast can be done if it hurts when the baby is breastfeeding directly.
• Make sure the baby is feeding properly.
• Try different breastfeeding positions to find the best position for the baby, so that it latches on to your breast.
• Breastfeed as often as the baby wants.
• Expressing breastmilk by hand or pump after breastfeeding, especially if you think your baby is not latching on well.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes or bras until the mastitis has cleared up.
• Try massaging your breasts very gently while the baby is feeding to help the milk flow smoothly.
• Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to help relieve pain.

Mastitis problems can occur at any time during the breastfeeding period, making the mother and baby uncomfortable.

However, it is most common in the first three months, especially in the second or third week. These breastfeeding problems usually disappear as soon as the mother and baby get used to the process.

4. The problem of yeast infection in nursing mothers

Yeast infections that occur during breastfeeding can appear in the mouth of your baby or your breasts, especially in the nipple area.

Symptoms of this one breast problem during breastfeeding usually include pain, redness, and itching with or without a rash on the breast.

Nipples that are cracked, peeled, and even blistered can also be a sign of a yeast infection. All signs of this problem can be felt during or when the mother is not breastfeeding.

Meanwhile, in babies, yeast infection can cause white or reddish patches around the mouth.

Although not always experienced by every mother and baby, yeast infection is one breastfeeding problem that should not be underestimated.

If you think you or your baby has a yeast infection, immediately consult your doctor for immediate treatment.

Tips for dealing with yeast infection while breastfeeding

The doctor may give you an anti-fungal medication that can be applied directly to the breast for a certain period of time.

Apart from being given antifungal drugs, your baby is also given antifungal drugs that are suitable for babies.

This is important to prevent transmission from the nipple to the baby's mouth and vice versa as well as to relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection, including itchy breasts when breastfeeding.

During this healing time, it is important to pay attention to several ways to deal with the problem of yeast infection while breastfeeding to make it easier for both mother and baby:

• Wash and sterilize all bottles of pacifiers, baby toys, breast pumps, and other equipment that comes in direct contact with your breast and baby's mouth.
• Make it a habit to always wash your hands before and after breastfeeding, or when you are about to touch a baby.
• Wash your baby's hands regularly, especially after the baby sucks their fingers.
• Wash your baby's towels, bras, and clothes in hot water.
• Routinely change bras every day.

Make sure other family members don't have yeast infections. If you have one or more symptoms related to a yeast infection, avoid going out to care for and touch the baby.

5. Big breasts when breastfeeding

Breast or milk size can turn out to be one-sided when breastfeeding.

The cause of one-sided large breast when breastfeeding can be due to the production of milk more smoothly in one breast or the baby prefers to suckle on that part of the breast.

Another thing that causes one-sided breasts when breastfeeding is also because the breast size can indeed be one-sided.

This side of the large breast has the potential to produce more milk when breastfeeding.

Yes, the side of the breast that is large when breastfeeding may not be able to produce enough milk.

As a result, the breast size can then appear one-sided larger than the other when breastfeeding.

Tips for overcoming large breasts during breastfeeding

Here's how to deal with breast problems when breastfeeding so that breastfeeding is more fluent:

• Breastfeed on the smaller side of the breast first
• Use a breast pump to facilitate the release of milk in the smaller breasts
• Breastfeed alternately on the right and left side of the breast

6. Too little milk production

Production of breast milk that is too low or too little can cause anxiety and worry for the mother. Especially if this is the first time you have a baby and are starting to breastfeed.

That is why it is also one of the many problems with breastfeeding in mothers. However, do not immediately worry because of one of the problems with breastfeeding in mothers and babies.

The good news is, actually this low milk production can be overcome as long as the mother knows when the baby wants to breastfeed.

The more often the baby feeds, the faster the milk in the empty breasts so that this problem of breastfeeding for both mother and baby can be resolved.

Tips for dealing with too little milk production

Here's how to solve the problem of low milk production when breastfeeding to make it easier for mothers and babies:

• Check for the attachment of the baby's mouth to the nipple by making sure that the baby is completely sucking on the nipple and the areola.
• If the latch is correct but the baby is not latching on well, try to get the baby checked.
• Some babies can have difficulty breastfeeding if they have several conditions, for example tongue-tie.
• Babies should be able to breastfeed on both breasts. Make sure your little one is always actively sucking and not falling asleep during breastfeeding.
• Give breast milk to the baby as often as possible or according to the baby's request.
• Avoid stress and eat lots of foods that can increase milk production.
• Use a breast pump to express any remaining milk in the breast to help increase the milk supply.
• Try to get enough rest, eat and drink.
• Avoid giving babies formula milk, water, cereals, and other foods and drinks that can thwart exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of age.

Make sure you also regularly give breast milk according to the baby's feeding schedule and apply the proper way to store breast milk after pumping.

If these solutions do not help, you can consult your doctor to find out possible health problems.

7. Breast milk production is too much

As opposed to low milk production, an excessive amount of milk can also complicate the breastfeeding process.

This condition can be a challenge and problem for breastfeeding in itself for both mother and baby.

The reason is, too much milk production can result in blockage of the breast ducts, breast engorgement, and mastitis.

In addition, this one breastfeeding problem can also make it difficult for mothers and babies because it creates pressure on the breasts.

As a result, let down reflex during breastfeeding can be uncontrolled which causes the flow of milk very easily out of the breast.

For babies, this condition can make them experience excess gas in the stomach, fussy, spit up, and vomit after breastfeeding.

Tips for dealing with too much milk production

Here's how to deal with the problem of producing too much milk when breastfeeding to make it easier for mothers and babies:

• Try offering only one side of the breast to the baby at each feeding and then giving the other side of the breast again after a few minutes.
• Try the breastfeeding position while lying down or leaning back in a chair. This position that defies gravity can at least help slow down the flow of milk.
• Pump breasts to reduce the amount of milk.
• Try to breastfeed your baby before he is really hungry to prevent him from sucking too much.

8. Breast pain when breastfeeding

Sore breasts that feel sore while breastfeeding are actually a normal condition to occur in the first place.

This may be because you do not fully understand how to breastfeed, breastfeeding position, to the technique of attaching the baby's mouth to the nipple (latch on) correct.

It is this mistake in applying the techniques for breastfeeding to cause pain in the breasts at this time.

It's just that these complaints will usually fade away after you get used to doing it.

However, if this complaint does not go away, it is a sign that there is indeed a problem. The cause of breast pain when breastfeeding can be due to inappropriate attachment of the baby or the baby experiencing it tongue tie.

In addition, wounds caused by using a breast pump, blisters on the breast, and fungal infections also cause breast pain when breastfeeding.

Tips for dealing with sore breasts while breastfeeding

Here's how to deal with sore breasts when breastfeeding mothers:

• Make sure the baby is breastfeeding properly
• Keep breasts dry
• Avoid procrastinating time to breastfeed
• Avoid soaping the breast area first
• Use a cold compress
• Wear a bra that is the right size

9. Problems with blocked ducts in breastfeeding mothers

As mentioned earlier, clogged ducts in breastfeeding mothers can cause various problems.

When breastfeeding is incomplete, it can build up in the breast ducts so that it doesn't pass out smoothly.

So, one of the keys so that the milk ducts are not blocked is to breastfeed alternately on both sides of the breast until it is completely finished.

As another option, you can use a breast pump if your little one is unable to breastfeed until it's finished.

Tips for overcoming blocked milk ducts while breastfeeding

Here's how to solve the problem of blocked milk ducts in breastfeeding mothers:

• Apply a warm compress for about 20 minutes on the part of the breast that is clogged.
• Change the position of breastfeeding by pointing the baby's chin and mouth to the side of the affected breast so that the breastfeeding is complete.
• Breastfeed your baby with your position on top of your little one. The position of the breasts that point downward will help facilitate the release of milk.
• Give massage to the breasts while you breastfeed the baby.
• Apply a warm compress a few minutes before breastfeeding your baby, to make it easier for the milk to pass.

10. Babies find it difficult to breastfeed because of the size of the mother's breasts

If you have large breasts, then the size of your nipples will also be larger. This may make it difficult for the baby to attach (latching on).

Large breast size will also make it difficult for you to hold it.

Tips for dealing with babies who are difficult to breastfeed because of the size of the mother's breasts

You can use a breast pump suction to make your nipples longer and thinner before the baby feeds.

As your baby grows, the bigger size of your breasts and nipples will not be a problem anymore when you are breastfeeding.

If various breastfeeding problems that the mother experiences prevent breastfeeding, do not delay to see a doctor.

The doctor will find out the cause and provide the right treatment according to the condition.

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