Barriers to breastfeeding and how to overcome them

Soothing soreness, addressing milk supply and getting help are keys to success

年轻的母亲在托儿所里照顾她刚出生的婴儿。

If you’re struggling to breastfeed your new baby, don’t feel discouraged. Many people call breastfeeding one of the most challenging things they have ever done.

It takes time and patience to breastfeed, especially as you go through the new parent adjustment period. But it will pay off for you and your baby if you persist.

以下是一些处理常见母乳喂养问题的策略。

Soothing sore nipples

Breastfeeding should feel comfortable once you and your baby have found a good latch, which helps ease nipple pain and discomfort. Follow your baby’s lead for feeding and latching.

如果宝宝只吸吮乳头,而不是更多的乳房,将干净的手指放在宝宝的嘴角,轻轻打断吸吮。然后再试着让你的宝宝正确地理解。

Change positions every time you breastfeed to find one that works for you and your baby.

母乳有天然的愈合特性,所以让你的乳头在喂养后自然干燥。这将有助于消除疼痛,裂乳头。母乳喂养后,宝宝的嘴里已经充满了母乳,因此不需要将乳汁挤出来涂抹在乳头上。

用纯化羊毛脂乳膏或专门为母乳喂养而制作的软膏涂在乳头上。穿宽松的胸罩和衣服,经常更换护垫以防止水分滞留,避免在乳头上使用肥皂。水是保持乳头和乳房清洁所需要的全部。

Worrying about milk supply

Most people make plenty of milk, but many still worry that their baby isn’t getting enough. The best way to measure that is by checking your baby’s weight and growth.

Your doctor will weigh your baby at their checkups and will let you know if your baby isn’t gaining enough weight. If you want daily reassurance, purchase a home scale for your baby.

Other milk supply tips:

  • Nursing longer and more often will help build up your supply.
  • Breastfeed often and let your baby decide when feeding is done.
  • Offer your baby both breasts every feeding.
  • Let your baby stay at the first breast until they are no longer sucking and swallowing. Then offer them the second breast.

Keep track of your baby’s breastfeeding habits. From 6 weeks to 2 months old, your baby should be getting better at breastfeeding and may not nurse as long so your breasts may not feel as full. That is normal.

在生长突增期间,你的宝宝可能哺乳时间更长,次数更多。这些爆发通常发生在2到3周,6周和3个月左右,但它们可以在任何时候发生。

Try to avoid supplementing your breast milk with formula or cereal, especially in the first six months. This could decrease your baby’s interest in breastfeeding, which would cause your milk supply to decline.

If you must supplement feedings, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant first. Together, you’ll create a plan to make sure your baby gets the nutrition they need.

Controlling milk oversupply

If you feel your breasts have more milk than your baby takes, try these ideas:

  • Feed your babybefore they are overly hungryand burp them often.
  • Breastfeed on one side for each feeding.
  • 同样的母乳喂养至少两个小时,直到下一次完全喂养,逐渐增加每次喂养的时间。
  • 如果在你准备切换到另一个乳房之前,另一个乳房太满了,手表达直到压力降低。冷敷或毛巾也能减轻不适。

Reducing engorgement

Your breasts become larger, heavier and often tender when you are breastfeeding. When your breasts feel very hard and become painful, this is called engorgement, which is caused by milk buildup.

充血会导致乳房肿胀、压痛、发热、发红、搏动、乳头扁平,甚至低烧。It can also lead to plugged ducts or breast infections, so take these steps to avoid it:

  • Wear a well-fitting bra and make sure it is not too tight.
  • 经常母乳喂养,尤其是在产后的前五天。这是最容易发生充血的时候。
  • Allow your baby to feed for as long as they like and make sure they have a good latch.
  • Breastfeed often on the affected side to help remove the excess milk.
  • Massage the breast and use cold compresses between feedings to ease any discomfort.
  • Get enough rest, proper nutrition and fluids.

Other breastfeeding challenges

Other possible issues include:

  • Plugged ducts
  • Breast infections
  • Fungal infections
  • Nipple irregularities such as inverted, flat or very large nipples that require adaptation for easier breastfeeding

Some babies go on a nursing strike, where they will breastfeed well for several months and then suddenly refuse the breast. That doesn’t mean your baby is ready to wean. Something may be wrong, and your baby is trying to alert you. Talk to your doctor if your baby goes on a nursing strike.

Reaching out for help

Don’t wait until discouragement sets in. Get help from a lactation consultant early. A lactation consultant can help you find the right solutions for your needs and work with you later if you encounter other challenges.

Talk to a lactation consultant or your doctor immediately if:

  • Your baby isn’t latching properly.
  • Your nipples are so sore you are delaying breastfeeding or crying while breastfeeding.
  • You are thinking about using breast aid products such as hydrogel pads for nipple soreness or a nipple shield to cover the nipple while breastfeeding. Some of these products are not recommended in certain situations.
  • Talk to your prenatal care provider to connect with a lactation consultant or find breastfeeding classes near you.

To speak to a lactation consultant or postpartum nurse, call our lactation support hotline in your area:

  • Sioux Falls: (605) 328-7120
  • Fargo: (701) 417-3838
  • Bismarck: (701) 323-2547
  • Bemidji: (218) 333-5755

Medically reviewedbyLois Sommers, RN, IBCLC.

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Posted InChildren's,Health Information,Women's