Breastfeeding can be challenging in the first few days or weeks for mothers. Common struggles that moms face include poor latch, poor weight gain, low milk supply concerns, breast engorgement, and sore nipples. Most of these issues can be resolved when you consult with a lactation expert.
Breastfeeding Challenges After Delivery: When to See a Lactation Specialist
Bringing your little bundle of joy home is the most beautiful feeling for new moms. Among the different emotions it brings, stress is a common one. Breastfeeding, particularly, seems like the biggest challenge initially.
Some women struggle with latching issues, some have nipple pain, and some are unsure about whether their milk supply is sufficient. That’s where breastfeeding counselling in Mulund comes into the picture. Let’s look at some common breastfeeding challenges women experience after delivery.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges after Delivery
Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both the mother and the baby. You learn how to feed, and your baby learns how to latch and suck effectively. Many things can go wrong during this journey.
Latching Issues
A proper latch allows your baby to get adequate milk. Signs your baby has latched well are:
- No pain in the nipples or breasts after the initial breastfeeding days
- Wide open mouth with lips flanged outward
- Baby’s chin touching your breast
- No clicking noise
- Swallowing sound
- Visible jaw movement
Your baby shouldn’t be fussy during feeds, as they get adequate milk. It’s normal to experience some pain or discomfort in the breasts initially, but many women get the hang of it eventually.
Sore Nipples
If your nipples hurt during or after feeding your baby, it can be a sign of a poor latch, wrong positioning, or frequent feedings due to improper latch. Again, some discomfort is normal in the first few days, but bleeding and cracks are not.
This might cause intense pain and discourage you from continuing breastfeeding. Applying breastmilk or the doctor’s prescribed ointment can help, but it’s best to consult a lactation specialist in Mulund if it doesn’t improve.
Low Milk Supply
A common concern among breastfeeding mothers is “I am not producing enough milk to meet my baby’s needs”. For some women, it’s just a matter of confidence. For others, however, there could actually be low milk supply because of stress, infrequent feeding, poor latch, or other factors. If your milk supply is adequate, your baby will gain weight, have 6 or more wet diapers in a day, and will not be fussy after feed.
Breast Engorgement
Signs of breast engorgement are tenderness, pain, or firmness in the breast tissues. It commonly occurs 2-5 days after delivery. You can get rid of engorgement issues by ensuring proper latch, feeding frequently, and pumping excess milk regularly.
Engorgement, if left unaddressed, can cause fever and intense pain, making it even more difficult for the milk to flow through the ducts. This results in blocked milk ducts, which further increases the risk of an infection called mastitis. Common symptoms are fever, chills, redness around the breast, breast pain, and fatigue.
Remember, breastfeeding is not easy for mothers, especially first-time moms. Anxiety and stress due to inefficient feeding are real. Seeking help from a lactation consultation doesn’t mean failure, but it’s often a step toward a comfortable feeding journey.
