How To Solve Common Breastfeeding Problems

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[x]   Transcript: 8 out 10 ten new mothers try breastfeeding, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. If it's hard for you, don't despair, we've got some tips to help YOU bust through YOUR breastfeeding blockade! The most common complaint of newly nursing moms is nipple pain, cracking, or bleeding. While you adjust to nursing, you may experience mild soreness when your baby latches, but this normal condition will pass. Cracked or bleeding nipples, however, are often the result of your baby continuously latching to your breast improperly. You may eliminate this discomfort by ensuring that your baby's mouth bypasses your nipple, and instead, covers aboutone inch of your areola. If your baby is sucking properly, you should see "fish lips" and the tongue should be visible cupping your breast. While you wait for your nipples to heal, you can ease the discomfort by breastfeeding more frequently for shorter periods, which prevents your baby from sucking too voraciously. For deep, painful cracks, try medical-grade modified lanolin made specifically for breastfeeding mothers. Rub a small amount of the ointment on your nipples. This treatment, called "moist wound healing," relieves pain and allows the wounds to heal much faster without forming a scab. It does not need to be washed off before feedings. Additionally, you can apply a lanolin-based cream to your nipples. This treatment will allow them to heal quickly WITHOUT forming a scab. But even if your NIPPLES feel fine, your BREASTS may not. Many women report a very hard lump or tender spot in one breast while breastfeeding. A common source of such pain is a clogged milk duct, which occurs when your milk fails to drain completely. Although this can happen for a number of reasons-like a poorly fitting nursing bra or missed feedings-fixing it is often simple! In fact, the treatment is to nurse as much as possible! It may sound surprising, but frequent nursing will help completely empty your breasts and reduce discomfort and inflammation. And while you're waiting for a clogged milk duct to heal, frequently massage the painful area from armpit to nipple in a firm motion. Applying warm compresses before nursing may also help ensure that your milk is completely extracted. If your breasts are fine but your baby is not nursing correctly, you could be experiencing a problem with your milk supply. If your baby fails to gain weight, or does not wet at least four diapers a day, you should consult your doctor. Inadequate milk supply affects only 2 to 5 % of women, but it may require that you supplement your own milk with formula. If your baby chokes or gags as you begin to feed, you may have a problem on the opposite end of the spectrum-hyperlactation. This condition occurs when your body produces a great deal of milk that comes out fast and forcibly as your baby begins to nurse. To rectify it, express a small amount of milk before you allow your baby to latch on to your breast. While there are other difficulties that may hinder nursing, the bottom line is that breastfeeding should be a natural, pleasant bonding experience for both you and your baby. Successfully breastfeeding your baby can be a wonderful experience but it is sometimes challenging. If you are having difficulties, get help from a lactation consultant right away. It can make all the difference!

[x]   Bio:

Dr. Adam Flisser graduated cum laude from Princeton University and from the New York University School of Medicine. Following training in Ob-Gyn at Mount Sinai Medical Center, he completed a Fellowship in Urogynecology at the Urocenter of New York, and returned to the Mount Sinai Faculty as the Director of the Division of Urogynecology. He entered private practice in 2003.Dr. Flisser has presented his research at the national meetings of the American Urogynecological Society, the American Urological Association, and the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

www.drflisser.com