Nipple Problems in Breastfeeding Mothers
The success of breastfeeding depends on a number of factors, the mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed successfully being the most important one. Emotional factors of being mentally ready to breastfeed along with environmental factors involving relaxation, support by family, nipple care, positioning of infant and frequency of nursing can help make breastfeeding a wonderful experience for both the mother and the child.
Breast milk has anti-bodies which help fight against diseases; it builds a strong immune system in the baby’s body and is richly supplied with nutrients for the baby’s development and growth. In mothers, it delays fertility, prevents ovarian and breast cancer and creates a special bond between the mother and baby. However, breastfeeding can also create physical problems for the mother such as breast engorgement, inadequate milk supply, plugged milk ducts, nipple soreness, breast infection, thrush, let-down reflex and non-infectious inflammation. However, adopting certain strategies and keeping precautions in mind can help avoid and treat these problems.
Nipple thrush is a fungal infection and can occur at any time during breastfeeding. Its symptoms include burning nipple pain during nursing session, breast pain and thrush in the baby’s mouth or buttocks. In the baby, it occurs as white spots and as red rashes on the skin of the buttocks. Treatments of nipple thrush for mothers include using antifungal ointments applied to the nipple after each feed, airing the nipples or going without a bra, good hygiene; washing hands after breastfeeding or changing nappies and washing bras and nappies separately and drying them. For treating the baby, use nastatin liquid or miconazole for oral thrush and antifungal ointments for thrush on buttocks. Bacterial infections can sometimes be taken for thrush; these can be cured by using a combination of antibacterial and antifungal ointments. An oral antibiotic may be taken as well.
Dermatitis is irritation of the skin around the nipple and areola; this can be caused by the ointments or creams used on the nipple, detergents used to wash bras, sensitivity to fabric of the bra and reaction to soaps and shampoos. Naturally, for treating it change any of the creams, detergents, bra fabric or soap that is a possible culprit for causing dermatitis.
Nipple soreness usually occurs a couple of days after delivery but gets better as the baby gets used to sucking at the breast. Mothers should take care if the baby’s tongue is improperly placed, absence of noise while drawing milk, improper suction and nipple dryness. Nipple soreness is usually caused by not positioning the baby properly at the breast, poor latch of the baby and not taking care of the nipples. Rather than just the head, the baby’s whole body should face the breast and the mother can often find that changing positions can help the baby to draw milk correctly.
Nipple eczema is another condition that can cause discomfort and pain; it can also lead to inflammation of the skin. This case requires the opinion of a skin specialist and usually an intensive course of cortisone skin cream.
Breast engorgement takes place a few days after birth when the mammary glands begin to produce milk, it happens because the glands do not empty fully. Tender and swollen breasts can be treated by nursing as frequently as possible, massaging the breasts gently and applying warm compresses to the breasts. Pumping a small amount of milk using breast pumps like Medela pump before nursing can help relieve this condition; information about using the appropriate pumps can be found on www.trusted-breast-pumps.com.
Sometimes the let down reflex can cause pain during breastfeeding sessions, using warm compresses during breast feeding can release some discomfort. Mothers may also at times, not be able to produce sufficient milk; this is usually caused by stress, smoking, excessive caffeine intake and birth pills. Increasing fluid intake and frequency of nursing encourage milk production. As long as the baby is gaining sufficient weight, formula supplements should not be used.
To prevent these nipple problems in breastfeeding moms a correct nipple latch should be ensured, avoid soaps and shampoos while showering and also nipple ointments, change breast pads frequently and leave milk on the nipple after feeding since it contains anti-infection agents. If any nipple problem is not improving, help from a doctor or lactation consultant must be sought immediately to prevent the situation from worsening.
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