Breastfeeding problems & comfort positions

Breastfeeding health and issues

For a new mum, breastfeeding may feel like an entirely new experience! Some women take to it naturally and find that it’s a special time to bond with their baby, while others find it a little more difficult. Those who find breastfeeding a challenge will benefit from initiatives that provide counseling for mothers. Having difficulties with breastfeeding is not unusual. For some mums, it might just require a little more patience and determination.

Whether you’re breezing through it or taking some time to adjust, you should remain focused on your breast health during this time. You’ll be able to make yourself familiar with some of the most common issues below.

Milk issues

It’s not unusual for breastfeeding mums to experience some milk issues. Some of the most common problems with breast milk include high supply of milk, low supply of milk, leaking breasts and mastitis.

Too much milk

In the first three months, it’s possible to be producing surplus breast milk as your body adjusts to what its supply levels should be.

If your breasts are enlarged and your baby gulps or coughs while feeding, it’s a sign that your body is producing more milk than the quantity your baby needs. To ease the flow, you can try expressing some milk from one breast every feeding and pumping from the other breast.

Not enough milk

If your breasts are starting to feel less full, this is usually a sign of your body adjusting to your baby’s feeding needs. Milk supply is based on demand, so in theory, the more your baby feeds, the more milk your body will produce.

Sometimes milk production can slow or stop if breastfeeding patterns are disrupted and breastfeeding becomes less frequent.105 For example, bottle feeding or using dummy results in less time spent on the breast.

Leaking breasts

It’s completely normal for breasts to leak, particularly in the first few weeks after giving birth. While it can be inconvenient, this is often a sign that you’re producing a good amount of milk for your baby.

There is no way to stop leakage, but many women find breast pads helpful. You may also find that leakage slows down with more frequent feeds.

Mastitis

Mastitis results from a blocked duct or a build-up of milk that causes your breast tissue to become inflamed. If you have mastitis, you may be able to feel a lump where the blocked duct is located. Other symptoms include:

-  Red
-  Sore
-  Swollen, or Hot breasts
-  Flu-like symptoms such as fever and headaches.

It’s important that you continue to feed your baby from this breast, even if it is painful, as this is the best way to cure mastitis. A visit to your doctor is recommended, especially if mastitis has not cleared after a couple of days.

Sore nipples

Sore nipples are a common complaint amongst breastfeeding mums, however, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore or put up with it. If you’re experiencing breastfeeding pain in the form of dry, cracked, or bleeding nipples, something may not be right. If you’re concerned, consult your health care professional.

An exception to this is the first few days of breastfeeding, when new mums are expected to feel some discomfort from their nipples being stretched. This sensation is normal and should fade after a while.

What causes sore nipples?

The most common cause of sore nipples is the inability to latch on correctly. In order to latch on, your baby will need to have their mouth wide open, with the nipple sitting far back in their mouth. Sore nipples occur when the baby sucks the nipple in.

- Tongue-tie
- Thrush
- Eczema
- Teething
- Breastfeeding while pregnant

How to tell if sore nipples are affecting your baby

If your baby has trouble latching on correctly, you may notice the following signs:

- Very frequent feeds
- Long time spent on breast
- Baby gaining weight slower than expected
- Baby is unsettled after feeds

What to do about sore nipples

If you’re experiencing sore breasts from breastfeeding, it may help to manually express a little milk after each feed. However, it’s best to speak to your doctor or lactation consultant so you can rectify the problem as soon as possible.

Avoid self-diagnosis online, as the information you read may not be specifically relevant to you.

Breastfeeding positions and comfort

Despite being one of the most natural activities, breastfeeding can often feel complicated. Thankfully, there are a number of breastfeeding positions you can try out. It’s important that you find a position which feels comfortable and allows you to completely relax; after all, you will be spending a lot of time breastfeeding.

The cradle hold

Support your baby’s head in the crook of your arm (the same arm as the breast you’re using), with the hand of that arm supporting their bottom. Position your baby on their side, with their nose facing your nipple.

Use your free arm to support your breast. For your own comfort, sit in a chair with cushioned arm rests, or place a breastfeeding pillow underneath your arms and elbows.

The cross-cradle hold

This position is the reverse of the classic cradle hold. Instead of using the same arm as the breast you’re using, use the opposite arm. In this position, your hand will be supporting your baby’s head and upper back instead of his bottom. The bottom will rest in the crook of your arm, if not on a pillow resting on your lap.

If latching on is a problem for your baby, this position is preferable because it lets you guide the baby’s head by holding the back of their neck between your thumb and fingers. A breastfeeding pillow or a comfortable chair with soft arm rests will help you stay comfortable in this position.

The football hold

Many breastfeeding mothers, especially those who have undergone a caesarian delivery, find this position easier to maintain because the baby is held at the side, away from the mother’s abdominal incision.

In this position, also known as the clutch hold, the baby is held under your arm. Rest a pillow under your arm for support. As the name of this position suggests, you should be holding your baby as you would a football.

The side-lying position

This is a great position for night feeds when you want to nurse while in bed! Lie down on the side that you will be nursing from, with your back supported by pillows. For extra comfort, support your head and neck with pillows and place a pillow between your knees.

Position the baby on their side, as well, facing you. You may support the baby’s back with a pillow to secure the baby and place a pillow between your knees for extra comfort.. With the baby’s hips flexed and his ear, shoulder and hip aligned, the baby is able to feed more comfortably. This position lets you switch easily to one of the seated positions above.

Laid-back breastfeeding (biological nurturing)

This breastfeeding position is often referred to as biological nurturing, as it enables your baby to use their natural instincts to locate their food source and latch on.

Get yourself into a semi-reclined position — a breastfeeding chair, reclining lounge, or lots of pillows in bed are all suitable options. Place your baby on their front, on your body. Your baby will have more room to maneuver (though this is the most popular positioning of baby, you can also try other angles). Your baby will then use their natural instinct to find your nipple and latch on. They may have to wriggle around a bit to get there; this is normal.

More tips on breastfeeding

Would you like to know what kind of nutrition will help support your baby’s ongoing healthy development, or tips on how to manage your lifestyle as a breastfeeding mother? Visit our breastfeeding nutrition page for advice on your diet and head over to our breastfeeding advice page for tips to prepare for the challenges as a breastfeeding mum