While breastfeeding is natural, there is still the potential to make mistakes. There is something to learn about breastfeeding regardless of your experience. To ensure that you do it right, we have compiled some handy tips that will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most out of your breastfeeding experience. Here are some breastfeeding blunders that most moms make and the tips on how to avoid and resolve them.
Mistake #1: Assuming That Pain on the Breasts is Normal
If you are feeling pain when nursing, then this could be an indicator that all is not well. Any pain on your nipples should not be ignored. Breastfeeding is a natural body process like breathing or using the bathroom. Ashley Pickett, a lactation consultant, advises that if this normal body process hurts, then you should see a doctor and get to the bottom of the pain.
Nipple pain is often a sign that there is something wrong with the latch. This pain can be resolved by adjusting the angle at which you are nursing the child. In other cases, pain in the nipple can also be caused by a tongue tie. The tongue should be untied immediately so that the baby can nurse adequately. If you notice any nipple pain, consult with a lactation consultant.
While nipple pain is the most common type of pain on the breast, there are instances where moms may experience pain on the rest of the breast. The painful experience is referred to as vasospasm. These pains often come with a burning sensation and a throbbing feeling around the breast. The pain is a result of compression due to decreased blood flow and a tight latch. The burning sensation starts when the baby is off the breast, in most cases, it feels like pins and needles.
Any pain on the breast should not be ignored. A bad latch, for instance, means that the milk in your breast is not fully drained. This can easily lead to blocked ducts and with time, you can develop an infection known as mastitis. A poor or bad latch can also cause milk flow issues. Think of the latch like the key that unlocks your milk supply. Milk flow may not be an issue during the first days or months of feeding. In those initial days, there are lots of hormones working to boost milk supply. However, after some months, the milk flow can be affected. This stage is referred to as the late-onset, and it is characterized by slow milk flow.
If you are nursing correctly, then the body will work naturally to produce more milk. If there is a problem, then this means that there is a communication breakdown in your body. The result is inadequate supply of milk to the breast. If you notice your child getting fussy and coming off your breast, then it means that they are not getting a good supply of milk. When babies are not satisfied, they get restless, and they may have trouble sleeping. In most cases, they sleep for shorter periods.
