Tips For New Moms Dealing With Breastfeeding Woes

As a new mom, you may find yourself dealing with more than sleepless nights and postpartum blues. Breastfeeding can be equally daunting because it presents unique challenges for most women. Although the process is natural, you may experience several roadblocks while getting accustomed to it. You may master the technique eventually, but the journey can be stressful, specifically when you have a lot to handle initially after delivery. But you can overcome your breastfeeding woes by following some expert advice. Here are a few tips that new moms can rely on.

Position the baby correctly

Latching pain can be troublesome because your nipples are already sore when you first start nursing. But remember that you and your baby need to learn the ropes before breastfeeding effortlessly. The best solution to latching pain is positioning the baby correctly with the chin touching the breast, lips splaying out, and your nipple and lower areola not being visible. Achieving the feeding posture may take a little effort, but you can do it with some practice and guidance.

Sooth your nipples

Another breastfeeding woe that deserves your attention is cracked nipples, which may happen due to a shallow latch, improper pumping, or thrush. Proper positioning and latching can help, but you must go the extra mile to soothe your nipples. Consult an OB or lactation consultant to get help. Most women benefit from nursing ointments and soothing gel pads, but your specialist may recommend a mild painkiller like acetaminophen. Washing sore nipples with warm water and soap twice a day also works.

Express to prevent engorgement

Your breasts may become engorged when you do not feed frequently or the baby fails to drain the milk. Besides feeling full, firm, and taut, they may cause latching problems. Most women experience engorgement early after childbirth as the body struggles to regulate milk production. Hand-expressing before nursing is an easy solution as it gets the milk flowing and softens the breast. You can use a Blue Cross Blue Shield breast pump to express milk if you go too long between feeding sessions. All moms must invest in the device because it makes life easy. 

Pay attention to clogging

Clogged ducts are a painful woe for new moms as they cause hard lumps, soreness, and redness. Ducts get clogged when breasts are overly full, and it may even lead to fever and infection. Feeding the baby more frequently is an ideal solution, while you can also express milk to avoid clogging. Warm compresses, massage, and adequate rest also help prevent it effectively.

Stay hydrated and nourished

Staying hydrated and nourished is crucial for all new moms because it helps them recover. Good hydration and nourishment also address low milk supply, which is another common problem for breastfeeding moms. You can imagine how problematic it can be when you want to breastfeed exclusively. Besides following a balanced diet, nursing and pumping more can resolve the issue because breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand system.

The breastfeeding journey is often long and daunting for new moms, but you can overcome your problems with a little help. Consult a lactation expert and follow these tips to ace the art of nursing.