Common Breastfeeding Problems

By Jennifer Wasilewski

As a mother you have the rare ability to sustain the life of your baby through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is one of the many miracles of birth and therefore should be considered a privilege bestowed upon the female race. After giving birth, the interaction that takes place with a mother and her new born helps strengthen the bond, and satiated hunger ensuring that they grow to be healthy. Unfortunately, not every part of life is as beautiful as we would like to think it and breastfeeding can be painful if problems arise. This is a normal part of becoming a mother and in most cases is presents no real concerns. One of the frequent problems experienced during nursing can stem from inverted nipples. This condition, though not serious, can make it difficult to properly latch the baby onto your nipple or in more severe cases can make it hard to produce milk.

Inverted nipples or flat nipples can make it hard to breastfeed but not impossible. This condition simply means that instead of protruding outward, even after stimulation, your nipple becomes flat or protrudes inward. If you have inverted nipples there are a few things you can do during your pregnancy as well as after, once breast feeding has started.

* Breast Shells: These can also be referred to as milk cups or breasts shields. They are two pieces of plastic that work to correct inverted nipples by applying a gentle constant pressure to the nipple. One piece of plastic is a ring that goes over the areola and the second is a dome shaped cup that covers the ring. Ultimately, these two pieces of plastic should draw the nipple out making it easier to breastfeed. This can be done a few month leading up to birth or for a half hour before feedings.

* Hoffman's Exercise: This is a massaging exercise that is practiced during the last few months before pregnancy. Using a method where you use your thumb and index finger to press inward and then pull away, the skin is loosened and stretched and the nipple is delicately pushed away from the body. Speak to your doctor to find out the correct procedure for this exercise.

* Breast Pump: After the birth a breast pump can be a great way to stimulate milk flow and prepare your nipples. A pump is particularly useful for inverted nipples since it can provide your child with the necessary nutrients and keep your breast producing milk even if you haven't successfully been able to latch the baby properly. Once you do begin actual breast feeding pumping can prime the nipples for the baby by helping them protrude outward.

* Stimulate Nipples: Stimulating nipples can be a very effective way to deal with inverted nipples while breastfeeding. Unless your particular case is severe stimulation should help them protrude just enough to latch the baby. You can use massaging techniques or even apply ice to your nipples before feedings.

* Avoid Confusion: For women with inverted nipples using artificial nipples can confuse your baby which can create more problems down the road. Avoid these at all costs.

* Seek Help: There is nothing wrong with asking for some help. There are practitioners and lactation specialists who deal with similar problems ever day. The most important part of breastfeeding is making sure your baby gets enough milk and therefore the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins for healthy development.

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