Breastfeeding (cont.)
How can one manage minor discomforts related to breastfeeding?
Clogged milk ducts
Clogged milk ducts may appear as small, red, tender lumps within the breast. Milk ducts may become clogged with dried milk or other material. The goal of treatment is opening these blocked ducts. This can be aided by increasing the breastfeeding frequency and offering the affected breast first, as well as pumping the breast after breastfeeding if the baby is not emptying the breast.
Moist heat packs can be applied to the affected area to increase blood flow and healing. A warm shower and massaging of the area may also enhance resolution of this problem.
Sometimes, the baby will refuse the affected breast because the milk develops a sour taste. Pump the breast and empty it as well as possible. Continue to offer that breast to the baby until the accepts the affected breast again.
Sore nipples
Sore nipples can be relieved by exposing the nipples to the air as much as possible. Using a hair dryer on a low setting to dry nipples after breastfeeding may also provide relief. Nipples should be washed only with water, never with soap, alcohol, benzoin, or premoistened towelettes. Petroleum-based ointments and other cosmetic preparations should not be used, but unmedicated lanolin may help alleviate nipple cracking.
When should one seek medical care for problems with breastfeeding?
It is important to call your health-care provider if the above techniques do not alleviate the problem, or if you develop serious symptoms such as fever or signs of mastitis (a breast inflammation that may be caused by an infection). Symptoms of mastitis include increasing pain in the breast, fever, chills, sweats, breast swelling and/or hardness, and redness of the skin over the affected area. A delay in treating mastitis could lead to a more severe infection and possible breast abscess.
- The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes
soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding.
- Infants triple their total body weight during
their first year of life.
- The immunity factors in breast milk can help
the baby to fight off infections.
- Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and
enzymes which aid the baby's digestion.
- Breast milk is the ideal form of nutrition for infants.
Last Editorial Review: 6/22/2007
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