You Aren't Alone: Common Breastfeeding Problems

As a nursing mother, you may encounter some difficulties, but nothing that can't be fixed with information and support. You are not alone, many mothers have had to face the same challenges.

The Importance of a Support System

Whether or not you encounter any of these common problems, it is extremely important to have a support system. Breastfeeding takes up a lot of energy, and you will need to eat on pretty much a constant basis to keep up energy and your milk supply. Make sure you have friends and/or family around to help cook, clean, and provide food especially if you have other children.

Clogged ducts, mastitis it can cause, and thrush that could develop can definitely stop you from nursing, aside from possibly pumping or nursing only a few days. A support system will help care for your child or children while you get the rest and nutrition to feel better sooner. Best resources are lactation specialists or doulas, doctors that you trust, and moms who have had experience and dealt with the same problems.

Clogged Ducts, Mastitis and Thrush

The cause of clogged ducts, mastitis and thrush is usually because of an oversupply of milk, which can cause the breasts to become full (engorged) and/or very painful if you aren't nursing or pumping often enough. The solution to prevent all these things from occurring is to nurse or pump often when your baby is not nursing.

If clogged ducts or mastitis do happen, call your doctor at the first sign, and during this time you will have to take an antibiotic. It is extremely important to rest, stay hydrated and nurse from the unaffected breast. Once mastitis has cleared, the risk of thrush becomes greater, but can be prevented by taking a good probiotic.

Baby Develops Rash or Reaction to Breastmilk

Some babies in the first month or two of breastfeeding may end up with bad reactions to the breastmilk, such as a rash, loose stool (diarrhea - more loose than normal), frequent vomiting and other possibilities which may scare you into quitting and switching to formula. The issue is usually something in your diet that they are reacting to -- most commonly wheat, dairy or soy.

The solution to this problem is an elimination diet; eliminate items from your diet one at a time. Symptoms may become worse before they get better, and this is where your support system also comes into play. You will need it to keep your sanity and keep you strong if they do become worse and you feel like giving up.