3 Breastfeeding Challenges – Being Parents

During the breastfeeding period, many things can happen that are real challenges: the challenges of breastfeeding. All is not rosy during this stage, even when we know that it is a wonderful stage. The female body prepares itself to face most of the challenges of motherhood, but sometimes the body goes to extreme limits.

Since breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby and its only food, it is not something that can be easily avoided. But on some occasions extremely difficult challenges present themselves which may cause the mother to give up breastfeeding before the end of the usual period.

It is not just a skill that one learns with practice or that is innate. In reality, we never know how our body will react and what problems we are likely to have.

During the breastfeeding period, the mother may have to face setbacks. However, all obstacles must be overcome in order to continue feeding the little one. Some of the most important breastfeeding challenges to overcome, you might encounter the following:

Obstacles to overcome when breastfeeding

Insufficient milk production

Having insufficient milk production is a rather common problem. Even though our bodies have been preparing for this task for months, there comes a time when it is no longer possible to produce the amount of milk the baby needs. At this time, solutions must be found in time, so that the baby does not have nutritional deficiencies.

To increase the amount of milk our body produces, we must first adjust to the amount that the baby needs. We may not feed the baby frequently enough. And in fact, the only signal the body receives to start producing more milk is when the breasts are empty. They must therefore be often.

Be careful, one thing we don’t often know is that when using an extractor, the breasts are not completely emptied. This is why the best way to reactivate production is to feed the baby more. Sometimes, it will be necessary to stimulate in much greater quantity the production of milk. In this case, one may be prescribed nutritional supplements.

Between the third week and the sixth week after birth, the body adapts to the baby’s needs. It is for this reason that we can observe that the breasts are softer and less full. Moms may be worried about it, but no worries, it’s a simple adjustment process.

It may also happen that taking certain contraceptives may decrease the production of milk. In this case, it is recommended that you change your contraceptive method and choose one without hormones, such as condoms, or use a diaphragm.

Congestion

Breast congestion occurs when the breast is too full of milk. Usually this problem occurs during the first week of breastfeeding. It is the poor fit that is at the root of this problem and it must be regulated according to the needs of the baby.

However, be aware that this challenge can present itself at any time during pregnancy. In order for congestion to occur, it is enough to stop pumping for a while. Giving up breastfeeding for a long time causes the breasts to become congested with milk. It is very painful and the breasts become very hard.

To relieve the pain and treat this problem, you should not stop expressing the milk. This can be done while breastfeeding or using an extractor. This difficult time among the challenges of breastfeeding is not only painful, but it can also cause complications. For example, milk production may decrease over time, and breast milk ducts may become blocked.

It is not difficult to avoid congestion, it is in fact enough to breastfeed frequently. To be able to do this, be careful to plan this task well in advance. Sometimes you may have to separate from your baby for a long time. In these cases, it’s best to take an extractor with you. It is recommended to use this device when you have already become accustomed to breastfeeding, and without waiting for the breast to fill completely with milk.

On the other hand and as much as possible, try to avoid breastfeeding when it is too congested. If your breast is very round and hard, the baby may have difficulty sucking. When this happens, try to pump out some milk, before starting to feed.

Pain in the nipples, one of the main challenges of breastfeeding

Pain in the nipples is a real embarrassment. It  usually presents itself from the first week of breastfeeding. In most cases, the nipple hurts because of a problem with the way the baby sucks. For example, if the baby cannot take the whole halo in his mouth, it may be more painful.

Sometimes the nipple is damaged or even injured if the little one sucks only the end. If you get into the right position, you will be able to largely avoid pain and biting. Make sure the baby is opening his mouth enough. To do this, you can put your finger in its mouth and put it in the right position.

When scratches or even bites appear, or it bleeds, it is convenient to use hydrogel pads, to prevent the bra from catching the nipple. Breast milk itself contains what is needed to help cure t e tone. But it is also possible to use products dedicated to this treatment.

The main challenges of breastfeeding arise in the first few weeks. Over time, the whole process becomes easier and you get used to it. But if in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your specialist.