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Benefits
of Breastfeeding
Getting
Started
Fathers
and Breast Feeding
Adequate
Milk Supply
Challenges
and Concerns Engorgement
Plugged Duct
Mastitis
Drugs
and Breastfeeding
Storage
of Breast Milk
Nutrition
During Lactation
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Challenges
and Concerns
Painful Conditions Which
Need Not Discourage Nursing:
Sore Nipples
Engorgement
Plugged Duct
Mastitis
Prescription for Sore nipples:
Nipple soreness
in the first few days of breastfeeding is most often caused by poor
positioning. Review these relief measures and refer new mother to registered
nurses and lactation consultants at a local maternity hospital if she
needs further help. Many Hospitals Have "warm-lines" or other 24 hour
telephone services for new parents.
- Check for proper positioning. Baby should be latching
onto at least 3/4" of the areola, not just the nipple
- Break suction at end of feeding by inserting a finger
or pulling gently down on baby's chin
- Offer least sore side first
- Alternate nursing positions
- Express some milk and let it dry on nipple
- Air dry nipples 10-20 minutes after each nursing;
mother can also apply warm, dry heat using an electric lamp or hair
dryer on low setting
- Apply steeped, cooled regular teabags to nipples
for 10 minutes after feedings
- If breasts are overfull, express enough milk to make
areola soft before nursing
- Avoid plastic in breast pads; change pads frequently
- Treat baby and mom for thrush if this is causative
factor (both may not have symptoms, but both need treatment)
- Avoid tight fitting bras and clothing
- Use soothing techniques other than nursing to calm
infant
Prescription for Engorgement, Plugged Duct,
Mastis:
Engorgement Symptoms of: hard,
lumpy, painful breasts, skin is taut and shiny, nipple taut and ungraspable
by baby
Plugged duct Symptoms of: sore area
on one breast, may be pink or red, warm to the touch, nursing is painful,
due to infrequent nursing, incomplete emptying, local pressure (eg tight
clothing, sleeping on stomach) or history of cracked nipple
Mastitis Symptoms of: mom has temperature
over 101° F and flu-like symptoms. It is important to see a physician
familiar with breastfeeding right away if Mastsis is suspected. Emergency
room physicians and walk-in clinic physicians arre usually not well-informed
about breastfeeding. See an obstetrician of pediatrician.
Treatment for all three conditions begins with these relief measures:
- Apply moist, hot packs to one or both breasts, especially
before nursing (at least 4x/day)
- Massage prior to and during nursing
- Nurse frequently, every 2 to 21/2 hrs. or sooner,
for at least 10-15 minutes per side
- Avoid missed feedings; express if feeding is missed
or is incomplete
- Use proper positioning attachment and removal techniques;
alternate positions
- Wear a supportive nursing bra that is not too tight
Additional relief measures:
For engorgement:
By hand or mechanical methods, express just enough milk
to soften the areola, making it easier for baby to latch on.
For plugged duct and mastitis:
Offer involved breast first
For mastitis:
- Bed rest for at least 24 hours
- Mild analgesic, e.g., acetaminophen
- May require antibiotics, cultures
- Continue treatment for 10-14 days to prevent recurrence
NOTE: REASSURE MOM THAT THE ABOVE CONDITIONS ARE TEMPORARY
WITH PROPER TREATMENT AND POSE NO RISK OF HARM TO THE BABY.
  
  
 
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