1. Milk is not enough? Read our article on breast feeding for guidance.<\/p>\n
2. Sore or cracked nipples: It is usually due to a faulty technique where the gums of the baby apply undue traction on the nipples. The technique of feeding has to be modified. For cracked nipples, it is best to apply some milk over it and leave it open to air. Lanolin ointment can also be applied locally. But keep away from soap, boric acid and powders. The feeding should continue (for Charter periods and starting on the less sore side). If the problem is severe and causing excessive pain to the mother during suckling, then breast pumps should be used to empty the breast. If the breast is not emptied, not only will it lead to a decrease in the milk supply but will also lead to “breast engorgement”.<\/p>\n
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If the baby is not fed on time, in his “over-enthusiasm” he may suck vigorously on the nipples causing its soreness. Then again the baby may be latched on to the breast for more than 15 minutes or the mother may be using soap and antiseptics on the nipples (nipple cleaning is not required before feeds, only your hands should be washed). Milk overflows at the end of suckling cause the brassiere to stick to the nipple and may peel off the skin when the bra is removed. Therefore it is advisable that the mother dries the nipple and surrounding area before putting on the bra. Also advisable is to put a soft handkerchief between the nipple and the bra so that it absorbs the milk and hence the nipple doesn’t stick to the bra as that milk dries off.<\/p>\n
3. Inverted or flat nipples: This should be noted during pregnancy and measures to protrude it should begin in pregnancy itself. If still the nipples are not everted, then the mother can use a nipple shield or alternatively empty the milk in a bottle by a breast pump and then feed it to the baby.<\/p>\n
4. Breast engorgement: The breast becomes heavy and painful due to the incomplete emptying of milk from it. The accumulation of milk causes it to become engorged. To relieve it one has to express out the milk manually. A hot shower or massaging the breast tissue with warm water will facilitate the milk expression by making the breast tissue softer. Breast pump may also help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"