Still Small Voice
Possible ChallengesSore Nipples Prevention Although sore nipples are common, in most cases they can be completely prevented. The best way to prevent sore nipples is by using correct positioning and latch on techniques. Don’t make an air hole. Keep baby's nose and chin touching the breast with the lips flanges (if the lip is tucked in, gently pull down on the chin and the lip will come out. Treatment Sometimes, you can do everything right or maybe baby had one bad latch on and your nipples become sore. If that happens, you can nurse more frequently (1-3 hours). If baby is not as hungry, he will not suck as strong. Change positions so that the pressure is different on the nipples. Start with the least sore side first, again she is more hungry at the beginning of the feeding and will suck stronger. You can apply a little ice to the nipple right before latch, to numb it past the first few suck. Express a little colostrum onto the nipple and let it air dry. You can use Lansinoh or PureLan. If your nipples are getting worse or not getting better, you need to contact your midwife or lactation consultant. Engorgement Prevention Engorgement is also common, but can be prevented as well. First time mothers will most often get some engorgement as the body gets used to making milk. It usually lasts 24-48 hours as long as baby is nursing well. To prevent engorgement, you need to nurse early and on “demand”, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. Let baby finish the feeding, do not limit or time feedings. Treatment If you become engorged, you can use breast massage prior to and during a feeding to soften the breasts and help the milk to flow. you may also apply cold packs to your breasts after the feeding to help decrease some of the swelling. If you do not notice improvement or your baby is unable to latch on, you need to speak with your midwife or lactation consultant. Plugged Ducts/Mastitis Plugged ducts occur when fatty milk clogs up in the ducts. They can also be prevented by nursing early and often and letting baby finish the feeding. Also remember to drink plenty of water. Plugged ducts are often caused by dehydration. Signs/Symptoms You may notice on or more tender lumps or knots in the breast, redness. You may have a slight temperature, but it will be less than 101. Treatment If you have a plugged duct, you can use warm compresses before nursing and then massage behind the know toward the nipple. You can pump after the feeding if the knot is still there and massage again. Sometimes a hot shower or bath before the feeding can help. In the bath, lean over in the water and massage. Always feed or pump after using heat, it helps open up the ducts. If you have not been able to improve the knot in 3 feeding, call a lactation consultant or your midwife. You want to feed your baby as often as she will let you. This can help loosen up or unplug the duct. Bring the baby to bed with you and nurse, nurse, nurse. Get plenty of rest and fluids. Try and decrease your stress. If you have not been able to remove the plugged duct in a few feedings, you need to call your midwife or a lactation consultant. If your temp goes over 101 and/or you have
flu like symptoms, you need to call your midwife. You probably have
mastitis, which is a breast infection and will need treatment.
You can continue to nurse during mastitis, because the infection is
in the tissue around the ducts, not in the milk
itself. Thrush is another common problem. If you develop sore nipples later during nursing, you may have thrush and need to speak with your midwife or LC.
Preparing to Nurse: breast changes during pregnancy, bras, nursing pads, and more. Making Milk: the hormones of Lactation Hunger Cues and Normal behavior the first few weeks . How to know baby is getting enough
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