Sore Nipples and Low Milk Supply

• Sore Nipples


  It is a rite of passage for mothers.
• It can be anything from general breast tenderness, to your milk coming in, but it can also be something as serious as a breast infection.
• Common Causes Include:

  • Poor Latch
  • Chafing
  • Thrush
  • Teething
• Poor Latch is a Common problem is that a latch is too shallow.

  Remember that it is breast feeding and not nipple feeding.

  A shallow latch puts too much suction on the nipple.
• Chafing relates to ‘soreness’ .

  If you feel that your breasts are sore, particularly during the feeding and after, then it might be something to do with how you handle your baby when breastfeeding.
• Thrush is Also known as “candidiasis”.

  A fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans yeastan.

  The yeast thrives in warm, moist environments like the breast, causing irritation and pain in the nipple area.
• Teething is the pressure your baby feels from her first baby teeth poking through.

  Symptoms can start as early as 3 or 4 months of age. That discomfort is often relieved by biting and chewing, including on mom's nipples.
• Preventive Measures include Getting into the right breastfeeding position, then compress the areola between the fingers. Tickle baby 's cheek to stimulate the rooting reflex, which gets him/her to open wide, then bring the baby right up to the breast.
• If the mother/baby have thrush, treat the problem using a prescription antifungal cream, or they will keep reinfecting each other. Good hygiene will also help, steps such as careful handwashing, keeping separate towels for each family member and wearing a clean cotton bra.
• Before nursing, offer your baby a teething toy or frozen wet washcloth. These may help numb her gums, allowing her to latch and settle into the feeding.
• When to dial a medical professional?

  Usually, sore nipples are neither an indication of cancer or a reason for concern.
• Nonetheless, you ought to get in touch with your doctor if: The discomfort doesn't go away or is chronic.
• You detect a discharge coming from your nipple (it's not breast milk).
• You detect lumps in your breasts.
• Fever or an overall feeling of being poorly accompany the discomfort.
• Low milk supply occurs when there is not enough breast milk being produced to meet the baby ’s growth needs.
• Causes of Low Milk Supply

  1. Feeling Stressed or Anxious
  2. Supplementing with Formula
  3. Eating or Drinking Too Little
  4. Getting Sick
  5. Hormonal Forms of Birth Control
  6. Limiting Baby's Breastfeeding Sessions
• Nursing the baby often is one of the ways to increase milk supply.
• Nurse the baby at least 15 minutes at each breast. Do not limit nursing time.
• Gently massage the breast before and during feedings.
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote the flow of the breast milk.
• Provide skin to skin time with the baby for about 20 minutes after feeding. This “kangaroo care” has been shown to increase milk supply.
• Be sure the baby is positioned and latched correctly.
• Offer both breast at each feeding.
• Practice breast compression during the feeding to help drain the breast.
• Pump immediately after breastfeeding during the day. Rest at night. Some mothers find that they get more milk if they pump for 5 minutes, rest for 5 minutes, and pump for another 10 minutes.