World Breastfeeding Week: Empowering new mothers to overcome challenges; expert tips and solutions

World Breastfeeding Week shines a spotlight on the challenges facing new mothers. While breastfeeding is hailed as the ideal infant nutrition, countless women encounter physical hurdles, societal pressures, and inadequate support. "Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish a newborn - offering numerous health advantages for both the baby and the mother. However, despite its benefits, many mothers face major challenges during their breastfeeding journey," says Dr. Ravneet Joshi, consultant - lactation specialist, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road.

Maina Shet, Lactation Counselor, KMC Hospital, Mangalore agrees, "Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for new mothers, but it often comes with its set of challenges, especially in the first two to three weeks. These challenges can range from physical issues to emotional and social barriers." This World Breastfeeding Week, the medical experts will outline the common challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, and offer effective solutions to overcome the physical challenges.

Latching difficulties

One of the most common challenges is getting the baby to latch onto the breast correctly, especially during the first three days. A poor latch can cause pain and nipple damage for the mother and inadequate milk intake for the baby. It may happen because the baby might be too sleepy, or the mother might be holding the baby in an awkward position.

Solution

Skin-to-skin contact: This natural bonding method can encourage your baby to instinctively seek the breast.

Proper positioning: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find the most comfortable and effective one for you and your baby.

Seek professional help: If latching problems persist, consult a lactation consultant for personalised guidance and support.

Sore nipples

Sore nipples are a frequent issue, particularly in the early days of breastfeeding. This can result from incorrect latching, prolonged feeding, or an underlying infection. Ensuring proper latch, and application of breast milk on sore nipples can help alleviate this discomfort.

Solution

Check the latch: Ensure your baby is latched on correctly, covering both the nipple and a good portion of the areola (the dark area around the nipple).

Use lanolin cream: Apply a lanolin-based cream to soothe and heal sore nipples. Alternatively, coconut oil works best.

Low milk supply

New mothers often get concerned about low milk supply. Various factors are associated with low milk supply like inadequate breastfeeding frequency, poor latch, stress, and certain medical conditions. You should work with a lactation consultant to identify the problem and address it to increase milk production.

Solution

Regular nursing: Feed your baby often, at least every 2-3 hours, to stimulate milk production.

Nutrition and hydration: To promote milk production, eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water.

Avoid supplements: Unless advised by your doctor, avoid formula supplements as they can reduce your baby's demand for breast milk.

Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk which leads to swelling, hardness, and pain, making it difficult for the baby to latch on properly.

Solution

Frequent feeding: Nurse your baby often to relieve fullness.

Hand expressing: If your baby isn't hungry, express a small amount of milk by hand or with a pump to ease discomfort.

Warm compresses/cold compress: Apply a warm cloth to your breasts before feeding to help milk flow, and use cold compresses afterward to reduce swelling.

Blocked milk ducts

A blocked milk duct occurs when milk becomes trapped within a milk duct, causing a tender lump in the breast. This can happen due to missed feedings, improper latching, or wearing tight-fitting clothing.

Solution

Apply cold compresses: Place a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth on the affected breast for 10 minutes every hour to reduce swelling.

Gentle massage: Gently massage the breast towards the armpit to help move the milk through the duct. Avoid using firm pressure, as this can worsen the discomfort.

Frequent breastfeeding: Continue nursing your baby on the affected side to help clear the blockage.

Warm compresses: Before feeding, apply a warm compress to the affected area to help soften the milk and improve its flow.

If the blockage persists or becomes increasingly painful, or if you develop symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or redness, consult your healthcare provider.

Inverted or flat nipples

Inverted or flat nipples can sometimes make breastfeeding more challenging, as it can be difficult for the baby to latch on. While it's not impossible to breastfeed with inverted or flat nipples, it may require some additional techniques and support.

Solution

Nipple stimulation: Gently rolling your nipple between your thumb and index finger before feeding can help encourage it to protrude.

Breast shells: Wearing breast shells in your bra between feedings can help draw out the nipples.

Nipple shields: Under the guidance of a lactation consultant, nipple shields can be used to help your baby latch on.

Seek professional help: A lactation consultant can assess your situation and provide personalised advice and support.

Remember, every woman's breastfeeding experience is unique, and with patience and support, many mothers with inverted or flat nipples successfully breastfeed their babies.

Baby falling asleep at the breast

Newborn babies often fall asleep while breastfeeding, especially in the early weeks.

Solution

Stimulation: Gently tickle your baby's feet, change their diaper, or undress them slightly to awaken them.

Breast switching: Moving your baby to the other breast can stimulate milk flow and encourage continued feeding.

Breast compression: Gently compressing your breast while your baby is latched on can help increase milk flow.

Burping: Burping your baby after feeding can help them stay awake.

If your baby consistently falls asleep before finishing a feed, consult a lactation consultant to rule out any underlying issues and to optimise your baby's milk intake.

Psychological and social challenges faced by new mothers

While breastfeeding is a rewarding and beneficial practice, it comes with its own set of challenges. "By recognising and addressing these physical, emotional, and social barriers, we can better support these new mothers in their breastfeeding journey," says Joshi. Below, she's lists five challenges faced by new mothers that go beyond the physical and extend to mental, and social obstacles.

Stress and anxiety

Breastfeeding can be stressful, especially for first-time mothers who may feel anxious about their ability to provide enough milk or whether they are breastfeeding correctly. Antenatal Breastfeeding counselling is crucial for pregnant women to prepare themselves for their breastfeeding journey. During this difficult time, support from family, friends, and healthcare providers remain equally important to alleviate these fears.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can impact a mother's ability to breastfeed. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue can make the breastfeeding process more challenging. It is essential for mothers experiencing these symptoms to seek help from healthcare professionals.

Lack of support

Many mothers may not receive adequate support from their partners, families, or communities. This lack of support can make breastfeeding more difficult and lead to feelings of isolation. Encouraging a supportive environment and educating family members about the benefits of breastfeeding can help.

Societal pressure and stigma

In some cultures, there is a stigma associated with breastfeeding in public, leading mothers to feel embarrassed or ashamed. This can discourage breastfeeding and make it challenging for mothers to feed their babies when they are out of the home. Promoting breastfeeding-friendly spaces and normalising breastfeeding in public can help address this issue.

Returning to work

For working mothers, returning to work amid breastfeeding period becomes another major challenge in terms of balancing work responsibilities with the need to express milk. Workplaces should provide suitable facilities and time for breastfeeding mothers to express and store breast milk. Supportive policies and awareness can ease this transition.

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