Often the result of a poor latch, the trials and tribulations of breastfeeding can be a nightmare. Do not forget to rest and relax. Easier said than done, but stress can be a major factor in these little problems.
If you have the slightest doubt, ask for advice as soon as possible, these problems can be solved quite easily (we didn’t say painlessly). Alternative medicine can work wonders for these kinds of pathologies and you should never be asked to stop breastfeeding.
Mammary candidiasis
This pretty name hides something much worse: fungus. Yes, it can even happen to your boobs. On top of that, you can give it to Baby and the inside of their mouth gets covered with white spots. Hence the name, thrush.
If it feels like your breast is being pierced with needles or full of crushed glass, if feeding is very painful, chances are you are infected with this fungus, which takes a very long time to remove.
Solution
Since fungus is sensitive to pH, you can apply baking soda (dilute a teaspoon in a cup of water) and rinse your breasts with Vichy water (sparkling salt-water).
If the weather is warm and you don’t mind going topless, expose your breasts to direct sunlight for a few minutes several times a day.
If neither works, schedule a doctor’s appointment for you and Baby. Some creams can get rid of them…after several weeks. Although the pain goes away quickly, it is essential to respect your prescription because, if even a little bit remains, this monstrosity will develop all over again.
Engorgement
Who hasn’t had an engorged breast? This problem usually arises during the first months but it can occur at any time if you are not careful. The culprits are (usually) feeds that are too far apart or ineffective, leaving the accumulated milk in your breasts until they feel like they are going to explode.
Solution
This can be avoided if both breasts are completely emptied. Some may recommend using a breast pump to ease the pain, however, this can also boost your production and should be done carefully. The best suited person for this job is Baby. Feed Baby more often than usual, and apply the following:
Between each feed, put a cooling agent to your breast to soothe swelling (putting cabbage leaves or green clay strips in your bra is very effective),
When it is time to feed, massage your breasts and warm them up,
A nice warm shower should help release any left-over milk.
Another technique, called the « Tahitian cup » consists in dipping your breast in a glass of warm water (not too hot) thus creating a suction effect. The immersed nipple will gently release milk without triggering the let-down reflex.
Mastitis
This often occurs when engorgement isn’t properly treated. On top of feeling full to the brim, your breast goes red, heats up and may feel sore when touched. You may have a fever and feel achy, making you feel like you have the flu.
Solution
Take action immediately, the engorgement remedies will help out to start with.
Only use the affected breast to feed Baby, even if it hurts (empty your other breast using a breast pump). If Baby hurts you too much, use your breast pump instead.
The aim is to completely empty your breast of any milk. Dangle feeding is ideal in this situation.
If nothing changes within 24 hours, contact a doctor who knows about breastfeeding or a lactation consultant, who will prescribe a medical treatment. Never take mastitis lightly, it can cause cysts.
Cracked nipples
So small, yet so painful! There are several causes: tongue tie or a torticollis stopping Baby from latching on properly… Bear in mind that a cracked nipple always occurs for a reason and until you find out what the root of the problem is, it will come back or get worse.
Solution
It is very tedious getting a cracked nipple to heal since the scab is ripped off every time Baby feeds. Ouch! Wet-wound healing is the only solution here. This technique prevents the appearance of a dry scab and helps your nipple repair gently.
There are many creams on the market that relieve painful nipples. However, check the ingredients carefully since some creams are not compatible with breastfeeding and will need to be washed off before feeding, which isn’t very practical and repeatedly washing your breast may worsen the wound.
You can also try natural creams such as lanolin (to be used carefully as it can cause allergies) and sterile honey (found in specialist shops).
You can also use milk-soaked compresses. Obviously we aren’t talking about any old milk, you need to use YOUR milk. Anti-infectious and endowed with regenerating powers, free and always to hand, it is the miracle cure.
Preparation
Once you have washed your hands, soak a sterile compress with your milk.
Application
Put it over your breast and cover it with cling film, then you can put your bra back on.
Renewing
Change the compress after every feed or every 4 hours.
Upkeep
Once your cracked nipple has healed, rub a bit of your milk over the wound after each feed for a few days, and let your nipple dry fully before covering it with any clothing.
OALD (Over Active Let-Down)
From the moment Baby starts suckling, your let-down reflex kicks in. Although this looks like a charming little shower of milk for the average mum, your breast has decided otherwise and has opted for a more forceful option. Baby literally gets a mouthful and will start to cough. Other indicators include: short, agitated cluster feeding, Baby getting irritated and urinating more than usual, green stools, or recurrent engorgement issues… An OALD could be the culprit.
First and foremost, remember the let-down reflex is normal and seeing your milk spray out of your nipple should reassure you: this mean everything is working!
Solution
Gently empty your breast before each feed and pull away if you see Baby is struggling to swallow, then empty it again.
When you feel your let-down reflex is about to kick in, pull Baby away from your nipple to avoid them swallowing too much milk in one go.
Use gravity to your advantage. Use the BN position and put Baby on your stomach, just above your breast, making the pressure of the spray less powerful. Breastfeeding vertically also works and do not hesitate to use your baby wrap for feeding. If you are tired, use the side-lying position.
It is important to check with a lactation consultant to see if Baby does not have a muscle tension problem in their jaw, which could be the cause of their breastfeeding behaviour and suckling difficulties.
DMER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex)
Are you feeling stressed or down? Have you got used to a certain lingering feeling of anxiety? Or worse, are you having dark thoughts and don’t recognise yourself anymore? If any of these symptoms occur just before your let-down reflex kicks in, you could possibly suffer from DMER.
Here’s a little biology lesson to remind us how the body works:
Dope…
This is your dopamine. When there is dopamine, there is no prolactin and, therefore, no milk.
… or milk
The let-down reflex produces oxytocin, which reduces dopamine (to continue feeding).
If you suffer from DMER
Each let-down reflex destroys ALL your dopamine, leaving you feeling down and melancholic.
Solution
Being able to identify this condition will help a lot because it proves you’re not crazy. Be patient and talk to your loved ones about it. There are also groups for mums who suffer from DMER.
Alternative medicine, including acupuncture, can help you relax and boost your dopamine production.
During feeds try to perk yourself up: your favourite TV series, music or book (it’s time to get out your copy of Pride and Prejudice), or maybe treat yourself to a big box of chocolates!
Clogged ducts
Does your bra feel too tight or does wearing your seatbelt hurt? Do you feel like your ducts are squashed tightly together like tinned sardines? Does Baby get fussy when trying to feed from your breast that is huge in appearance, yet no milk seems to come out? Or worse yet, can you feel a little lump? Take a deep breath, you probably have a clogged duct.
Solution
Feed Baby with this breast more often.
Heat and massages will help, as will putting an ice block on your breast in between feeds.
During feeds, Baby’s chin should apply pressure to the affected zone, which will massage it and help unclog the duct. Apply pressure to your breast during feeds, and if possible, dangle feed.
The blocked duct can clear itself (when a toothpaste like substance comes out).
Alternative medicine, such as homoeopathy and osteopathy can also be useful. If the problem continues, you may need to ask your doctor to prescribe ultrasound therapy.
Milk blisters
Situated on your nipple, this little white ball often appears after a blocked duct, a cracked nipple or a poor latch. In short, it rarely appears at the best time. It is one of the small but painful discomforts. Despite being very small, it tends to constantly remind you of its presence, and for some, even wearing a bra becomes unbearable. Not to mention when Baby latches on…
Solution
Soak your breast in warm water to soften the skin. Dangle feed Baby so that their chin is facing the damaged area of the breast. You may have to do this several times.
If that doesn’t work, there is only one solution: try to pierce the blister with a disinfected, sterile needle. If you don’t succeed, see your doctor.
Nipple vasospasm
At the end of each feed, your nipple, which has gone white, is irritated and painful. A few seconds later, your nipple, on top of feeling more and more painful, is bright red. This may stop on its own or go on until the following feed.
A blood circulation disorder (called Raynaud’s disease) is often the cause of these vasospasms, but Baby suckling incorrectly can also be responsible.
Solution
Heat will help! At the end of each feed, cover your breast with a warm cloth or a hot water bottle. The blood vessels will become less tense.
A medical treatment is available. Do not hesitate to ask your GP.
These excerpts are from My completely illustrated Breastfeeding Book.
