All about breastfeeding

All about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not always easy, and experiencing minor or major problems during the breastfeeding period is quite common. Remember that there is a lot of good advice, tips and products for you who face challenges in connection with breastfeeding.

Prevent breastfeeding problems

It is not possible to guarantee against having problems during the breastfeeding period, but you can take a number of precautions to reduce the chance of problems with breastfeeding arising.

Wash hands thoroughly before breastfeeding. TIP: carry a small bottle of Antibac with you in case you have to breastfeed somewhere without access to a sink. Larger pump bottles with hand sanitizer are suitable for keeping at home where you usually breastfeed.
Keep your breasts warm. Nursing pads in wool are a great way to keep your breasts warm, in addition to dressing well.
Change disposable nursing pads often to avoid contamination of the nipples and to keep the breasts dry.
Make sure as early as possible that you have the correct breastfeeding technique. Get help for this at the hospital, health center or at Ammehjelpen.
Use a good nursing bra, preferably one without play.

Sore nipples

Sore nipples during breastfeeding are common and can have a number of different causes, ranging from bad sucking techniques in the baby to, for example, a fungal infection in the mother.

Allow the breasts to air dry after breastfeeding and showering. Leave some breast milk on the breasts when it dries.
Try a nipple cream. Nipple creams nurture, protect and soothe sore and irritated nipples.
Nipple compresses help with intensive care of sore nipples.
A breast shield can be tried if it hurts to breastfeed. These are thin "shields" with holes in them so the breast milk can flow through. They are placed over the nipples and ensure that the baby does not suck directly from the nipple, this can "relieve" the nipple a little.
Change disposable nursing pads often, especially if you have cracks and wounds that are oozing or bleeding.

Chest inflammation

Breast inflammation, or mastitis, affects approximately 10% of breastfeeding women. Not regularly breastfeeding from the breasts, incorrect breastfeeding technique and sores or cracks on the nipple increase the risk of getting mastitis. In case of mastitis, the breasts become hard, red and sore, and you may get a fever and headache.

Breast inflammation is treated by breastfeeding regularly from the sore breast or breasts (about every two hours) and sometimes during the night for a day or two. It is not necessary to empty the breast completely, but rather regular breastfeeding. In many cases this may be enough. Other times this is not sufficient and you must also have antibiotics.

Good advice for beginning chest inflammation

Avoid sores and cracks on the nipples, so that bacteria cannot easily enter the breast milk. If you have sores or cracks on the nipple, ensure good hygiene and take care of the sores and cracks as best you can.

Keep your breasts warm with wool nursing pads and dress well.

Allow the breasts to air dry after each feeding.

The nipple can be lubricated with a little breast milk after each feeding.

Feel free to take a long, hot shower or apply warm compresses immediately before breastfeeding, to facilitate the expulsion of milk. If the breast is hard with lumps or redness, do not massage the breast, as this can make milking more difficult.

Swelling in the breast can be reduced with cold compresses between breast-feedings and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Ibux), if this can be tolerated.

Fungal infection and thrush

Fungal infection on the breasts can cause soreness, tenderness, burning and a burning sensation in the breasts. It often hurts when breastfeeding and afterwards. The nipple may become very red and in some cases peel a little. Contact a doctor if you suspect a fungal infection.

Fungal infection in the baby, thrush, causes a characteristic white coating in the mouth which can sting and cause discomfort. It is not unusual for infants to get thrush.

Too little milk

If there is too little milk, there are several good tips you can try, including:

Auxiliary breast

You can use a breast pump to increase milk production by pumping out milk even when the child is not breastfeeding.