Coping with Difficulties

If you have problems in latching the baby correctly, you can consult the nearest maternity clinic. Some hospitals including Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai have a special Lactation Management Experts who can address your specific issues.

In case you have a medical condition that is affecting breastfeeding, seek treatment as early as possible.

Two common difficulties you are likely to experience are;

1. Milk Congestion
In this condition, the mother's breasts produce a lot more milk than the baby consumes. This congests her breasts.

The best solution is to pump out the extra milk either manually or with the help of a breast pump; i.e.: a small, easy-to-carry devise that enables you to squeeze the breast milk into a clean plastic container.

Simply fix the nozzle of the pump on the aureole and create a vacuum for suction by pressing the handle. The pump will collect the milk in the attached container.

Put this milk in a clean vessel and freeze it for later use. This is especially helpful for working women who still want to breastfeed.

2. Sore nipples
Refrain from breastfeeding for a day to get rid of nipple soreness. If the nipples still remain sore, consult your gynaecologist. A new-age solution for sore nipples is a nipple shield. It is a porous rubber shield that fits on the aureoles, so you can nurse the baby without hurting your nipples.