Breastfeeding isn’t always easy for everyone. There are obstacles that you may face such as insufficient milk supply, sore nipples, mastitis, and plugged milk ducts.
Most mothers worry at some point that they do not have enough milk. A delay in the time when milk “comes in” sometimes occurs in mothers dealing with certain health conditions. Do not wait to get help if milk production is ever a concern. The sooner you intervene, the better. Ask a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and your doctor to help you figure out what might be the problem affecting milk production, so that you and your baby can begin to correct it.
Infrequent or insufficient breastfeeding (milk removal) is the most common reason for a delay in the time when the milk “comes in,” for insufficient milk production, or for any drop in production. A review of the number and length of breastfeedings should always be first thing you do if you are ever concerned about milk production.
Occasionally, a mother has a health condition that may temporarily delay the large increase in milk production usually seen between three to five days following birth (postpartum). These mothers may not begin to produce large amounts of milk until seven to 14 days after giving birth. If this happens to you, do not feel discouraged. Continue to breastfeed frequently even if you also must give your baby infant formula for a few days.
Research has yet to discover whether the cause for a delay in increased milk production is due to a health-, pregnancy-, or birth-related condition; certain medical treatments for such conditions; or a delay in frequent breastfeeding that often occurs with such conditions. Some of the conditions, or treatments, that experts think may contribute to a delay include the following:
- Severe stress
- Cesarean (surgical) delivery
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Maternal obesity
- Infection or illness with fever
- Diabetes–juvenile, adult-onset and gestational
- Thyroid conditions
- Strict or prolonged bed rest during pregnancy
A plugged duct feels like a tender lump in the breast. Some mothers seem to be more prone to developing them, but usually they occur when a mother goes too long without emptying her breasts, or if insufficient milk is removed during feedings. Review your baby’s feeding routine and see if the time between one or more feedings has recently changed for any reason. Sometimes, a mother gets busy again with a task and does not realize feedings are being delayed. Ineffective sucking may contribute to plugged ducts. Also, check that the material of nursing bras or clothing bunched during feedings is not putting pressure on milk ducts in a certain area of the breast.
If you develop a plugged duct, be sure to breastfeed or remove milk often and alternate different feeding positions. It often helps to apply warm compresses to the area or soak the breast in warm water. Massage above and then over the affected area when breastfeeding and after application of warm compresses.
Mastitis is often used interchangeably with the term breast infection, but mastitis may also be due to an inflammation. Often a reddened area is noted on the breast. Inflammatory or infectious mastitis may develop for reasons similar to those for plugged duct development, and the same interventions usually are helpful.
It is especially important to keep the affected breast “empty” through frequent breastfeeding. If you develop flu-like symptoms or your temperature increases to 100.4° F or higher, call your physician. An antibiotic probably will be prescribed for 10 to 14 days. Be sure you take the entire course of the medication or you may experience a recurrence.
What tips do you have to share with new Moms? What tips or tricks did you use to help with any difficulties you may have had?
