Problems you may encounter
Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major physical or emotional hurdles. But many new moms find it hard to learn. If you're feeling discouraged, you're not the only one.It's normal to feel overwhelmed by your baby's constant demands and exhausted from lack of sleep. And you may have questions: Is my baby getting enough milk? Should I have sore nipples? How long should my baby nurse? Should I wake her if she falls asleep nursing?
Although women have nursed their babies for centuries, breastfeeding doesn't always come easily. Many women face difficulties early on. Some of the most common breastfeeding problems you may encounter in the first six weeks include:
- Engorgement (breasts that are excessively full and uncomfortable)
- sore nipples
- Mastitis (a breast infection)
Don't suffer in silence. Call your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant if you're suffering from any of the above, if you're in pain, or if physical discomfort is getting in the way of nursing.
Where to get help
Breastfeeding help and support is just a phone call (or a click) away.Talk to your doctor or midwife about any health concerns that may be getting in the way of successful breastfeeding.
La Leche League International, an organization that offers encouragement and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies, can send you information or put you in touch with a La Leche League chapter near you. You can reach the group's headquarters or get advice from its breastfeeding hotline by calling (800) 525-3243. If you attend local meetings, you can meet other new moms and get breastfeeding assistance.
For professional advice and encouragement, call an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). A lactation consultant can offer advice on how to breastfeed properly and give you hands-on help. To find one near you, call the International Lactation Consultant Association at (919) 861-5577 or use that association's online lactation consultant finder.
You can also call the hospital or birth center where you delivered, your doctor or midwife, or your child's doctor for a referral.
