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Common
Problems
Sore
Nipples-This comes from your nipples getting used to to
day in and day out use for breastfeeding.
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Prevention:
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Practice
proper attachment (latching) to prevent soreness
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Position
baby directly facing your breast, support baby and your
arms with pillows to maximize comfort.
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Bring
the baby TO you and don't lean into the baby
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Comfort
Measures:
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Start
on least sore side first
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Vary
positions you use for nursing; cradle hold, football hold,
lying on your side, etc.
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Use
black tea (i.e Lipton); soak tea bag and leave on nipple
for 5 minutes then air dry.
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Coat
nipple with colostrum (or breast milk) and let air dry.
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Nipple
creams, etc have NOT
proven to be effective but some moms find them soothing;
avoid products that have to be washed off before your baby
feeds.
Engorgement-
You breast tissue may become swollen and tender 3-4 days after
delivery. This discomfort will not harm nor affect your baby in
any way. Engorgement is not a permanent state and
only lasts 24-48 hours. When you are pregnant your breasts are
filled with colostrum by the 4th month. After delivery colostrum
is your babies first food. You milk gradually comes in 3-5 days
post pardem. You may notice that your breasts become full, warm,
and heavy while milk is coming in this is normal. When your
breasts are engorged they become very hard, HOT, and painful.
Engorgement occurs because baby does not fully empty your breasts.
Engorgement is due to mismanagement of milk.
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Prevention:
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Comfort
Measures:
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Use
warm moist heat before feeds (to aid letdown).
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Hand
express or pump to soften areola (to aid in proper
latching).
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Use
ice or cold moist cloths after feeding if it feels good.
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Use
pain medication if prescribed
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Hand
express or pump gently if the baby won't wake enough to
feed well; just enough to make yourself comfortable.
Fatigue
or Feeling overwhelmed- It can be a common problem to feel
overwhelmed, exhausted, or tired in the first days and weeks of
parenthood especially if you are a first time breast feeder.
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Comfort
Measures:
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Rest,
Rest, Rest and sleep when your baby sleeps, day or night
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Get
some help with the cooking, preparing meals, the shopping,
the cleaning, etc.
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Keep
eating well and drink a lot of water
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Avoid
too much company
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Avoid
a lot of activity for a week or two
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