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Challenges

 

In order to avoid complications, proper breast care and a correct infant latch is necessary. If you are experiencing any discomfort, or notice any of the below, consult your healthcare provider.

01

Inverted Nipples

 

SIGNS (What does it look like?):

  • Nipples retract when areola (brown surrounding) is squeezed

  • Nipples do not protrude when stimulated

 

SYMPTOMS (Wha does it feel like?):

  • Difficulty latching

  • Swollen areola

 

TREATMENT

  • do not allow baby to suck on pacifier or finger - cup feed if necessary for the first 48 hours

  • use hand expression before feeds to draw out the nipple

  • try different feeding positions

  • sometimes a nippple shield may help if it persists for > 48 hours (consult your healthcare professional about nipple shields)

 

 

 

02

Nipple Pain/Trauma
 

CAUSES:

  • most often times from a pump that’s too strong

 

SIGNS (What does it look like?):

  • nipple may be red, blistered, and/or cracked

  • scabs or crusts on the nipple

  • nipple looks flattened or white after a feed

 

SYMPTOMS (What does it feel like?):

  • pain when the baby latches or during the feed

  • burning or stabbing pain between or during feeds

  •  nipples that are hypersensitive 

 

TREATMENT

  • *Seek medical advice on appropriate over the counter pain/anti-inflammatory medications*

  • ensure the baby is latched correctly

  • massage or apply warmth to breasts before feeds; this stimulates let down

  • begin feeds on least sore breast

  • express breast milk onto nipples after feeds and allow to air dry 

 

 

03

Thrush/Candida Yeast Infection
 

CAUSES:

  • most often times from a pump that’s too strong

 

SIGNS (What does it look like?):

  • nipples may look normal

  • may be painful, pink, and shiny

  • nipples may be red and irritated

  • may have white patches on nipples

 

SYMPTOMS (What does it feel like?):

  • may sting or burn

  • may have deep, penetrating pain

  • baby may have oral thrush or diaper rash

  • mother may have vaginal thrush or urinary tract infection

 

TREATMENT

  • *Seek medical advice* – this needs to be treated with prescribed oral and topical agents  

04

Engorged Breasts
 

CAUSES:

  • ineffective suckling or ineffective drainage or breasts (infrequent feeds)

 

SIGNS (What does it look like?):

  • breasts are over filled

  • shiny, tight skin

  • may be some nipple trauma

  • fareola may look puffy 

 

SYMPTOMS (What does it feel like?):

  • breasts feel very heavy and painful

  • nipples are more sensitive

  • inhibited let down reflex

 

TREATMENT

  • *Seek medical advice on appropriate over the counter pain/anti-inflammatory medications*

  • place heat on the neck and shoulders ONLY to help with let down

  • elicit a let-down via gentle massage

  • apply a cold compress between feeds for 24 hrs

  • determine the cause to prevent reoccurrence

05

Mastitis
 

CAUSES:

  • usually a result of an infection or milk stasis within the breast

 

SIGNS (What does it look like?):

  •  inflammation of the breasts

 

SYMPTOMS (What does it feel like?):

  • tenderness and heat of affected area

  • general flu-like symptoms

  • fever, headache, tiredness

 

TREATMENT

  • *Seek medical advice as this can become a medical emergency if not treated immediately; pain/anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, along with antibiotics

  • DO NOT stop breastfeeding – the breast milk is still safe for the baby

  • apply a cold compress between feeds for 24 hours – green cabbage leaves

  • hand express breasts frequently to keep the milk flowing and the supply adequate

06

Blocked Duct
 

CAUSES:

  • infrequent feedings

  • inadequate removal of milk from that portion of the breast (this is why changing positions is important)

  • pressure from underwire bras

 

SIGNS (What does it look like?):

  •  swollen area of the breast

  • may be an apparent white bubble on nipple

 

SYMPTOMS (What does it feel like?):

  • pain, swelling, and reduced milk flow

 

TREATMENT

  • apply warm compress

  • soak breasts in warm water

  • massage affected areas gently toward the nipple

  • alternate position (baby’s chin should be towards the affected area for the best drainage)

  • express breast milk while massaging affected area

Health Nexus. (2013). Breastfeeding Matters: BestStart Guide. Retrieved from http://www.beststart.org/cgi- bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=B04-E

 

Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport. (2010). Baby’s Best Chance: Parents Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care.

            Crown Publications Services: Victoria, BC.

 

Venter, Kathy. (2014). ‘Making a Difference: A Breastfeeding Course for Health Professionals. 

 

 

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