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How can you manage common breastfeeding problems?
Trouble latching
- Make sure your baby opens their mouth wide. Then bring them to your breast.
- Make sure your nipple and most of the darker area (areola) around it are in your baby's mouth. Your baby's lips should be flared outward, not folded in.
- If you're not sure if your baby is latched well, try again.
- Try different breastfeeding positions.
Nipple pain
- Make sure that your baby is latching correctly. Break the latch before removing your baby from your breast.
- Let your nipples air-dry after feeding. Try letting some breast milk dry on your nipples.
- Try applying cool compresses to your nipples.
- If your nipples are cracked and bleeding, apply an antibiotic ointment and a nonstick first-aid pad after each feeding.
Low milk supply
- Breastfeed your baby whenever they're hungry.
- Feed your baby on one breast until it's empty. Then switch to the other breast.
- Feed or pump more often to help increase your milk supply.
Breast engorgement (fullness)
- Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
- Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
- Hand express a little milk from your breasts if they hurt and feel too full.
- Wear a supportive bra that fits.
- Avoid using a nipple shield. Avoid deep massage of the breast.
Blocked milk ducts
- Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. A blocked milk duct can cause a tender lump in the breast.
- Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
- Wear a supportive bra that fits.
- Avoid using a nipple shield. Avoid deep massage of the breast.
Mastitis (breast inflammation)
- Know the symptoms of mastitis. These can include pain, warmth, or redness or a color change on your breast.
- See your doctor and take medications as prescribed. Mastitis usually needs treatment with antibiotics.
- Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
- Continue to breastfeed from the affected breast.
- Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of a breast infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around a breast.
- Red streaks extending from the breast.
- Pus draining from a breast.
- A fever.
- Your baby has no wet diapers for 6 hours.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your baby has trouble latching on to your breast.
- You continue to have pain or discomfort when breastfeeding.
- You have other questions or concerns.
Current as of: November 30, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
