by Dawn Papple

Created on: December 13, 2007

Are you breastfeeding and dealing with sore breasts? Pinched nipples? Pain during nursing? You don't have to go through this alone, as a seasoned nursing mama, I'm here to help with this guide to what's ailing your boobs.

Mama's Guide To Your Breastfeeding Woes

Problem: My nipples feel like they are being pinched!

Solution: One major problem new mothers face is a sensation like her nipple is being pinched. That is also due to improper latching on. An easy way to resolve this is to make sure that the underside of the baby's lips are making contact with the mother's breast. Imagine that the baby were to maintain proper lip positioning while the mother took him away from her breast. His lips would be folded over so that his gums as well as the underside of both his lips would be in clear view. The pinching is felt when the baby sucks while his gums are in contact with the inside of his lips. So after the baby is sucking, just swipe your finger in between his lips and his gums. If that is too difficult you could always just pull the upper lip up and the lower lip down while the baby is nursing. That will also force the baby into proper positioning.

Problem: Cracked nipples are causing me grief!

Solution: During the first couple of weeks, our nipples have to toughen up. This process can be very uncomfortable. Applying a healing and protective barrier like 100% lanolin or Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream will help tremendously. Though, if you ever run out you can also just rub a little bit of your own milk on the nipple when you finish a feeding. My advice is to protect your nipples before there's a problem; preventative care is always the best care!

Problem: Engorgement hurts way too much.

Solution: Nurse on demand! Many people try to train their babies to nurse on a schedule of every four hours. On demand nursing will usually result in nursing every two hours or so. While this may seem like a lot, if you nurse on demand, the discomfort associated with engorgement is minimal because this is the way we were designed to nurse. Here's how it works: Try not to wait until the baby is crying to feed him. He will let you know that he is hungry with signals such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting. The American Academy of Pediatrics sites crying as a late indicator of hunger. If the baby does end up crying for his feeding, don't feel guilty though, you just gave birth and you're certainly quite exhausted and it may be difficult to pick up on minor cues like these.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>