From the first day I started breastfeeding my daughter, I knew my daughter’s latch wasn’t correct. Something was wrong, and I asked for assistance from multiple lactation consultants. Each and every consultant told me her latch seemed to be good and that I should just grin and bear it—that things would eventually improve. After weeks of excruciating pain, I desperately called my midwife after my daughter spit up dark pink milk. Her latch had become so poor it had caused me to bleed.
Breastfeeding problems are not unusual, especially among first-time moms. Everything is new and it’s so private that many women are hesitant to ask for help. Here’s how to handle 5 common breastfeeding problems with grace and fewer tears.
1. Get a second opinion.
What my midwife said literally saved my breastfeeding relationship. She told me to use the relaxed or laid-back position. In an instant, the pain subsided and I finally had hope. So, if you experience pain while breastfeeding, immediately try a different position, especially the laid-back position, because breastfeeding should never hurt. This advice applies to other issues, too, like milk supply, engorgement, or your baby not latching. Breastfeeding is worth fighting for.
Breastfeeding is worth fighting for. Click To Tweet2. Cover up creatively.
Due to last-minute schedule changes, I have forgotten my cover-ups many times. After learning my lesson the hard way, I now wear my cover-ups! I always wear an outer layer of clothing like a thin cardigan or a cool scarf that easily can be removed and used as a cover. So now, any time I am out and about and realize I absent-mindedly forgot a blanket or nursing cover, I know I have something I can use to breastfeed in public and still be modest.
3. Get to the bottom of biting.
When babies start to teethe, they bite, and sometimes they bite Mom. When your baby starts to cut teeth, it doesn’t have to be the end of your nursing relationship. With my kids, I quickly learned there are a variety of reasons babies bite. If you pay attention, you can figure out if yours is getting bored (wear or make a teething necklace), falling asleep (tickle her feet or disrobe her), or is full. You know your baby the best.
4. Shut off a leaky faucet.
I think every breastfeeding mom has been there. You’re feeding the baby on one side and the other side springs a leak. Nursing pads are great, especially the ones you can wash and reuse. But what do you do when, like me, you forgot them? There are other options. If you’re in a bathroom or nursing station, paper towels will do the trick. If you don’t have one of those, then you can simply apply pressure to the opposite nipple while you are breastfeeding and it will keep that liquid gold from escaping.
5. Find your space.
If you’re feeling physically uncomfortable or if you have a baby who likes to look around or grab at your cover-up, your nursing experience isn’t going to go well. Seek out a space that will set you up for success. I’ve breastfed in my car in a Target parking lot just to have privacy. At the mall or another clothing store? Dressing rooms! Theme parks often have designated nursing rooms that are dark and quiet. If you’re at someone else’s home, ask to use a room that can be closed off for a few minutes. The least comfortable space is probably a public restroom. Not only is there not much space, but all the people coming in and out will be a distraction for a curious baby.
Hopefully, this has encouraged you to relax, not stress, and not give up. Remember, you were able to successfully carry a baby inside you—you can successfully nurse your baby, too!
Moms, what have you done to overcome your breastfeeding problems?
