Common Breastfeeding Concerns: "Does this feel right?"

Breastfeeding can seem like a simple task, but the reality for a lot of breastfeeding moms is that it can be tough to figure out. Those early days are a huge adjustment period, filled with constant learning and practice as your newborn feeds every two to three hours.

While you learn to position yourself,  your baby, understand hunger cues, manage your milk supply and take care of your breast health, you are likely wondering,

“Does this feel right?”

Latching

A proper latch can make or break your breastfeeding experience. Many women get frustrated (rightfully so!) when the baby's latch isn’t right and ends up hurting mom. This can lead to feelings of defeat and discouragement. 

As you and your baby work on maintaining a proper latch, keep these tips in mind:

• Baby’s mouth should be open wide around your breast, meaning they will have a lot of the dark part (areola) in their mouth, not just the nipple.
• When baby latches initially, it may be uncomfortable, but only for a few seconds. If pain persists, baby is probably not latched correctly.
• Baby’s lips should look flanged outward with their chin touching your breast and their tongue under your breast, likely out of sight.  

Engorgement

Engorgement can happen anytime throughout your breastfeeding journey, but it is most common in the early postpartum days when your milk “comes in.” 

Engorged breasts feel uncomfortably full and swollen, sometimes even  hard. Not only is this not ideal for you, but engorged breasts can also make it difficult for your baby to latch because your nipples may become flattened. So what can you do?

• Nurse frequently. 8xs per day is a good minimum.
• Make sure baby has a good latch. This will help ensure your breasts are emptying.
• Massage your breasts while feeding to help the milk drain.
• Manually express a bit of milk before feeding to help soften your nipple. This technique can make it easier for baby to latch.

Clogged Ducts

Clogged ducts - or plugged ducts - happen when milk can’t flow from your breast to your nipple because the milk duct is blocked. As the milk gets stuck and builds up, it irritates the tissue and causes a tender lump in the breast - and it hurts! 

So what can lead to clogged ducts? 

How can you treat them?

And ultimately how can you prevent them?

• Clogged ducts can be caused by skipping feedings or going too long between feedings, changing your feeding schedule, regularly feeding on one breast, engorgement, or pressure on your milk ducts (like from a tight bra or seatbelt).
• If you have a clogged duct, try these strategies:
• Take a hot shower or apply a warm compress
• Massage your breast before and during feedings
• Try hand expression to ensure you’re emptying your breast
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get some rest!
• The key to preventing clogged ducts is to make sure your breasts are drained at each feeding. You will be able to tell that your breasts are drained if your breasts feel a lot lighter and emptier, and your baby stops swallowing.