Breastfeeding: Understanding Common Breastfeeding Problems, by Putri Prihatini.

Breastfeeding is an inseparable part of all mother-baby bonding activities. It can be joyous yet straining at the same time, especially for new, inexperienced mothers. Breastfeeding has it own share of common problems, which can both frustrate the mother and upset the baby. These problems are most likely to be experienced by almost all mothers, but understanding them can prepare mothers to deal with them.

1. Engorgement: Naturally, several days after the birth, a mother’s breasts will swell when the milk finally comes in. If the swelling causes pain and hardness, it is called engorgement, and signifies the adjustment of the mother’s body to the amount of milk her baby needs. Ways of relieving engorgement include frequent nursing for about 8-12 times a day, using breast pump if the baby does not nurse well, give alternate cold and warm compress on the breasts, massaging the breasts gently, allowing warm water to run over the breasts while showering, and adjusting the baby position to induce proper latching and effective removal of milk. [Read more...]