Breast Feeding Problems for the Mother
Aka: Breast Feeding Problems for the Mother, Lactation Problems for the Mother
II. Approach: Nipple Conditions
- Inverted Nipples
- Identify problem well before delivery
- Recommend nipple shells to help evert nipples
- Sore Nipples
- Milk Blebs (milk-filled Blisters on nipple)
III. Approach: Breast engorgement
- Hand expression, massage therapy or pumping enough to soften the Breast
- Mild heat softens areola
- Frozen cabbage leaves held inside bra
- Increase Lactation frequency
- Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for pain
- Apply reverse pressure at nipple and areola
- Temporarily force interstitial fluid deeper into Breast and away from nipple
IV. Approach: Decreased Milk Production (or concerns for insufficient milk supply)
- Maximize maternal hydration and avoid Caffeine
- Maintain frequent nursing
- Avoid medications that interfere with milk production
- Avoid measures that are unproven
- Avoid supplements with unproven, but purported benefit (e.g. fenugreek, Brewer’s Yeast)
- Avoid metoclopramide (unproven)
- Demonstrate adequate feeding (when perceived to be inadequate)
- See Effective Breast Feeding Signs
- May pump to measure milk output
- Weigh clothed infant before and after feeding
- One gram of weight gain is equivalent to 1 ml of milk intake
V. Approach: Milk Duct Stasis or blocked milk ducts
- Ensure adequate rest and hydration
- Heat (applied for 20 min by warm compress)
- Vibration or massage to area
- Alternate feeding positions
- Frequent nursing and Breast Pumping
- Decrease constrictive clothing that may decrease drainage
- Employ gravity at feeding, by dangling Breast over the top of infant to feed
- Consider Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours to reduce pain
- Lecithin (herbal supplement) 1200 mg three to four times daily may be considered
- Evaluate for milk blebs (milk filled Blisters on nipple)
- Confirm proper latch-on technique by infant
- Confirm proper Breast Pump flange
- Nipple centered in tunnel and a small amount of areola in tunnel
VI. Approach: Inhibited Milk let down
- Warm shower
- Privacy for Lactation
- Comfortable environment
- Private
- Soft music
- Low light intensity
- Local heat to Breast
- Relaxation Techniques
VII. Approach: Medications
VIII. Approach: Work-Related Lactation problems
- Educate regarding various Breast Pumps and devices
- Support and encourage using Breast Pump at work
IX. Approach: Vasospasm (Raynauds phenomenon of nipple)
- Decrease nipple cold exposure and warm nipple as needed
- Reduce nipple Trauma
- Avoid Vasoconstrictors (e.g. Caffeine)
- Consider Nifedipine 30 mg daily for 2 weeks (safe in Lactation)
X. References
- (2016) Presc Lett 23(12): 71
- Westerfield (2018) Am Fam Physician 98(6): 368-73 [PubMed]