The Final Call

The benefits of breastfeeding and management of breastfeeding complications

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No matter the emotion of the day, any additional complication concerning the baby certainly adds stress to mom and child during this delicate period of “mommy-hood.”

One of the most common problems that new mothers face happens during nursing infants. Not only is breastfeeding the natural approach to feeding ones baby, but breast milk is significantly healthier for the baby than formula; so one can only imagine the stress a mother faces when difficulty arises during the nursing process.

Management of these complications can greatly assist the mother during the nursing process.

Some common breastfeeding complications are irritation (of the nipples), mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue), clogged milk ducts, and decreased milk production. Nipple irritation includes soreness, cracking, and redness. Mothers could manage nipple irritation by using warm compresses and approved lubricants such as olive oil, to soothe the area (being sure to wipe off excess before breastfeeding). If the baby is not latching on to the nipple properly, it could also bring discomfort to the mother, so mothers should seek professional advice for proper latching and positioning during feeding.

Mastitis is when the nipples become inflamed and infected. Soreness, cracking, irritation, and extreme tenderness could be signs of mastitis. When mastitis occurs, the mother should see a physician, in which case an approved antibiotic may be prescribed to correct the issue. Improper hand washing or dirty hands can lead to nipple infections, especially when the nipples are vulnerable during cracking and/or bleeding.

Clogged milk ducts are often due to excess pressure, from how the baby latches on to the nipple to wearing tight bras. This problem may be helped by massaging the area, using warm compresses before and after feeding, managing how the baby latches on to the nipple, and wearing proper undergarments. Even mothers being mindful of their own resting positions may help.

Some mothers face a decrease in milk production. This often develops when babies miss meals or they are given formula instead, for more prolonged periods of time. The frequency of breastfeeding is related to the amount of milk produced. The more the baby feeds, the more milk is produced to accommodate the baby’s dietary requirements. If mothers have a difficult time producing milk, fenugreek herb/seed is popular for increasing milk production. This can be taken in tea form.

Nevertheless, the fewer the difficulties mothers face during breastfeeding the greater the chances are for infants to be breastfed. Infants, according to the World Health Organization, should be breastfed for the first six months in order to ensure optimal health, growth and development. Additionally, the American Association of Pediatrics published a study in the June/July 2010 issue of Pediatrics titled “Prolonged and Exclusive Breastfeeding Reduces the Risk of Infectious Diseases in Infancy.” It disclosed that infants breastfed exclusively until the age of four months, and partially breastfed afterwards, had a decreased risk of gastrointestinal tract infections and respiratory infections within their first six months of living. Nevertheless, both AAP and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months for optimal health of the infant.

There are contraindications to breastfeeding, which will negatively affect the health of the infant; these cases are not as common. Contraindications include certain illnesses and diseases of the mother and/or relative skin outbreaks, rare medications/chemicals the mother is ingesting, substance abuse, metabolic disorders of the infant.

Crystal 6X Hale is a writer and a member of the Nation of Islam.