Breastfeeding Latch / Positioning

This is the number one cause of breastfeeding pain and problems - an incorrect or not quite right latch.

This Breastfeeding Latch chart may help you out here in establishing attachment.

Look at lots of photos. Familarise yourself with breastfeeding. Unfortunately for mothers and babies, we are more likely to see bottles in public than we are bared breasts and suckling babies.

Positioning Pictures
Breastfeeding Pictures - Familarise yourself!
Homebirth/Breastfeeding at Joyous Birth
Breastfeeding Latch On Pictures
Breastfeeding with Large Breasts

Engorgement & Sore Breasts

The best way to cope with this problem is prevention. Don't wear constrictive bras or shirts that rub against your breasts for the first week or two. Feed on demand and very frequently.

Some newborns are sleepyheads and need a nudge to keep feeding. Wear a sling and leave a boob hanging out for your baby. Sleep with your baby and continue breastfeeding throughout the night.

It can be pretty full on in the first couple of weeks but your baby and breasts will thank you for it!

If your breasts or nipples are sore, try expressing milk and massaging it into your breasts and air drying them. Taking a hot bath or shower helps with breast pain as well.

Breast Care at ABA
Kellymom on Breast Engorgement

Mastitis & Blocked Ducts

Keep breastfeeding on the blocked or infected duct - if you avoid feeding from it, engorgement can excaberate and worsen the problem.

Feed from that breast first. You can try a hot shower or a warm compress before attempting to breastfeed.

Get plenty of sleep, drink LOTS of water. Lack of sleep and rest are usually the main cause of breast infection.

Take a course of echinacea infusion 1-2 cups every day for ten days, or try grapefruit seed extract before you consider antibiotics as antibiotics destroy your beneficial bacteria and can cause you and your baby to get thrush.  

Plugged Ducts and Mastitis at Kellymom

Other Resources