Problem faced during Breast Feeding

One can sight innumerable advantages and benefits of breast-feeding to the mother and the infant. But there are a few inconveniences caused to the feeding mother. In the first few weeks of breast feeding it can be painful and uncomfortable. A woman's nipples may become sore or cracked. She may experience engorgement of breasts due to clogged milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis, and a painful infection of the breast. Though, most nursing problems can be solved with home remedies, mastitis requires immediate medical attention.

There are three most common causes of breast tenderness or soreness:

Breasts that are too full of milk.
Feeding in a wrong position.
Improper sucking by the baby.

The main cause of sore nipples is when the baby doesn't suck properly. If the baby isn't positioned the right way. To take your baby off the breast, first release the suction by putting a finger in the corner of the baby's mouth between the gums and then gently take the baby's mouth away from the breast.

Don't limit the time of nursing the baby. This doesn't prevent sore nipples; it just keeps the milk ducts from completely emptying. This can lead to swelling and pain. Applying crushed ice compresses before nursing can ease the discomfort. Rubbing lanolin or vitamin E oil on the nipples is found to be soothing. But, wash off the oil before breast-feeding the baby.