Breastfeeding: possible complications

Breastfeeding is a very special period in the life of the mother and the baby. Create a very personal bond between both and it is beneficial for both. It is a stage that can be lived without pain and enjoying it. However, some complications may arise at the beginning and throughout breastfeeding. Kn

Breastfeeding is a very special period in the life of the mother and the baby. Create a very personal bond between both and it is beneficial for both. It is a stage that can be lived without pain and enjoying it. However, some complications may arise at the beginning and throughout breastfeeding. Knowing them and knowing how to treat them will help you to solve them as soon as possible.

Complications of breastfeeding

Pain in the nipples: during the first days or first weeks you will notice the sore nipples and the first suctions of the baby will be more annoying. As time goes by, the nipple will get used to it and each time it will hurt less. In some women, discomfort occurs in one breast more than in the other.

Cracks in the nipples: an incorrect position of the baby during the taking will produce wounds that are usually annoying, they are known as cracks. The advisable thing is to prevent its appearance, but if they have already left you, you can use a few drops of your own milk to spread them through the nipple and help it to heal. Another measure is to leave it on the air as long as possible and avoid breastfeeding discs because they are always wet. You can also use creams with lanolin, but never anti-cracking creams because they are not effective and are toxic to the baby.

Ingurgitation in the breast:is another complication of breastfeeding. A few days after delivery, the rise of milk is usually accompanied by a feeling of heat, pain or tension in the chest. To relieve it you can apply hot packs before taking or massage the breasts. Try to have the baby always empty one breast before offering the other. You can also empty the excess milk with a breast pump.

Mastitis: occurs when the breast is inflamed due to infection caused by bacteria that have penetrated through the cracks or teething injuries. The symptoms of mastitis are severe pain, swelling and heat. Sometimes it brings a picture of fever and malaise. It is convenient to go to consultation to receive treatment.

Breast abscess: is a condition that occurs to women when mastitis is complicated by not receiving treatment or having a late remedy. The symptoms are very similar to those of mastitis but more intense. In these cases, when the pain is also strong, it is necessary to make an incision to drain the contents of the breast.

Candidiasis: is a complication of breastfeeding that affects the nipple. It is about erythemas or white areas in the nipple area. If it extends inward, it can cause intense pain during the shot and does not go away when the baby stops breastfeeding. You will have to go to the doctor so he can treat candidiasis.