Breastfeeding Complications

The Babble Staff

Ideally, baby latches on from the get-go and mother and baby nurse happy ever after. But doctors say that minor breastfeeding complications are common, especially for first-time mothers. Sometimes babies don't latch on as well as they should, or experience other problems in feeding. Stress and a number of other factors can also trip things up. Common challenges include sore nipples, engorgement and blocked milk ducts. The latter two conditions can lead to mastitis if not resolved. Mastitis involves swelling, redness, tenderness and pain in the breast. Another common issue is Candida, or thrush, a yeast infection that thrives in warm, damp environments. Both with Candida and Mastitis doctors say it's best to keep nursing if at all possible. If problems are serious or persist, experts advise women to consult their doctor or a lactation consultant.

"Mastitis, or inflammation of breast tissue, is a miserable condition that often adds to the stress of motherhood. It can occur in women who aren't breastfeeding, but is more likely to develop when breasts are trying to produce milk." ...read the full article

"Candida [. . .] is a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, moist environments, such as the mucus membranes of the mouth and vagina, the diaper area, skin folds, bra pads, and on persistently wet nipples." ...read the full article

"Mastitis means that the breast is inflamed, and there is swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. There may be an infection, so it is wise to consult your health-care provider to determine whether or not an antibiotic is necessary. A breast infection can become a breast abscess that requires surgical draining, but this can almost always be prevented by treating mastitis promptly." ...read the full article

"Some women breastfeed without problems. But for many women, it is natural for minor problems to arise at first, especially if it is their first time breastfeeding. [. . .] Here are some of the most common problems that you might face, and some solutions to overcome them." ...read the full article

"For someone who is new (or not so new) to breastfeeding, a sore breast can be a painful and alarming experience. A mother with a sore breast may be told she has a breast infection or mastitis. (The terms breast infection and mastitis are often used interchangeably.) Breasts can become sore when milk is blocked from flowing." ...read the full article