Fourth Trimester
Your Breastfeeding Journey: Combatting 5 Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Breastfeeding can be an incredible way to bond with and nourish your baby, but for many women, it can come with its challenges, too. If you’re having difficulties breastfeeding, you’re not alone! No matter where you are in your breastfeeding journey, we’re sharing five of the most common breastfeeding concerns and tips for how to handle them.
#1: Baby Won’t Latch
For both mother and baby, finding the proper latching technique can take time. If you’re having difficulties, it could be due to a host of reasons. For example, it could be that your baby is too sleepy or agitated to feed, or it could that your baby’s mouth has a physical condition like a tongue tie or a lip tie that restricts their range of motion.
Solution: If you’re unsure of the cause of the problem, you may want to consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician who can help diagnose and offer advice. In the meantime, making small adjustments to your positioning may help. You can try different techniques from cradling, to the crossover hold, or the laid-back position to see what works best. Nipple shields can also be helpful in the short-term to give your baby a firmer target to attach to. Conditions like tongue tie or lip tie often resolve on their own, or can be treated by a pediatrician if needed.
#2: Sore or Cracked Nipples
It’s very common to experience sore, cracked nipples especially during the early weeks of breastfeeding. On top of the adjustment to breastfeeding, your breasts are often more sensitive after giving birth. Generally, though, the sensitivity should resolve in a few weeks. However, if you’re noticing a persistent soreness or that your nipples are becoming raw and cracked, this is often due to improper latching and shouldn’t be ignored.
Solution: To provide some relief, you can try applying a warm compress to help soothe irritated nipples. You can also try soaking your nipples in a homemade saline solution by mixing ½ teaspoon of salt with 8 oz of warm water. To further promote healing, opt for a medical grade ointment like Lanolin designed for breast-feeding mothers. And again, it’s best to consult with your provider or lactation specialist to identify what could be causing the problem in the first place.
#3: Clogged Ducts
Clogged or plugged milk ducts can feel like hard, tender lumps in your breast that prevent the flow of breast milk. They can cause swelling, redness, and breast pain. Clogged ducts can develop from improper latching, missed feedings, or weaning too soon.
Solution: To prevent milk from backing up in your ducts, you’ll want to continue to stick to a regular breastfeeding scheduling. You may also want to avoid bras that are too tight or anything that can put pressure on your breasts. If you develop a clogged duct, it’s best to continue to breastfeed often to help with the flow of milk. It’s important that you empty your breast milk as you much as you can, which may mean using a breast pump or hand compression after feeding.
#4: Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection that occurs when bacteria found on skin or saliva enters the breast through a milk duct or crack in the skin or when a clogged milk duct goes untreated. It causes breasts to become swollen, red, and inflamed. Women with mastitis may also experience flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue.
Solution: Monitoring for issues like a clogged milk duct can help with preventing mastitis, in addition to making sure you fully dry your nipples after each feeding session to prevent irritation. If you do develop an infection, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting proper rest as your body is fighting off the infection. To help reduce the inflammation and pain, you can apply a warm compress every few hours. You can also massage the area using a gentle circular motion. It’s recommended that you continue to breastfeed every few hours, even though it may be uncomfortable. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat the infection that should work within 7-10 days.
#5: Inverted Nipples
Having inverted nipples won’t prevent you from breastfeeding. However, it may mean you need to give your baby some extra assistance to help them latch.
Solution: Just before breastfeeding, it can be helpful to extract the nipple by gently pinching around the areola. Tools like a breast pump can also be helpful to help “pull out” the nipples before feeding.
Additional Breastfeeding Resources
Axia Women’s Health is proud to partner with organizations like Birthly who offer expert advice and instructions on how to get started breastfeeding, all in a convenient virtual class.
Other organizations that offer breastfeeding support include:
Thank you to Mom.com for featuring us in your latest article about pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that often goes undiscussed. It may sound scary, but with the right support it is manageable! Visit link in bio to read the full article.
#postpartum #postpartumsupport #pelvicorganprolapse #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pregnancysupport
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
With many different options for prenatal vitamins available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Swipe right to learn the top expert recommended ingredients to support you and your baby.
Finding a healthcare provider who you trust and feel comfortable with is so important. At Axia Women`s Health, we`re proud to build relationships that span decades - from puberty through pregnancy. Thank you, Brittney, for sharing your experience with us! 💙
credit: @mrs_kochanski89
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
Pregnancy and infant loss is a uniquely personal and complicated experience that affects each woman differently. No matter your experience, we`re here to remind you that your grief is valid and you`re not alone. Save this post as a reminder anytime you need support. <3
#pregnancyinfantlossday
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
As incredible as breastfeeding can be for bonding with your baby, it`s no secret that it can come with some challenges. That’s why we`re sharing our support during #breastfeedingmonth. Whether you breastfeed, chest feed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both, we salute you! Swipe right for some of our favorite resources on this topic.
Many women are seeking to better understand how the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v Wade may impact their reproductive health. At Axia Women’s Health, we’re actively involved in conversations with other leading health authorities and are committed to helping you navigate the future of your care. We’re here for you, and we encourage you to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider to discuss your individual needs.
To learn more about where abortion access currently stands in your state, follow @kaiserfamilyfoundation or visit their website at www.kff.org. News outlets like the @NYTimes also offer up-to-date tracking on their website at www.NYTimes.com.
Please know that birth control (when used for preventing pregnancy) and emergency contraception (like plan B) are not currently banned in any states, though it is an evolving situation, and may change in some states. Please refer to information regarding your specific state’s regulations, or speak with your Axia Women’s Health provider for the most current and accurate information.
Please note: This information is accurate as of July 21, 2022, and may change.
It`s true that during pregnancy and around our menstrual cycles our natural balance of progesterone and estrogen can be disrupted. This imbalance can create an ideal environment for Candida fungi, the bacteria involved in yeast infections, to grow. 🤔
Fortunately, several over the counter medications can help the infection clear up within a few days. 💊
But if you`re experiencing recurrent infections, it`s a good idea to chat with your Axia Women`s Health provider. 💬
#yeastinfection #vaginalhealth #whatsupdownthere
The invention of birth control was a game-changer for women`s health..in more ways than one. Did you know that certain birth control can provide benefits other than preventing pregnancy?
In fact, up to 50% of birth control users rely on it for reasons other than contraception. Your Axia Women`s Health provider can help you learn more and determine the best option for you!
#birthcontrol #periodpain #menstrualmigraine #acne #womenshealth
If the national baby formula shortage is causing you stress, we`re here to help. Swipe through for helpful tips and resources from @healthychildrenaap to keep in mind as you navigate this challenging time.
#formulashortage #formulafeeding #infanthealth #parentingtips #parenting #babyhealth
Many women wonder, "is it safe to dye your hair while pregnant?" Daniel DiSabatino, DO, from Axia Women`s Health spoke with Forbes Health to shed some light on this frequently asked question. Good news: you don`t have to completely forgo your beauty routine while pregnant, but it`s best to wait until the second trimester to use any hair dyes or bleach.
#pregnancytips #haircare #beauty #healthylifestyle #pregnancy
Join us next Thursday, May 26 at 12pm ET for a real talk about women`s mental health. Megan Lobsinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Axia Women`s Health, will be sharing advice on navigating emotions around infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Have a question you want addressed? Comment below or DM us privately.
#IGLive #mentalhealthmonth #womensmentalhealth
Today, we`re honoring all those who "mother." We know each woman`s path to motherhood can be different. Whether you`ve given birth, have experienced loss, are actively trying, or have taken on the role of a mother, we salute you!
#mothersday #mothersday2022 #happymothersday
Have you ever wondered if playing music during pregnancy can support your baby`s development? The short answer is: we don`t really know, given inconclusive data. But we do know that music can be calming and soothing to the carrier, providing comfort during pregnancy. Dr. Thomas Dardarian, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, spoke with the LoveEvery podcast to further explore the topic of the "Mozart" effect. Visit link in bio to listen to the full podcast.
#pregnancy #mozarteffect #childhooddevelopment #parenting
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