You have probably heard the adage, “breast is best.” I would like to suggest that the following is more accurate: “Breast is best, but easier said than done.” While there is no question that breastfeeding provides the best possible start for your baby and is the most frugal option for you, it also comes with its share of difficulties. Before you throw in the towel, though, check out these common breastfeeding problems and how to solve them.

Lack of Milk

Especially in the beginning, milk production may be slow or seemingly non-existent. This can lead some mothers to believe that they are not producing enough milk for their babies.

The Solution:

1. Give it Time – For the first few days after giving birth, you may only be producing colostrum for your baby. It can take up to a week before your milk comes in. Fortunately, colostrum is all your baby needs in those first few days.

2. Keep Nursing – The only way to increase milk production is by nursing more. The more you nurse your baby, the more milk you will make. It is very rare for a mother to be unable to make enough milk for her baby. Realize that if you skip nursing sessions to supplement with formula, you are giving your body the message that you need less milk.

3. Try Pumping – If you think you might not be producing any milk, try pumping your breasts. Understand, though, that a pump will usually not express as much milk as a baby would. So any little bit in the pump is an indication that you are, indeed, making milk.

Soreness

When you begin to breastfeed, all of the pulling, sucking, and tugging at your nipples will leave them sore, chapped, and possibly even cracked. If you are especially sensitive, this can become almost unbearable.

The Solution:

1. Check Baby’s Latch – If baby isn’t latched on correctly, you could be left in a lot of pain. In a correct latch, baby will have the entire areola in his mouth and the tips of both his chin and his nose will touch the breast.

2. Ointment – Apply a lanolin cream to chapped and cracked nipples.

3. Patience – Just like a child’s barefeet in the summer, your nipples will toughen up over time. After the first couple of weeks, breastfeeding should become painless.

Time Consumption

A single breastfeeding session can last 30 to 45 minutes or more and most babies nurse 8 – 12 times per day. This can add up to a lot of time spent nursing.

The Solution:

1. Avoid Nursing at Nap Time – A sleepy baby is a slow nurser and will nod off while eating. This can greatly extend the length of the breastfeeding session. Feed baby while he is still alert and if he does drift off to sleep, try to wake him.

2. Patience – In time, baby will need fewer feedings to sustain him. Additionally, as his sucking skills improve, it should take less time for him to drain the breast.

Going Back to Work

If you are a working mom, breastfeeding presents a whole new set of challenges. How do you feed your baby while you are away?

The Solution:

1. Pump – You will have to pump throughout the day in order to both keep up your supply and express enough to leave with your baby.

2. Have Lunch with Baby – If possible, visit your baby on your lunch breaks and feed your baby then. It will reduce the number of pumpings you do, as well as be a nice break during the day for you both.

Breastfeeding may not be easy, but it is definitely rewarding. There is no better way to bond with your baby or to give him a nutritional head start. When you consider, too, that you will save nearly $1,800 over formula feeding, you’ve got some added incentive. Keep at it, stay patient, and good luck!