Most expecting mothers are aware of the innumerable benefits of breast milk and long to breastfeed their newborns from the very first day of delivery. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for newborns until they are six months old. However, the usual anxieties of parenting a newborn - along with the breastfeed difficulties - often make breastfeeding a challenge.
Multiple studies show that breastfeeding difficulties are quite common and may not last for more than a few days or a couple of weeks. Most breastfeeding difficulties arise due to adoption of wrong breastfeeding techniques, which can be resolved easily by the help of pediatricians or lactation counselors.
Ritika Jain spent sleepless nights post-delivery as her new-born baby cried bitterly throughout the night despite frequent nursing. With the intervention of her pediatrician, she found that the baby was not able to latch-on to the nipple properly and remained underfed for hours. According to Dr. Anjila Aneja - Senior Gynaecologist, Max Healthcare, New Delhi - “engorgement, sore or painful nipples, plugged ducts, low-milk supply and infection of the breast (mastitis) are common breastfeeding problems which can be easily treated and should not deter new mothers from breastfeeding, for the benefit of their own health as well as the infant’s health”.
Some common difficulties while breastfeeding are discussed below; they will guide new mothers towards a successful breastfeeding period during the initial months.
The tremendous benefits of breastfeeding are myriad and a mother’s milk is deemed as highly crucial for the proper growth and development of the infant. Once the seemingly grave breastfeeding difficulties are overcome with a little time and patience, most mothers and their babies can easily enjoy a long, healthy and joyous breastfeeding relationship.
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