Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions

By Melissa Kotlen Nagin, About.com Guide to Breastfeeding

There are myriad challenges that a mother may encounter when breastfeeding. Here is all you need to know about milk supply; nipple and breast problems; health issues in the mother and baby; venturing out; and weaning.

1. How to Establish a Milk Supply
2. Nipple Problems
3. Breast Problems
4. Health Issues - Mother

5. Health Issues - Baby
6. Venturing Out
7. Weaning
8. Resources and Support

How to Establish a Milk Supply

The main concern of breastfeeding mothers is whether or not their supply is strong enough to sustain their baby. See these guidelines on how to determine that your baby is getting enough milk, in addition to information on increasing your supply.

• Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk?
• How to Increase Milk Supply/Relactation
• Supplemental Nursing System
• Breast Surgery and Milk Supply Problems
• Crying and Hungry Baby? Could Be Low Milk Supply.

Nipple Problems

Whether you're in pain while breastfeeding or your baby is having problems latching on, nipple problems can be fixed. Read on to find out about some common nipple issues and solutions.

• Nipple Pain
• Jack Newman's All-Purpose Nipple Ointment
• Thrush
• Breastfeeding and Teething

• Flat, Retracted and Inverted Nipples
• Supernumerary Nipples
• Large Nipples
• Bulbous Areola

Breast Problems

Some other common breastfeeding problems lie deeper within the breast -- plugged ducts, engorgement, thrush, mastitis -- and need to be treated promptly. Others are more superficial, such as sagging breasts. Learn details on these issues and how to makes sense of and resolve them.

• Plugged Ducts
• Engorgement
• Thrush
• Sagging Breasts

• Breast Abnormalities
• Accessory Breast Tissue
• Avoiding Trauma from a Breast Pump

Health Issues - Mother

Questions abound about whether or not a mother can breastfeed if she has certain health issues. Following is information on maternal health concerns and how breastfeeding will affect her baby.

• Taking Care of the Breastfeeding Mother
• What Should I Eat While I'm Breastfeeding?
• Can I Train For a Marathon if I'm Breastfeeding?
• Diabetes and Breastfeeding
• Can I Breastfeed If I Have Or Had Cancer?

• Can I Get a Flu Shot if I'm Breastfeeding?
• Breastfeeding and Swine Flu
• Can I Smoke Cigarettes When I'm Breastfeeding?
• Can I Have An Alcoholic Drink If I'm Breastfeeding?
• What Kind of Birth Control Can I Take When Breastfeeding?

Health Issues - Baby

Having a baby with health issues can be extremely overwhelming to the family dynamic. How does breastfeeding play a role? Discover information on different circumstances and health problems that can affect the breastfeeding experience.

• The Birth Experience And Its Effect On Breastfeeding
• Slow Weight Gain
• Failure to Thrive
• Food Allergies and Breastfeeding
• Milk Allergies and Your Breastfeeding Baby: Making It Work
• Oral Abnormalities and Sucking Problems

• Neurological Defects and Breastfeeding Problems
• Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby
• Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome
• Jaundice in the First Week of Life
• Tongue-tie and Breastfeeding
• What If My Baby Ingests Someone Else's Breast Milk?

Venturing Out

Confidence in breastfeeding your baby at home is one thing--venturing out into public is another. Use these tips on breastfeeding in public.

• Tips for Breastfeeding in Public - Video
• Breastfeeding and Travelling
• Top 5 Nursing Cover-Ups
• How Much Breast Milk in a Bottle Can I Take on An Airplane?

Weaning

You achieved your breastfeeding goals and now it's time to wean. What are the best ways to go about this? Learn how to wean your baby and your body comfortably.

• Weaning from Breastfeeding
• Abrupt Weaning
• Baby-Initiated Weaning

• Partial Weaning
• Weaning and Depression
• Going Back to Work and Weaning

Resources and Support

There are so many place to get help if you're having trouble with any aspect of breastfeeding, from initiation to weaning. Here is some key information and details on support systems for you.

• Visit the Breastfeeding Forum and Voice Your Thoughts!
• International Lactation Consultant Association
• La Leche League International
• The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
• The International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes
• Breastfeeding and Teen Moms
• When to Call a Lactation Consultant
• Will My Insurance Cover a Lactation Consultation?

• How Can I Involve My Partner?
• Book Review: "Mommy's Little Breastfeeding Book" by Michele Leigh Carnesecca
• DVD Review: "Simply Breastfeeding" by Shari Criso
• Book Review: "The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding" by Marianne Neifert, MD
• Book Review: "The ABCs of Breastfeeding" by Stacey H.Rubin
• Book Review: "The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough" by Mary Shomon
• Book Review: "Mama Knows Breast" by Andi Silverman