Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

CHAPTER 11: Diagnosing and Treating Breastfeeding
Problems
COMMON PROBLEMS
Breastfeeding difficulties may be due to problems in breastfeeding techniques, problems with
the baby, or breast conditions in the mother. Problems with the baby include but are not limited
to:
• congenital anomalies such as cleft lip or palate
• prematurity
• small baby or twin
• inability to suck as with sepsis
Breast conditions which sometimes cause difficulties with breastfeeding include but are not
limited to:
• sore nipples and nipple fissure
• engorgement
• mastitis
• breast abscess
• flat or inverted nipples
Diagnosis and management of these breast conditions are important both to relieve the mother
and to enable breastfeeding to continue. Care for breast conditions will need to include both
management of the condition and assistance with breastfeeding technique.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Cracked or Sore Nipples
Sore nipples and superficial breaks in the skin, sometimes called “cracks,” are usually caused
by poor attachment or feeding techniques.
Prevention
• Make sure the baby is properly attached to the breast.
• Counsel the mother to keep her breasts clean and dry and to only use soap once per
day when taking her bath. If she uses soap more often than once daily, she may get
cracked nipples.
• Help mothers find positions that are comfortable and help them feel relaxed; two
common positions are the underarm position (holding the baby with the arm opposite the
breast) and lying on the side.
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Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course