Problems with breastfeeding 259
Warning! Milk that cannot be kept cold will spoil and should
be thrown out. Spoiled milk can make a baby very sick.
The baby is getting enough
breastmilk if he gains
weight and passes urine at
least 6 times a day.
Problems with breastfeeding
Painful Breasts
Pain in the breast can be caused by a sore nipple or breasts that get very full
and hard. The pain will often go away in a day or two. It is important to keep
breastfeeding the baby even it if hurts, and to let the baby suckle often. It also
helps to change the baby’s position each time she nurses.
Sore or cracked nipples
Sore or cracked nipples can develop when the baby sucks only the
nipple instead of taking the nipple and part of the breast into her
mouth when she is breastfeeding (see page 255).
Prevention and Treatment:
• Let the baby feed as long and as often as she wants.
• When the baby has stopped feeding, squeeze out a few
drops of milk and rub them on your nipples.
• Do not use soap or cream on your breasts, unless you
have an infection. Your body makes a natural oil that
keeps the nipples clean and soft.
• Avoid tight or rough clothing.
• If the pain is too great when the baby suckles, remove your milk by hand and feed
the baby with a cup and spoon. A crack in your nipple should heal in 2 days.
• Do not let your breasts get hard and overfull. If you have more milk than the
baby can drink, cover your breasts with warm cloths or towels and empty your
breasts by hand (see pages 257 to 258) after the baby is full. After a few weeks
you body will usually make just the right amount of milk, and your breasts will
not get too full.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007