Breastfeeding: Troubleshooting

Increasing Supply

• GET ENOUGH SLEEP
• STAY HYDRATED
• Fenugreek (take slowly because don't want oversupply which can lead to clogged milk ducts)
• Be cautious with exercising. Exercising can make you more tired which can affect supply. Running especially can cause problems because it can cause milk to be frothy making it hard on baby's tummy and harder for baby to get enough milk.
• Seek to relax. Stress is not helpful.

 Round Two

• Oatmeal: 1 cup steel oats to 4 cups water or milk
• Recipe: Bring two cups milk and six cups water to a boil.  Watch it closely so it doesn't boil over.  Reduce to medium and add two cups steel oats, two apples (peeled and diced) and a carrot (shredded using a grater).  Stir frequently until the liquid is absorbed (normally takes 20-30 minutes).  Once done add two teaspoons vanilla, almonds and any other fruit that sounds good (strawberries are specially good).

Sore Nipples

• Use lanolin!  Especially the first month.
• Express a little breast milk to rub over nipples at the completion of each nursing session then allow to air dry for a few minutes.
• Make sure you are changing out your nursing pads frequently enough to breasts dry.

Engorgement

• Hot showers and/or warm compresses on boobs. 
• Use hand to express a little milk to relieve some of the pressure.  How to Hand Express Breastmilk: Has diagram and written out description with link to video.
• Don't pump because it will increase milk supply.
• Watch out for clogged ducts!
• Round Two: Way less of a problem than round one.

Clogged Ducts

• If boobs are achy and are past the initial engorgement a clogged duct could be starting.  Use a hot compress on it and massage tender area with fingers to try to push it down towards nipple.
• If feel knot/marble can do as already mentioned or try putting an ice pack on it to freeze and crack the knots.
• Pumping can be helpful to try to pull it out but be careful not to pump too much extra or it will encourage milk supply increase which will in turn exasperate the problem.
• ONLY THING THAT WORKED: If can handle the pain the strength of the baby sucking to nurse is the most effective way to pull the clog out.  Lay baby on back with face up to nurse.  Get on hands and knees straddling on top of the baby and then have baby nurse from clogged boob (gravity helps).  Super painful and you feel like an idiot but it works!