Breast Story: The Problem Every Mom Concerns

1. Inverted Nipple

The inverted nipple is the nipple that pulls backward. It’s another cause that the baby has difficulty when breastfeeding and the baby doesn’t want to drink mother’s milk. Inverted nipple makes it difficult to clean, accumulates bacteria, and, eventually, causes breast inflammation.

How to care: The problem of the inverted nipple can be solved since during the pregnancy by specific exercise poses.

In case of the mild inverted nipple and the baby can normally feed on the breast, you can use a device to help pull the nipple out before breastfeeding.

In case of the severe inverted nipple (requires surgery), you can still feed your baby by pumping your milk and feed your baby with a bottle.

IMPORTANT: If you suspect or has a difficulty with breastfeeding because of the abnormal nipple, it’s suggested that you should consult with your doctor or ask for advice from a breastfeeding clinic.

2. Mastitis

Can be dealt with by cleaning the nipple after breastfeeding or after pumping the breast milk with soaked cotton wool. Avoid using a pumper with excessive force. Also, avoid rubbing the nipple with soap because it’ll make the skin dry.

3. Tight breast is caused by:

• Too much milk in some mothers.
• The baby hasn’t drunk all milk.
• Milk thrombosis in the mammary gland.

How to care: Massage the breasts with warm water to improve the circulation then pump the milk out.

IMPORTANT: If there is inflammation, redness, swelling, or fever, it’s recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. Inflammation is mostly caused by bacteria and can be treated using antibiotics.