COMPLICATIONS/ BREAST CARE

BREASTFEEDING
POSITIONS

(CONTD)

SORE NIPPLES mild nipple tender-

BREASTFEEDING/
BREAST CARE

ness during breastfeeding

Symptoms: Severe soreness or painful,

abraded, cracked or bleeding nipples

Caused by: Poor positioning, incorrect

latch, improper suck, infection

Care: Apply a few drops of breast milk

to moisten the nipple and areola before latch. Elevate the latch and
babys position at the breast. Ensure
newborn is latched on correctly by
making sure his nose, cheeks and chin
are all touching her breast and the entire areola is in the infants mouth.

Breastfeeding is the
optimal source of nutrition
for newborns. According to
the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP), newborns
should be breastfed every

Reference:
Lowdermilk, D. & Perry S. (2013). Maternity &
Womens Health Care (8th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

LISA C., STUDENT NURSE

Kapiolani Commnity College
Nursing Program
Spring 2014

2-3 hours or 8-12 times

within 24 hours. Also, AAP
recommends exclusively
breastfeeding the newborn
for the first 6 months of
age.

BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
BENEFITS FOR INFANT
Reduces risk of infection

Reduces risk of developing

COMPLICATIONS/ BREAST CARE

Reduces postpartum bleeding

diabetes, asthma and

(uterus returning to pre-

other allergies

pregnancy state)

Promotes rapid brain

and ovarian cancer

Provides protein for neu-

Easy for newborn to digest

Convenient and inexpensive

sults in swelling of breast tissue

Decreases risk of postmenopausal

osteoporosis
Allows for bonding experience

Symptoms: Breasts are firm,

tender and hot. Areolae are firm

pregnancy weight

ENGORGEMENT significantly
increased milk volume which re-

Promotes quicker return to pre-

rological cell building

nipples)

Reduces risk of breast, uterine

Keep breasts clean, avoid cleaning with soap (soap can dry up

Promotes uterine involution

growth

BENEFITS FOR MOTHER

and the nipples may flatten.

Breast Care: Feed every 2 hours,

softening at least one breast,
and pumping the other breast as
needed to soften it. Apply ice
packs in a 15-20 minutes on, 45

BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES

minutes off rotation between

Convenient and inexpensive

feedings. Fresh, raw cabbage

(compared to formula)

leaves may be placed over the

No bottles or other equipment

breasts between feedings. Antiinflammatory medications (e.g.

ibuprofen). Usually resolved
within 24 hours.