WIC 602 
Breastfeeding Complications or Potential Complications (Women)

A breastfeeding woman with any of the following complications or potential complications for breastfeeding:

Complications (or Potential Complications)

• Severe breast engorgement
• Cracked, bleeding or severely sore nipples
• Recurrent plugged ducts Age ≥ 40 years
• Mastitis (fever or flu-like symptoms with localized breast tenderness)
• Failure of milk to come in by 4 days postpartum
• Flat or inverted nipples
• Tandem nursing (breastfeeding two siblings who are not twins)

Severe breast engorgement

Severe breast engorgement is often caused by infrequent nursing and/or ineffective removal of milk. This severe breast congestion causes the nipple-areola area to become flattened and tense, making it difficult for the baby to latch-on correctly. The result can be sore, damaged nipples and poor milk transfer during feeding attempts. This ultimately results in diminished milk supply. When the infant is unable to latch-on or nurse effectively, alternative methods of milk expression are necessary, such as using an electric breast pump.

Recurrent plugged ducts

A clogged duct is a temporary back-up of milk that occurs when one or more of the lobes of the breast do not drain well. This usually results from incomplete emptying of milk. Counseling on feeding frequency or method or advising against wearing an overly tight bra or clothing can assist.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a breast infection that causes a flu-like illness accompanied by an inflamed, painful area of the breast - putting both the health of the mother and successful breastfeeding at risk. The woman should be referred to her health care provider for antibiotic therapy

Flat or inverted nipples

Infants may have difficulty latching-on correctly to nurse when nipples are flat or inverted. Appropriate interventions can improve nipple protractility and skilled help guiding a baby in proper breastfeeding technique can facilitate proper attachment.

Cracked, bleeding or severely sore nipples

Severe nipple pain, discomfort lasting throughout feedings, or pain persisting beyond one week postpartum is atypical and suggests the baby is not positioned correctly at the breast. Improper infant latch-on not only causes sore nipples, but impairs milk flow and leads to diminished milk supply and inadequate infant intake. There are several other causes of severe or persistent nipple pain, including Candida or staph infection. Referrals for lactation counseling and/or examination by the woman's health care provider are indicated.

Age ≥ 40 years

Older women (over 40) are more likely to experience fertility problems and perinatal risk factors that could impact the initiation of breastfeeding. Because involutional breast changes can begin in the late 30's, older mothers may have fewer functioning milk glands resulting in greater difficulty producing an abundant milk supply.

Failure of milk to come in by 4 days postpartum

Failure of milk to come in by 4 days postpartum may be a result of maternal illness or perinatal complications. This may place the infant at nutritional and/or medical risk, making temporary supplementation necessary until a normal breast milk supply is established.

Tandem nursing (breastfeeding two siblings who are not twins)

With tandem nursing the older baby may compete for nursing privileges, and care must be taken to assure that the younger baby has first access to the milk supply. The mother who chooses to tandem nurse will have increased nutritional requirements to assure her adequate milk production.

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