Excellent article that highlights the common problems mother’s face while breast feeding. There is not enough counselling/ support available for breast feeding mothers around the world, to prepare them for the problems post-pregnancy. Nipple pain caused by poor infant latching technique is the commonest problem mother’s face. This is often under recognised and mother’s around the world are urged to persist despite the pain, rather than teaching the infant/ mother ways to work around it. There are a number of methods available to circumvent the problem including positioning, using nipple shields, creams and gel pads etc., to help soothe the skin.
Apart from improper technique, there are a number of other issues that can hinder breast feeding including nipple eczema/ dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, mastitis caused by engorged breasts, bacterial infections and even viral infections like herpes. Close supervision and appropriate treatment however would help mothers continue with breastfeeding and ensure that their child receives the nutrients and antibodies they need. I am completely in favour of investment in dedicated community breast feeding support workers.
Caring for new mothers: diagnosis, management and treatment of nipple dermatitis in breastfeeding mothers
Abstract
Breastfeeding is thought to be the most optimal form of infant nutrition. Nursing mothers are generally advised to continue breastfeeding until the infant is two years of age or beyond. Unfortunately, however, a majority of nursing mothers will discontinue breastfeeding much earlier than recommended. The most common reason for early discontinuation of breastfeeding is nipple pain. It is, therefore, essential that dermatologists know how to appropriately diagnose and effectively treat nipple pain associated with nipple dermatitis among nursing mothers. This review article provides a detailed discussion on the clinical features and management of various causes of nipple dermatitis during lactation, including problems with infant latch-on, congenital oral anomalies, plugged lactiferous ducts, atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, yeast infections, bacterial infections, herpes simplex virus, and Raynaud’s phenomenon of the nipple.
© 2012 The International Society of Dermatology
Issue
International Journal of Dermatology
Volume 51, Issue 10, pages 1149–1161, October 2012