Carrie is days away from delivering her first baby. She has been contemplating breastfeeding for its nutritional and immunological benefits, and has been reading about breastfeeding and talking to mothers who breastfed their babies. The birthing center where she receives prenatal care, and where she will deliver her baby, has scheduled Carrie to meet with its lactation expert. Carrie has read the birthing center's "Guide to Successful Breastfeeding," and is prepared to ask the lactation expert about relaxation techniques. Not only is Carrie "high-strung" by nature, but she is quite anxious about the childbirth process, let alone the prospect of breastfeeding. Imagine you are the lactation expert who is counseling Carrie.

-Carrie begins breastfeeding but her nipples quickly become sore. A likely cause is _____.

Question

Carrie is days away from delivering her first baby. She has been contemplating breastfeeding for its nutritional and immunological benefits, and has been reading about breastfeeding and talking to mothers who breastfed their babies. The birthing center where she receives prenatal care, and where she will deliver her baby, has scheduled Carrie to meet with its lactation expert. Carrie has read the birthing center's "Guide to Successful Breastfeeding," and is prepared to ask the lactation expert about relaxation techniques. Not only is Carrie "high-strung" by nature, but she is quite anxious about the childbirth process, let alone the prospect of breastfeeding. Imagine you are the lactation expert who is counseling Carrie.
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-Carrie begins breastfeeding but her nipples quickly become sore. A likely cause is _____.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sore nipples are a common problem for breastfeeding mothers, and one of the most common causes is an improper feeding position. It can be helpful to ensure that the baby is latching onto the breast properly, with the lips flanged outward, and that the baby is positioned at the breast with their mouth covering the entire nipple and areola. An improper feeding position can cause the baby to suck on the nipple alone, rather than the areola, causing friction and soreness. It's also important to change positions frequently and to allow the nipples to air-dry after feedings. Other possible causes of sore nipples include tongue-tie or other oral problems in the baby, thrush, or using a breast pump incorrectly.

Carrie Is Days Away from Delivering Her First Baby