How To Easily Get Relief From Breastfeeding Pain

Breastfeeding your baby takes practice at first and may be very painful. these effective tips will help you to get relief from breastfeeding pain easily.

 

When Breastfeeding Hurts

 

How To Get Relief From Breastfeeding Pain

Sore Nipples

Sore, cracked nipples from breastfeeding is most common in the first few days. You can reduce the chance of this happening by ensuring that your baby is latched on properly. When baby is latched on properly the entire nipple plus some of the areola should be in their mouth. 

 

Try different breastfeeding positions to see which is best for you and your baby. It may help you use a breastfeeding pillow.

 

Try to feed frequently, as and when baby requires and not to set a schedule. If baby has to wait too long their suck will become more aggressive, causing you discomfort. 

 

If your nipples do become sore there are some things you can do to help.

 

• Try rubbing a little breast milk into the nipples at the end of each feed and make sure they are dry before covering your breasts.

• Wear a cotton nursing bra to reduce irritation.

• Change your breast pads after each feed.

• Avoid using soap as it dries out your skin.

• Try using this cream  if your nipples are cracked.

• If you you are using a breast pump ensure the flanges are the correct size for you.

• Try applying a cold compress about 10 minutes before each feed.

• Use breast shells to avoid irritation from clothing.

 

Candida (yeast) is a fungus that occurs naturally in mucus and on the skin. When  candida multiplies too quickly this can cause an infection.

 

Risk factors for a yeast infection include taking antibiotics, using hormonal contraceptives or steroids, and having diabetes or anemia.

 

If your nipples are cracked you may develop a yeast infection in the nipple or breast. The main symptom is quite severe pain for up to 1 hour after each feed.

 

You can help to prevent a yeast infection from spreading by washing your hands before and after each diaper change, sterilising any pacifiers or teething rings that go in your baby’s mouth. Change breast pads frequently and wash nursing bras at a high temperature.

 

Your doctor will diagnose a yeast infection and prescribe a cream for your nipples. You can carry on breastfeeding while you are being treated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engorgement occurs when your breasts are not drained of milk often enough.

 

It is perfectly normal for the breasts to become hard a few days after you begin breastfeeding, this will usually ease after a few weeks. 

 

If this does not resolve then your breasts could become engorged.

Your breasts will feel hard, swollen painful, and lumpy. You may have a fever.

 

You can help to avoid engorgement by feeding your baby frequently, ensuring the each breast is fully drained, and hand express or pump any excess milk.

 

If your breasts do become engorged, there are actions you can take to resolve it.

• Before nursing place a warm compress on your breasts for a few minutes to help the flow of milk.

• Apply cold packs after nursing to help ease the pain.

• Take ibuprofen.

• Massage the breast during feeding.

• Feed your baby every couple of hours. You can also hand express a little in between feeds to get some relief.

• Try to avoid using bottles or pacifiers during the first month and this can affect the way your baby sucks.

• Ensure your baby is latched on properly.

 

 

This is really common complication that causes a lot of pain while breastfeeding. This occurs when breast milk collects in the milk duct and it becomes clogged. You will notice that you have a small tender lump on your breast.

 

If the problem does not clear up on its own after the next feed them you may need to treat it.

• Ensure that nothing is pressing on the breast during, or in between feeds.

• Massage the area gently.

• Apply a warm compress before feeds.

• Try changing your breastfeeding position, this may help your breast to drain better.

• If the duct is still blocked after a feed try expressing.

• Nurse with the affected breast first when the suck is at its strongest.

• Get plenty of rest, eat regularly and ensure you stay hydrated.

 

 

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue which can quickly become an infection. It can be caused by engorgement that doesn’t resolve, pressure on the breast, or long periods between feeds. Mastitis can also because by your baby not taking enough milk. Which could be caused by a poor latch.

 

 

 

• Your breasts may be hot, red, hard, swollen, and painful.

• Your breast may feel lumpy, caused by a blocked milk duct.

• Headaches

• High fever

• Fatigue 

 

To get relief you can take ibuprofen which is safe to take if you are breastfeeding. Get plenty of rest and make sure you are well hydrated. Wear loose fitting clothing until your symptoms improve.

 

Make sure your baby is properly latched on and is draining your breasts. If baby isn’t draining all of your milk, express what’s left after each feed. You can try try massaging your breasts while baby is feeding. Gently stroke down your breasts towards your nipple.

 

You can apply a warm or cold compress, whichever gives you the most relief. Soak in a warm bath or have frequent warm showers.

 

With these measures your mastitis should quickly resolve.

 

 

A breast abscess is a very rare breastfeeding problem from breastfeeding. It usually occurs as a complication from mastitis and presents as a very painful lump in the breast tissue, which fills with pus.

 

• Red, hot, swollen lump in the breast

• High temperature

• Flu like symptoms 

• Sharp pain

• Pus coming from the nipple

• Symptoms do not respond to antibiotics 

 

If you have any breastfeeding pain that doesn’t quickly resolve then seek advice from your healthcare provider.

I hope these tips help and you are able to get relief from breastfeeding pain easily.

 

How To Easily Get Relief From Breastfeeding Pain