Becoming a mother is the most beautiful experience of your life, isn't it? And so is breastfeeding your baby. But sometimes, during the early stages of breastfeeding, you may experience some discomfort and pain. Many new mothers experience these problems. So don't worry, today we will talk about the pains that come with breastfeeding and what you can do about them.
Difficulties in the early days of breastfeeding
In the early days after having a baby, you may experience some new experiences and feel a little uncomfortable. Let's take a look at what they are.
Cramps
Now, for the first few days or weeks after having your baby, you may experience some mild cramping in your lower abdomen, similar to your period. This is especially common when your baby is breastfeeding and your milk is starting to come in (milk let-down). This is because your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy state. So this is normal and nothing to worry about.
Nipple engorgement
Next, these nipples become engorged. Between two and five days after your baby is born, your milk supply increases, so your nipples may feel very full and sometimes hard. This is called ``engorgement.'' But if you breastfeed your baby every two to three hours , or if you pump a little milk, these nipples will not become very full.
But if this `(Engorgement)` continues, the nipples can become sore, painful, and sometimes even a breast infection can occur. Therefore, it is best to avoid this as much as possible. The longer you delay breastfeeding, or the longer you delay pumping, the more likely your nipples will become uncomfortable and full.
If you can't breastfeed your baby right away, try applying a warm compress and expressing some milk with your hand. One way to express milk by hand is to place your thumb on top of the nipple and your other finger under the nipple, press gently but firmly against the side of the breast, and then bring your fingers together to squeeze the milk out.
Why does it hurt when breastfeeding?
When babies latch on to the nipple, some mothers may feel a little discomfort for the first few seconds of breastfeeding. This is normal. But after that, the discomfort should subside. Although the nipple may feel like it is being pulled while the baby is sucking, it should not be painful.
If you continue to feel pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, try to stop breastfeeding for a while and reposition your baby. The dark area around your nipple (areola) should be well inside your baby's mouth. When babies latch on incorrectly, they may feel a strange, prickly sensation every time they suck. Over time, this can cause sore, cracked, or sore nipples.
The most important thing is that if you are having pain while breastfeeding, you should definitely see a doctor or a lactation consultant to check if the baby is latching on properly and if there is any other problem.
What are other causes of nipple pain?
Not only can you experience breast pain due to not latching properly, but there are several other reasons why you may experience breast pain.
Plugged Milk Duct
Sometimes the milk ducts can become blocked. You may feel pain in one spot in your breast, or you may feel a small lump under the skin. If this happens, try these steps to unblock the blocked duct and reduce the pain:
- Take a hot bath or apply warm compresses to the area. Massage the area gently several times a day. Then breastfeed your baby immediately.
- The most important thing is to hold the baby so that when he is breastfeeding, his chin is facing the side where the nipple is stuck. This will help the milk drain from that side faster.
- Massage the lump while your baby is breastfeeding. The lump may disappear after two or three feedings.
- You can remove some of the trapped milk by massaging the area for a few minutes with a manual or electric pump.
- After you've finished breastfeeding, place a cold compress (do not apply the ice directly, wrap it in a thin cloth) on the area.
- If the lump doesn't go down in two or three days, or if you have a fever, chills, body aches, or what looks like a red streak on your nipple, definitely see a doctor.
Nipple/breast infection `(Mastitis)`
This is inflammation of the breast. If your breast hurts, has red streaks, or is red and hard in one area, you may have mastitis. Some people also have fever and chills. If you think you have mastitis, see a doctor right away.
In the meantime, continue to breastfeed your baby, or pump and remove milk from your breasts. Alternate between applying a warm compress before feeding and a cold compress after feeding. If this is mastitis caused by a bacterial infection, you may need to take antibiotics.
Oral Thrush
Sometimes, a yeast infection called ``Oral Thrush'' develops in your baby's mouth. If this happens, the skin on both sides of your baby's lips may crack and you may see white or yellow patches on the lips, tongue, and inside of your cheeks. This infection can also spread to your breasts. You may experience symptoms like:
- A burning, stabbing pain coming from inside the breast, either during breastfeeding or after breastfeeding is finished.
- A pain deep in the chest.
- A sharp pain in the breast or nipples that does not subside even after the baby is latched on properly or placed in a different position.
- A condition where the nipples are cracked, itchy, or feel like they are burning, or are pink, red, shiny, flaky, or have small blisters.
If you or your baby have any of these symptoms, definitely see a doctor.
Inverted or Flat Nipples
Some women may have inverted nipples, which are not protruding but rather inward. Or they may have flat nipples, which do not protrude as much as they should when the baby is breastfeeding. These women may find it difficult to breastfeed and may experience sore nipples. If you have either of these conditions, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant about ways to make breastfeeding easier and reduce pain.
What can be done to reduce this pain?
Okay, now let's see what you can do to reduce this breast and nipple pain.
During breastfeeding:
- Start breastfeeding on the side that is least painful first. Try changing breastfeeding positions.
- Check to see if the baby is latching on to the nipple properly .
- If breastfeeding is too painful, you may find it easier to pump your milk.
- If your nipples are sore or cracked, ask a lactation consultant or your doctor about using a ``Nipple Shield''. A ``Nipple Shield'' is a covering that is placed over the nipple and the dark area around it ``areola'' during breastfeeding. It protects sore or cracked nipples. However, these should only be used on medical advice, as they can sometimes affect your milk supply.
- When weaning your baby from the breast, do not pull at once, but slowly release the suction. Place one of your fingers on the side of your baby's mouth, between the gums, and rotate your finger for a moment.
- When you're done breastfeeding, apply some of your own breast milk to your nipples and let them air dry.
During breastfeeding:
- Massage the sore area before breastfeeding.
- Before breastfeeding, apply warm or moist heat to your breasts (a hot water bath, a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a warm cloth). However, if you have a yeast infection in your breasts, you need to keep your nipples dry, as yeast likes moisture.
- Get as much rest as possible and drink plenty of water.
- After breastfeeding, apply ice packs or cool compresses to engorged breasts.
- Make the area where you breastfeed your baby comfortable. Sit in a comfortable chair, glider or armrests. A footstool or pillows can make it more comfortable. Some mothers like to use wraparound nursing pillows or ``husband'' back pillows when nursing in bed.
Things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, now you understand that breastfeeding isn't always easy. It's normal to experience some discomfort and pain. But you don't have to endure that pain.
Remember, if breastfeeding is painful or difficult for you, there's no shame in asking for help. Talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant about this. They will give you the right guidance.
You and your baby should be able to enjoy breastfeeding in a comfortable and happy way. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have any questions. You are not alone!
` Breastfeeding, Nipple Pain, Lactation Difficulties, Mastitis, Plugged Milk Duct, Oral Thrush, Lactation Tips
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