Pain During Breastfeeding : Causes And Remedies | Hea Boosters

New moms figure out the art of breastfeeding as they progress through their motherhood. Breastfeeding can be difficult to figure out initially, from understanding your little one’s cue to different latching positions, it takes every mom to decode the secret.

Some moms have difficulties when it comes to breastfeeding, while for others it is like a walk in the park. Some of you may experience pain at various levels, and inconvenience when feeding our babies who also experience distress when they are unable to feed properly. So, what can we do? If you have been wondering the same thing, then keep on reading.

Causes and remedies of pain by breastfeeding:

A woman may encounter breast pain for various different reasons. When you start breastfeeding chances are your baby may bite your nipple too hard while sucking or you are simply making too much milk then you can feed your baby. So, what to do when you face such issues. Below we have mentioned different reasons for breast pain during breastfeeding and how to deal with it.

1. Breast engorgement:

Breast engorgement is not a serious medical condition but your body's approach to guaranteeing that your child has an adequate amount of milk. Be that as it may, because of the increased amount of milk and blood flow, the breast tissues swell, which can cause pain in your breast. When your breast swells, your baby may face issues while latching because of the flat nipples.

What you can do:

• Pumping milk by hand,
• Using soft hand movements to soften the areolas,
• Feeding your baby at regular intervals,
• Applying cold packs to the breasts between feedings,
• Applying warm packs or showers can also help,
• Kneading your breasts helps in the milk flow,
• Wear a right fitting breastfeeding bra and stay away from underwired bras.

2. Blockage in breastmilk ducts:

The milk ducts are like tubes that flow milk from the glands to your areola. If one of these ducts is blocked, it may make an obstructed milk flow and could cause pain in the areolas making it difficult for you to feed your baby.

What you can do:

• Frequent feeding can help you overcome blocked ducts,
• Warm packs or showers can help in the flow of milk,
• If you have a breastfeeding pain limp, then you try kneading it towards the areola when you are feeding your baby,
• Or you place your baby’s lips on the lump and urge them to suck off it.

3. Mastitis:

When blocked milk ducts are left untreated for a long-time it could aggravate the issue and make it difficult for you to even touch your breast. You may feel unwell with a high temperature and can have influenza-related side effects.

What you can do:

• Keep up with your breastfeeding schedule,
• Make your baby latch on the influenced breast,
• If you are unable to feed your baby from the breast, then express your milk,
• Keep a check on your baby’s feeding position and try and accommodate them to your comfort,
• Get sufficient rest.

4. Sore or cracked nipples:

A few moms can feel excruciating pain while breastfeeding because of sore or cracked areolas or nipples. It can happen when the child doesn't latch well, they bite, or their position is not ideal for feeding.

What you can do:

• Some of the time, sore nipples can heal in a couple of days, but if the issue continues you can try warm compression or taking light painkillers as suggested by your physician,
• Pay special attention to your baby’s feeding position,
• Try different latching positions,
• You can either use desi ghee or breastmilk to grease the areola,
• Leave your breast open for sometime after feeding.

5. Breast abscess:

Though this happens very rarely, when the infection brought on by mastitis isn't dealt with, it can prompt a condition known as breast abscess. It is a condition where you’ll notice pus formation near areolas, which needs to be drained surgically.

What you can do:

• In such conditions, you should counsel a specialist
• If need be you’ll be required to undergo a small surgical procedure
• Try and keep your nipples clean and dry

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding happens naturally to all women, it is best if you reach out to your PCP when experiencing unusual pain near your breasts or nipple.

One of the many things our body knows is to adapt to the different issues but is it best if we are wary of certain conditions, take suitable actions, and reach out to experts when the problem is minuscule.

Sources:

Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Mothers: Incidence, Causes and Treatments
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4626966/

Pain Reduction and Treatment of Sore Nipples in Nursing Mothers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1615851/

A Systematic Review on Prevention and Treatment of Nipple Pain and Fissure: Are They Curable?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168189/