How To Treat Breast Pain During Breastfeeding? - 2023, Aljazeera medical center (2023)

How to ease breast engorgement – To ease the discomfort of engorgement, apart from your baby feeding, you could try expressing a little breast milk by hand. Only express enough to relieve the discomfort because expressing more will make you produce more milk.

wear a well-fitting breastfeeding bra that does not restrict your breastsput warm flannels on your breasts just before hand expressing if they’re leakingtake some paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose to ease the pain (these are safe to take while you’re breastfeeding)

How long does breast pain last during breastfeeding?

Is nipple pain normal in the early weeks? – Some mothers never experience any nipple pain at all, but studies show that the majority of women in the US and other western countries do have some nipple pain in the beginning. How do we tell the difference between this typical nipple pain and a problem that would benefit from the help of an experienced breastfeeding counselor and/or IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) ? Typical nipple pain (“transient soreness”) that does not usually indicate a problem:

Latch-on pain that lasts no more than 30 seconds into the feeding. This is often described as mild pain or discomfort, but since the pain sensation is very subjective every mother experiences pain differently–some mothers feel more severe pain. The pain should not continue through the entire feeding, and there should not be pain between feedings. Pain usually peaks around the third day after birth, and is gone within two weeks. There is no skin damage – no cracks, blisters, or bleeding. Your nipple should look the same before and immediately after the feeding – not flattened, creased or pinched.

Get help from an experienced breastfeeding counselor and/or IBCLC if you experience the following: Now infants can get all their vitamin D from their mothers’ milk; no drops needed with our sponsor’s TheraNatal Lactation Complete by THERALOGIX. Use PRC code “KELLY” for a special discount!

Intense, excruciating pain Pain that continues through the entire feeding Pain between feedings Pain that continues past the first couple of weeks Skin damage–cracks, blisters, or bleeding

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, then don’t let someone tell you that “everything looks fine” – it is either a sign that damage is being done or of some underlying condition (infection, etc.). If you’re experiencing pain that makes you dread feeding your baby or that you describe as excruciating or if you have cracked or bleeding nipples, then this is NOT typical and there is almost always something that can be done to address the issue and to alleviate the pain.

Please do not assume this is simply “what breastfeeding is supposed to be like” and just suffer through it – ask for help! It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong – there can be many causes, from anatomical issues to infection. Cracking, bleeding or any other nipple damage is not typical- something is causing the damage and pain, and a good IBCLC can help you to find the cause.

Seeing a knowledgeable breastfeeding professional could make all the difference. Some things to investigate if you have nipple pain:

Did breastfeeding get painful when your milk came in? Engorgement can make it difficult for baby to latch deeply. Reverse pressure softening or expressing a little milk can help baby get a deeper latch that does not hurt. Does your nipple look flattened, creased, or pinched when baby unlatches? Can you see a white line across the nipple when baby unlatches? This is usually the sign of a shallow latch, A shallow latch can usually be remedied by adjusting latching technique, but it can also be caused by anatomical variations in mom or baby. Do you have skin damage (bruising, cracks, blisters/blebs, bleeding)? While you investigate and address the cause of the damage, use these tips– Healing damaged skin in the nipple area, Some potential causes of nipple pain and damage include:

shallow latch, baby’s lips tucked inward instead of flanged outward when breastfeeding, removing baby from the breast without first breaking the suction; unusual infant anatomy such as tongue-tie or lip-tie, unusual palate shape, receding chin, short tongue; strong/unusual suckling; jaw clamping/clenching; unusual nipple anatomy such as inverted or flat nipples, very long, or large nipples.

Do you have a rash on the nipple or areola? Contact dermatitis (from breast pads, nipple creams, soaps/detergents, etc.), eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy/oak can all be present on the nipple or breast and cause sore nipples. Are you using a breast pump? Incorrectly sized pump flanges, too-high suction settings, or too-slow cycling settings can cause nipple pain or damage, Are you experiencing pain between feedings (in addition to or instead of during feedings)? Investigate thrush (yeast infection) and nipple blanching (turning white) and vasospasm, Do you have a forceful milk ejection/let-down reflex ? Some babies will clamp down on the nipple to slow the milk flow, causing pain. Has the pain started after weeks or months with no issues? See Why are my nipples sore after months of pain-free nursing? Are you breastfeeding while pregnant with a new baby? See nipple soreness during pregnancy,

More resources on sore nipples:

When Baby Bites @ KellyMom Sore nipples by Dr. Jack Newman Sore/cracked nipples from the Australian Breastfeeding Association Ouch! What If Pumping Hurts? by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA Berens P, et al. ABM Clinical Protocol #26: Persistent Pain with Breastfeeding, Breastfeed Med.2016 Mar;11(2):46-53. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2016.29002.pjb. Epub 2016 Feb 16. Cadwell K, et al. Pain reduction and treatment of sore nipples in nursing mothers, J Perinat Educ.2004 Winter;13(1):29-35. Nipple Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Remedies by Jahaan Martin, from LEAVEN, Vol.36 No.1, February-March 2000, pp.10-11. Eczema of the Areola and Nipple in the Breastfeeding Woman by Penny Lane DNP, CNM, IBCLC Barankin B, Gross MS. Nipple and Areolar Eczema in the Breastfeeding Woman, J Cutan Med Surg.2004 May 3.

Why do I feel pain on my breast?

Causes – Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.

Does breastfeeding relieve pain?

Why it is important to do this review – Although a systematic review of breastfeeding newborn infants during painful procedures was shown to effectively reduce pain ( Shah 2012 ), and a systematic review of multiple strategies to reduce immunisation pain, which included breastfeeding, also demonstrated analgesic effects of breastfeeding ( Shah 2009 ), to date there is no published systematic review that exclusively focuses on the effectiveness of breastfeeding for pain management during painful procedures beyond the neonatal period.

Why do I have pain in my breast while breastfeeding?

Breast engorgement – Breast engorgement is when, for whatever reason, your breasts become overly full. They may feel hard, tight and painful. In the early days, engorgement can be due to your milk coming in. Newborns need feeding little and often. It can take a few days for your milk supply to match your baby’s needs.

If your baby is not well attached to the breast, it may be hard for them to take your milk when your breast is engorged. The nipple can become a little overstretched and flattened, and possibly painful. Ask your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist for advice immediately to help your baby relieve the engorgement and prevent it happening again.

Find out more about positioning and attachment Engorgement can still happen once you have learnt the skill of positioning and attachment, usually when your baby has not fed for a while. Your baby usually knows when they need a feed, for how long and from which breast.

moving their eyes rapidlyputting their fingers into their mouthrooting (turning to 1 side with their mouth open as if seeking the breast)becoming restless

Crying is the very last sign that your baby needs feeding. Feeding them before they cry often leads to a much calmer feed. Keeping your baby close so you can watch and learn their early feeding cues will help.

Why Does My breast hurt after I nurse?

How can you manage problems and discomforts when breastfeeding? Breast milk is the best food for babies in the first year of life. But breastfeeding isn’t always easy. You may have some problems or discomforts when breastfeeding. Don’t let them get you down! They’re common for breastfeeding moms.

There are things you can do to help you feel better and make breastfeeding more comfortable. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does, tell your health care provider or lactation consultant. You may just need a little help to get it figured out. Ask your provider, nurses and lactation consultant to help make sure breastfeeding is going well before you leave the hospital.

They can help you once you and your baby are home, too. A lactation consultant is trained to help women breastfeed, even women who have breastfeeding problems. You can get breastfeeding help from a lot of different people:

Your health care provider and your baby’s provider A lactation consultant, You can find a lactation consultant through your health care provider or your hospital. Or go to the International Lactation Consultants Association, A breastfeeding peer counselor, This is a woman who breastfed her own children and wants to help and support mothers who breastfeed. She has training to help women breastfeed, but not as much as a lactation consultant. You can find a peer counselor through your local WIC nutrition program, Or visit womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at (800) 994-9662. A breastfeeding support group, This is a group of women who help and support each other with breastfeeding. Ask your provider to help find a group near you. Or go to La Leche League, Friends and family members who have breastfeeding experience Your partner

What can you do if you’re sore after having a c-section? A c-section (also called cesarean birth) is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in your belly and uterus (womb). You may be sore and tired after a c-section, but you can still breastfeed. Here’s what you can do:

Ask your provider, nurse or lactation consultant how to hold your baby when you breastfeed to help protect your c-section incision (cut). Keep your baby with you in your hospital room so you don’t have to move around a lot to get her. Take pain medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Your provider makes sure that any medicine you take is safe for your baby during breastfeeding, Don’t start or stop taking any medicine without talking to your provider first.

What is breast engorgement? This is when your breasts become swollen and full of milk. They may feel tender and sore. Most of the time the discomfort goes away once you start breastfeeding regularly. Here are some ways to help with engorgement:

Breastfeed often. As long as your baby is latched on and feeding well, let her feed for as long as she wants. If you don’t think your baby has a good latch, tell your provider or lactation consultant. A good latch lets your baby remove more milk from your breast. Try not to miss or go a long time between feedings. Don’t skip night feedings. Express (release) a small amount of milk with a breast pump or by manual expression before breastfeeding. Manual expression is when you massage your breasts with your hands to release breast milk. Ask your provider or lactation consultant to show you how to manually express your breast milk. If your breasts really hurt, put cold packs on them in between feedings. Tell your provider if you have a lot of pain. Don’t take any pain relievers or other medicine without talking to your provider first.

What can you do about nipple pain? Many women feel nipple pain when they first start breastfeeding. If your nipples are cracked and sore, you may need to change the position you use to breastfeed. If you have nipple pain:

Make sure your baby is fully latched on. If she’s not latched on, remove her from your breast and try again. Change positions each time you breastfeed. Put some fresh breast milk on your nipples after each feeding. Just like breast milk is good for your baby, it can help you, too. Or use creams that are made just for breastfeeding. Ask your provider which kind to use. Wash your nipples with clean water. Don’t use strong soaps or shampoos that may touch your nipples. Don’t wear tight bras or clothes that put pressure on your nipples. If you use nursing pads, change them once they get wet. If the pain doesn’t go away, tell your provider or lactation consultant.

What can you do if your breasts leak? Your breasts may leak milk, especially right after birth. This is common and doesn’t hurt you or your baby. Here’s how to handle leaking breasts:

Try not to miss feedings or go a long time between feedings. Don’t skip night feedings. Apply pressure to your breasts by crossing your arms over your chest. Use manual expression to remove milk from your breasts. Put nursing pads in your bra to soak up leaked milk. Sleep in a nursing bra in case your breasts leak at night.

What are plugged ducts? Breast milk can get blocked in your breast ducts. Your breast may feel sore or look red. You may feel a hard spot in your breast. You may feel that your breast doesn’t empty all the way when breastfeeding. Here’s what you can do to help with plugged ducts:

Before you breastfeed, massage the sore breast, especially where you feel a hard spot. Start each feeding on the sore breast. This may hurt, but it can help get all the milk from the breast. Breastfeed as long as you can on the sore breast. Change breastfeeding positions. After your baby feeds, use manual expression to release any remaining milk from your breasts. Take a warm shower or put warm, moist towels on your breast. Don’t wear tight clothes or bras or a bra with an underwire. If the hard spot in your breast lasts for more than a few days or if you have a fever or severe pain, tell your provider.

What is mastitis? Mastitis is a breast infection. It can happen when you have a plugged duct, you miss or delay breastfeedings or if your breasts become engorged. You may feel a tender or painful hard spot in your breast that’s warm to the touch. The area may be red. You may have a fever, chills, aches or pain. Here’s what to do if you have a breast infection:

Don’t stop nursing your baby even if your breast is sore. The infection doesn’t harm the baby. Breastfeeding more often can help clear the infection. Or use a breast pump to express milk from the infected breast. Take a warm shower or put warm towels on your breast. If you’re in severe pain or have a fever, call your provider. If your provider prescribes an antibiotic to treat the infection, take it exactly as your provider tells you to. Take all the medicine until it’s gone. Your provider makes sure the antibiotic is safe for your baby. Don’t start or stop taking any medicine during breastfeeding without your provider’s OK.

What is nipple confusion? Nipple confusion is when a breastfeeding baby has trouble latching on and sucking after being given a bottle or pacifier. This can happen if you give your baby a bottle or pacifier in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. He may forget how to latch on to your breast.

Only breastfeed your baby in the first 3 to 4 weeks after birth. Don’t use bottles or pacifiers until your baby’s breastfeeding well. Tell your provider or lactation consultant if you think your baby has nipple confusion.

More information American Academy of Pediatrics

How do you express breast milk when out?

Expressing breast milk by hand – Some find it easier to express milk by hand, especially in the first few days or weeks. It also means you can express without needing a pump, or an electricity supply. Hand expressing allows you to encourage milk to flow from a particular part of the breast.

Before you start, wash your hands with soap and warm water.Have something clean ready to collect the milk in.Some find gently massaging their breasts before expressing helps their milk to let down.Cup your breast with one hand then, with your other hand, form a “C” shape with your forefinger and thumb.Squeeze gently, keeping your finger and thumb a few centimetres away from your nipple, just outside the darker area around it (areola). Do not squeeze the nipple itself as you could make it sore. This should not hurt.Release the pressure, then repeat, building up a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers over the skin.Drops should start to appear, and then your milk usually starts to flow.If no drops appear, try moving your finger and thumb slightly, but still avoid squeezing the darker area near your nipple.When the flow slows down, move your fingers round to a different section of your breast, and repeat.When the flow from one breast has slowed, swap to the other breast. Keep changing breasts until your milk drips very slowly or stops altogether.

Watch a video about expressing milk by hand on the UNICEF website

Does breastfeeding hurt in the beginning?

Relieve Breastfeeding Pain: Solutions for the Moms Top Breastfeeding Struggles Tender and sore nipples are normal during the first week or two of your breastfeeding journey. But pain, cracks, blisters, and bleeding are not. Your comfort depends on where your nipple lands in your baby’s mouth.

And this depends on how your baby takes the breast, or latches on. To understand this better, use your tongue to feel the roof of your mouth. Behind your teeth are ridges. Behind the ridges the roof feels hard. When your nipple is pressed against this hard area in your baby’s mouth, it can hurt. But farther back in your mouth the roof turns from hard to soft.

Near this is the area some call the comfort zone. Once your nipple reaches your baby’s comfort zone, breastfeeding feels good. There is no undue friction or pressure that would cause sore nipples during breastfeeding, To make this happen, let gravity help. Lean back with good neck, shoulder, and back support and your hips forward. Lay your baby tummy down between your exposed breasts. When your calm, hungry baby feels your body against her chin, torso, legs, and feet, this triggers her inborn feeding reflexes.

With your baby’s body pressed firmly against you and her nose in line with your nipple, let her head tilt back a bit (avoid pushing on the back of her head). Allow her chin to touch the breast then move away. Repeat until her mouth opens really wide, as wide as a yawn. As she moves onto the breast chin first, gently press between your baby’s shoulders from behind for a deeper latch.

That last gentle push helps the nipple reach the right spot. Breastfeeding tends to feel better when your baby latches on asymmetrically, so that more of the areola (the dark part around your nipple) under the nipple is in her mouth than on top of the nipple. Signs of a Deep Latch

You feel a tugging but no pain throughout the breastfeeding session, (In the first week or so you may feel some pain in the first minute or two of sucking that eases quickly) You hear your baby swallowing. Her lower lip is rolled out. You see more of the dark area around the nipple above your baby’s upper lip than below. Your baby breastfeeds with a wide-open (not a narrow) mouth.

If breastfeeding hurts, seek help right away from a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). The sooner you get help, the better. Unicef WHO, breastfeeding promotion and support in a bay friendly hospital, training course Solutions for Sore Nipples If you have painful, sore nipples during breastfeeding (beyond the first minute or two of discomfort that sometimes occurs) you need to take your baby off the breast and try for a better latch.

Be sure to break the suction first. Gently slide a clean finger between baby’s lips and gums until you feel the suction release. Even mothers with broken skin on their nipples can heal while breastfeeding. When their nipples reach the comfort zone, there is no friction and pressure. If your breasts are very full and taut, it may help to express a little milk first.

It is easier for a baby to draw a soft breast back to the comfort zone than a firm, full breast. If after working to get a deeper latch, you aren’t feeling better within a day or two, seek help from a board-certified lactation consultant. Other solutions may be needed with other causes of nipple pain.

Does it hurt to express breast milk?

Don’t Overdo the Suction and Speed – If you pump on high suction and at super speed, it doesn’t mean you’ll get more breast milk or finish pumping more quickly (and not all pumps offer the ability to change the speed of the cycle). Instead, start with the suction and the speed of the pump on low, if your pump allows, and then turn up the suction to the highest comfortable level for you.

What is the sharp pain under my right breast?

– Pain under the right breast is rarely a cause for concern and often results from muscles strains or minor injuries. However, it can indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection, chest inflammation, or a gastrointestinal issue. If the pain gets worse, does not go away, or occurs with other concerning symptoms, see a doctor.

Why do my breast hurt teenager?

What Causes Breast Soreness? – One of the most common times that breasts might feel sore is when they are beginning to develop. First you might notice a small button-like lump beneath the nipple area. The medical name for this is the breast bud, and is common in guys and girls.

• The breast bud may be a little tender.
• But don’t worry — it’s a normal part of puberty.
• It is also common to have sore breasts around the beginning of a girl’s period, or menstruation.
• During her menstrual cycle, a girl’s body produces lots of the female hormones and,
• Changes in these hormones can cause feelings that together are called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS,

Some girls have painful cramps in their stomachs, headaches, mood swings, or cravings for certain foods right before their periods begin. During this time the body may retain water, which can make a girl feel puffy and bloated. Rings and shoes may feel tight.

1. Just as fingers and feet swell, so can breasts.
2. All that fluid forces breast tissue to expand, which stretches the nerves and makes breasts feel achy or tender.
3. Breast swelling and tenderness can also be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
4. Be sure to talk to a parent or doctor right away if you might be pregnant.

Also, if you ever notice discharge from one or both breasts, call your doctor right away.

Why Does My breast hurt before my period?

My Breasts Ache During My Period. What Can I Do? Before I start my period, I get aches in my breasts. This happens every time. Will it go away when my breasts finish developing? And will wearing a more supportive bra help? – Simone* Lots of girls get aching in their breasts before their periods start.

The aches are caused by a decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for a girl’s menstrual cycle. For some girls, these aches happen less often as they grow older. But that’s not the case for everyone. Some women continue to get aches in their breasts for as long as they have their periods, which is completely normal.

So what can you do? Cutting back on salt, sugar, caffeine, and dairy may help. You might feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra during this time. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain. Regular exercise also may help lessen menstrual breast pain.

Does breastfeeding feel good?

What does breastfeeding feel like? – Ovia Health Breastfeeding can feel like a roller coaster of ups and downs, depending on how used to it you’ve become. The good news: once you’ve adapted, many women say that breastfeeding feels great. However, breastfeeding can be pretty uncomfortable in the beginning.

1. Your breasts will feel full, heavy, and swollen with the milk they’re carrying.
2. Breastfeeding relieves that feeling, but your nipples will likely hurt for about two to three weeks when Baby first starts latching on and sucking.
3. They’ll feel sore at best, but can get downright painful.
4. Getting him to latch on correctly helps alleviate the pain, and after a few weeks, you’ll both likely be more acclimated with breastfeeding and feel less discomfort.

Once that happens, many women love breastfeeding. It’s often described as a feeling of relief, especially if your breasts are full. Some women say that breastfeeding feels like a tingling, warm feeling in the breast, especially at the moment of the milk let-down reflex that begins the flow.

1. The sucking feels like a gentle tugging sensation.
2. Pleasurable feelings are common too, especially if you’ve enjoyed nipple stimulation in the past (so don’t feel weird about that!).
3. And in the early weeks after delivery, don’t be surprised if breastfeeding triggers uterine cramps.
4. They’re helping your uterus return to its post-baby size.

Breastfeeding’s good feelings are often emotional as well as physical. Many women report a relaxed, calm state, helping them bond with their babies. Others even say they experience euphoria, a breastfeeding high brought on by the release of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin that accompanies baby’s sucking.

• Of course, every woman is different, and some just aren’t that into breastfeeding.
• If that’s you, it’s okay! You don’t need to force it.
• If there’s something specific about breastfeeding that doesn’t work for you, it can be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider or lactation consultant, and see if there’s anything you can do to help make breastfeeding a better experience for you, but if it doesn’t work out, there’s always the pump or formula option.

Reviewed by Dr. Jamie Lo : What does breastfeeding feel like? – Ovia Health

How long will my uterus contract while breastfeeding?

How long does it last? – Postpartum contractions usually last for about seven to 10 days, and they’re sporadic, unlike labor contractions. Pain-wise, they’re usually strongest on the second and third days postpartum and can strike during breastfeeding or pumping, Oxytocin, a hormone triggered during breastfeeding, also brings on contractions.

How long does pain from engorgement last?

Some new mums experience breast engorgement when their milk starts ‘coming in’ a few days after the birth. It’s usually temporary and easily treated – read on to find out how Share this content Sioned Hilton, health visitor, neonatal nurse and lactation consultant: Mum-of-three Sioned has been supporting families with babies and young children for more than 30 years. As well working with breastfeeding and expressing mothers, both in hospitals and the community, she contributes to parenting magazines and conferences, and delivers workshops for healthcare professionals.

When you first start breastfeeding your baby, your breasts produce colostrum in small amounts that gradually increase over the first few days. But after around two to four days they start making much larger quantities of milk – a change known as your breast milk ‘coming in’.1 One of the signs milk is coming in is your breasts become fuller and firmer.

This swelling is not just caused by the greater quantity of milk, but also by increased blood flow and extra lymph fluids in your breast tissue.2 For most new mums, if their baby is feeding well and frequently, these feelings of heaviness pass without problems.

Can breastfeeding cause pain in chest?

And when a constriction of blood vessels happens deeper in the breast, it can cause deep stabbing or shooting pains in the chest —this collection of symptoms is known as mammary constriction syndrome.

How long does pain from mastitis last?

What is breast mastitis? –

May, or may not, involve an infection.Involves redness, tenderness and heat in the breast, along with a fever and flu-like symptoms such as nausea, aches and chills.Usually occurs within the first six weeks of breastfeeding, but can occur anytime.Often starts with engorgement.May occur the first time your baby sleeps through the night and/or goes an unusually long time between feedings.Onset is sudden with intense pain in one breast, rarely in both breasts.Symptoms usually last 2-5 days and peak on the second and third day.Non-infective mastitis (not related to an infection) may progress to infective mastitis (which is infection- or bacteria-based and may need to be treated with antibiotics).Bacteria may enter the breast through a crack in the nipple and spread through the ducts.Poor drainage of the breast could trigger mastitis especially when you are exhausted from lack of sleep and stress.

How long is engorgement pain?

How long does it take for engorgement to go away? – There’s no set time for engorgement to subside. The engorgement you feel after giving birth is usually the most severe. Most people stop feeling engorged within 10 days; however, feeling “full” can last several weeks.

Breast engorgement can come back as long as you breastfeed, chestfeed or pump breast milk. Your breasts become engorged anytime they’re overly full of milk. It happens the first time within a few days of giving birth and can last several weeks. You can get engorged breasts for as long as you’re making milk.

Reasons your breasts may become overly full are:

Your milk is transitioning from colostrum to mature breast milk. You miss or skip feedings or pumping sessions. Your baby sleeps through the night or starts eating solid food. You supplement feedings with formula. Your baby doesn’t eat as much due to illness. Your baby isn’t latching correctly and fully emptying the breast.