Breast pain during feeding is one of the many concerns that many mothers face. Sometimes breast pain occurs with discomfort, soreness, and pain that might be experienced in one or both breasts. Although this is a very normal and natural practice that every mother undergoes, breastfeeding is definitely not always painless, especially during the initial stages. The good news, however, is that breast pain while nursing is normal. Understanding the causes and remedies can help make breastfeeding a more comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Some tenderness in the breasts is expected, especially in the first few weeks, as they adapt to milk production. The tenderness is known to feel like fullness.
However, there may be a distinction made between temporary discomfort and more intense forms of pain. While temporary breastfeeding-related discomfort will subside within seconds of the baby latching, more chronic instances of pain, stinging, or increasing levels of pain should not be dismissed. In fact, chronic instances of pain may point to a problem that should be addressed to prevent future problems.
Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk. This condition may occur if the feeding sessions of the child are followed by a delay in breastfeeding. Engorged breasts feel tight, swollen, warm, and uncomfortable, making it harder for the baby to latch properly and increasing pain during feeding.
Blocked ducts in breastfeeding women cause localised lumps and sore spots in the breast. This would often be exacerbated by feeding or by pressure. Infection can develop if this is left untreated.
Mastitis is a breast infection marked by redness, warmth, swelling, and intense pain, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as chills and fever. It requires prompt medical attention.
A shallow latch is one of the most frequent causes of breast tenderness during breastfeeding, which often happens due to lactation. Incorrect positioning can lead to nipple trauma and inefficient milk removal, causing ongoing discomfort.
Dry, cracked, or even bleeding nipples may cause discomfort when nursing. These nipples are usually irritated by improper nursing, overnursing, or sensitive nipples.
There is burning or shooting pain in the chest area that persists even when nursing.
A possible consequence of an oversupply of milk is a sensation of always having a "full" breast, leaking, and pain due to an abundance of milk pushing through. Children may have a problem dealing with a rushing flow of milk.
Poor-fitting or tight bras, wired bras, or dermatitis from soaps and textiles can also be a source of breast pain.
Knowing the symptoms to look out for helps catch issues early. These symptoms to look out for are:
If the symptoms continue, it is advised to reach out to a professional.
Proper positioning with the baby's mouth encompassing a large area of the areola and not just the nipple. A deeper latch helps keep the pain level extremely low.
Frequent feeding keeps milk from accumulating. Do not miss any feeding sessions, especially for neonates.
Apply warm compresses before feeding to stimulate milk expression, and cold compresses after feeding to relieve pain and swelling.
Gently stretch and massage the breast towards the nipple. This is beneficial before and during nursing.
When the breasts are too full, expressing or pumping milk can ease discomfort and enable the mother to breastfeed comfortably.
Opt for good-supporting, fitting bras during breastfeeding time and avoid wired bras so as not to restrict the flow.
Allow nipples to air dry. Use safe nipple creams if needed. Avoid harsh soaps, as they can dry out the nipples.
In some cases, pain relief medication may be recommended. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
A simple home remedy for breast pain during breastfeeding can help mothers relieve their pain. Taking a hot shower can help relieve engorgement, while getting enough rest and staying hydrated can help facilitate the rejuvenation process. Relaxing and practising gentle stretches can also help alleviate any discomfort in the breasts.
See a professional if you have:
Early intervention may prevent complications and safeguard your nursing experience.
What sets Cloudnine apart is its medical excellence, intertwined with holistic care for the new mother. With qualified lactation experts, obstetricians, and neonatal staff, mothers are offered custom advice based on their needs. Ranging from helping with proper latching to dealing with common issues in breastfeeds, such as mastitis or nipple thrush, mothers are treated with care.
Breast pain during feeding can be very distressing, but in most cases, the problem can be easily handled if the right information is available. This can help the woman deal with the situation as it arises, so that feeding can be done without any discomfort. It is essential to understand that breast pain while feeding the baby is very common, and in most cases, the problem can be easily resolved with the right approach.
Improvement of the latch, frequent breastfeeding, application of warm and cold compresses, as well as massage, help in the alleviation of pain.
To address the cause, such as correcting the latch problem or relieving engorgement, is the quickest and most effective remedy.
Yes, applying a cold compress or ice packs in a cloth will help relieve swelling and discomfort in the area after feeding.
For breastfeeding, positions such as cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position can be effective in improving latch and reducing strain, helping ease pain.
Best Gynecologists in Bellandur Best Gynecologists in Electronic City Best Gynecologists in HRBR LayoutBest Gynecologists in Jayanagar Best Gynecologists in Kanakapura RoadBest Gynecologists in Malleswaram Best Gynecologists in Nagarbhavi Best Gynecologists in Old Airport RoadBest Gynecologists in Sahakarnagar Best Gynecologists in Sarjapur RoadBest Gynecologists in ThanisandraBest Gynecologists in Varthur RoadBest Gynecologists in Whitefield Best Gynecologists in Industrial Area Phase IIBest Gynecologists in OMRBest Gynecologists in T NagarBest Gynecologists in New Industrial TownBest Gynecologists in IndirapuramBest Gynecologists in Golf Course RoadBest Gynecologists in Sector 14Best Gynecologists in Sector 47Best Gynecologists in Banjara HillsBest Gynecologists in GachibowliBest Gynecologists in Hitech CityBest Gynecologists in KompallyBest Gynecologists in Gomti NagarBest Gynecologists in MaladBest Gynecologists in NerulBest Gynecologists in VashiBest Gynecologists in Kailash ColonyBest Gynecologists in PatparganjBest Gynecologists in Punjabi BaghBest Gynecologists in VikaspuriBest Gynecologists in Gaur CityBest Gynecologists in Pari ChowkBest Gynecologists in Sector 51Best Gynecologists in Sector 5 Swastik ViharBest Gynecologists in Kalyani NagarBest Gynecologists in SB RoadBest Gynecologists in Pimple SaudagarBest Pediatricians in BellandurBest Pediatricians in Electronic CityBest Pediatricians in HRBR LayoutBest Pediatricians in JayanagarBest Pediatricians in Kanakapura RoadBest Pediatricians in MalleswaramBest Pediatricians in NagarbhaviBest Pediatricians in Old Airport RoadBest Pediatricians in SahakarnagarBest Pediatricians in Sarjapur RoadBest Pediatricians in ThanisandraBest Pediatricians in Varthur RoadBest Pediatricians in WhitefieldBest Pediatricians in Industrial Area Phase IIBest Pediatricians in OMRBest Pediatricians in T NagarBest Pediatricians in New Industrial TownshipBest Pediatricians in IndirapuramBest Pediatricians in Golf Course RoadBest Pediatricians in Sector 14Best Pediatricians in Sector 47Best Pediatricians in Hitech CityBest Pediatricians in Banjara HillsBest Pediatricians in GachibowliBest Pediatricians in KompallyBest Pediatricians in Gomti NagarBest Pediatricians in MaladBest Pediatricians in NerulBest Pediatricians in VashiBest Pediatricians in Kailash ColonyBest Pediatricians in PatparganjBest Pediatricians in Punjabi BaghBest Pediatricians in VikaspuriBest Pediatricians in Gaur CityBest Pediatricians in Pari ChowkBest Pediatricians in Sector 51Best Pediatricians in Sector 5 Swastik ViharBest Pediatricians in Kalyani NagarBest Pediatricians in SB RoadBest Pediatricians in Pimple Saudagar
