What causes breast pain during breastfeeding?

A breastfeeding mother contacts her child through her nipples. If she experiences a pricking pain in her breast during feeding, it may be that the baby did not suck the entire areola into his mouth, but only took in part of it, causing pain during the force application. Of course, if there is no milk, the baby will also feel pain after repeatedly sucking hard. This article analyzes several possible causes of pain, let’s take a look.

What causes needle-like pain in breasts during lactation?

1. Improper sucking

The most common cause of breast pain after feeding during lactation is improper sucking by the baby. When the baby sucks the nipple, he does not put enough of the areola into his mouth, but only holds the top of the nipple. Repeated sucking will cause nipple pain.

2. Nipple cracks

After breastfeeding, the mother feels a pricking pain in the nipple. This may be because the skin of the new mother's nipple is relatively delicate and cannot withstand the stimulation of the baby's sucking, especially when the milk is insufficient or the nipple is too small or inverted. Because the baby sucks and bites the nipple hard, the nipple epidermis is soaked in saliva and becomes soft, peeled, and eroded, forming cracks of varying sizes.

3. Lactation pain

If you feel breast pain after feeding, it may be lactation pain. After feeding your baby, your breasts are empty and the mammary glands will produce milk vigorously, especially at night when prolactin is high and milk secretion is high, the pain will be more obvious.

What to do if your breasts hurt during lactation

1. Correct breastfeeding posture

If the breasts are sore after feeding during lactation, the mother should adopt the correct breastfeeding posture, first breastfeed with the breast that hurts less, and pay attention to putting most of the nipple and areola into the baby's mouth. The baby's feeding position should also be changed regularly to reduce the stimulation of sucking on the mother's nipple. Do not pull the nipple out forcefully, as this may damage it.

2. Apply milk

If a breastfeeding mother experiences breast pain after feeding or if her nipples are chapped, she can squeeze out some milk and apply it to the nipples and areola after breastfeeding and wait for it to dry naturally. Never wash the nipples with soapy water, because there is a gland in the nipple or areola that secretes oil to protect the nipple and prevent cracking. Washing the nipples with soap will remove this natural protective film.

3. Wear a cotton bra

If the mother's breasts are sore after breastfeeding, she should wear loose underwear and cotton bras, and put on nipple shields when necessary to facilitate air circulation and promote the healing of nipple cracks. If the nipple pain is severe and unbearable, breastfeeding can be suspended for 24 hours. During the time when feeding is not possible, the milk should be expressed and the baby can be fed with a bottle.

Feeding your baby should be the most wonderful thing. The close contact between the baby and the mother establishes his earliest sense of security. Although the feeding process may be painful, it is worth it for every mother. I believe that new mothers can quickly adapt to the role of mother and use the best feeding methods to help their babies grow healthily.