Armpit pain during breastfeeding?

Many breastfeeding women experience armpit pain. In fact, armpit pain during breastfeeding does not affect breastfeeding. Generally, armpit pain during breastfeeding is caused by milk congestion. You can usually apply a hot towel to let the baby suck more, or use a breast pump to suck out the milk. If you usually have a lot of milk, you must empty the excess milk after feeding the baby, otherwise it will cause inflammation of the mammary ducts.

What causes breast pain under the armpit during lactation? How to relieve it?

Postpartum breast pain is mostly caused by mastitis. In addition to breast tenderness, there will also be fever and local lumps in the breast, which is mainly caused by blocked milk ducts and milk accumulation. Therefore, breastfeeding should be started as soon as possible after delivery to prevent excessive accumulation of milk in the breasts.

The causes of breast pain and breast cracking are related to the baby's incorrect sucking of the breast. Mastering the correct breastfeeding posture is the key to preventing breast pain. If nipple pain already occurs, how can it be relieved?

1. Before breastfeeding, the mother should take a comfortable position and apply a hot and wet towel to the breasts and areola for 3-5 minutes. At the same time, massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex and squeeze out some milk. This will soften the areola and make it easier for the baby to suck.

2. First breastfeed with the breast that hurts less, and make sure to put most of the nipple and areola into the baby's mouth. Also pay attention to changing the baby's feeding position to reduce the stimulation of the nipple caused by sucking.

3. If breastfeeding needs to be stopped due to other reasons, the mother should gently press the baby's lower jaw with her index finger, and the baby will automatically spit out the nipple. Never pull out the nipple forcibly, as this will damage the nipple.

4. If nipple cracks have occurred, squeeze out some milk after breastfeeding, apply it on the nipples and areola, and wait for it to dry naturally.

Mothers 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 nipple pain is severe and unbearable, breastfeeding can be temporarily stopped for 24 hours, but the milk should be expressed and fed to the baby with a small cup and spoon.

A common problem with breastfeeding is breast engorgement. Breast swelling, pain and sensitivity due to milk stasis. If necessary, you can empty the breast milk. Some breastfeeding mothers take a hot bath. The condition will naturally improve by sucking out the milk or applying hot water to the breast area. Local cold compresses may also be effective.

If you still feel breast pain, taking medications such as acetaminophen during breastfeeding is safer and more reliable. Strong pain medications can be taken if necessary. If the breast swelling and pain become significantly worse, you should see a doctor, who will give you some examinations and necessary treatment.

If the breast pain during lactation is caused by the breasts being full of milk and causing pain. This situation often occurs in mothers who have not breastfed for a long time or have too much milk. If this is the case, you can let your baby suck more, or find a professional lactation consultant to help you solve this problem, discharge some milk in time, and relieve breast pain. Be careful not to let your breasts become swollen and painful due to excessive milk, as this can easily lead to mastitis or milk retention. If no solution is taken, it will be accompanied by high fever and lumps in the breasts.

If you experience breast pain due to anxiety or anger during breastfeeding. Due to their physiological structure, women often experience breast pain when they are anxious or angry. If this is the reason for your pain, it is recommended that you seek professional help for targeted massage. Women should try to maintain a happy mood during the breastfeeding period, especially not to sulk. When a mother feeds her baby with milk produced when she is in a good mood, the baby's personality will also become cheerful.

If you experience breast pain during lactation, you can gently massage your breasts with your hands when taking a bath or going to bed at night. At the same time, keep a happy and comfortable mood. This can reduce or avoid breast pain.