How to take care of your breasts during lactation

As a female organ, the most important function of breasts is to feed babies. They are an important food supply for newborn babies. Breast milk is the best food mothers can give to their babies. As the granary for storing breast milk, the important role that breasts play during breastfeeding is self-evident. Therefore, it is important to take good care of the breasts at this time. Today, let’s talk about how to care for the breasts during breastfeeding.

1. Avoid excessive breast stimulation during pregnancy

Generally, women's breasts begin to enlarge around 40 days of pregnancy, and they feel swollen and even tingling. The areola turns darker and increases in size. At this time, the breasts will become very sensitive. If the breasts and nipples of pregnant women are stimulated too much, it will easily cause uterine contractions. Especially if the nipples are stimulated for a long time, repeatedly, and roughly, it may cause miscarriage or premature birth in the early or late pregnancy. Including the case of some expectant mothers with inverted nipples, doctors at the Beijing Women's and Children's Hospital believe that artificially stretching the nipples has almost no effect, but instead stimulates the nipples and causes uterine contractions, which is dangerous.

2. The choice of bras during pregnancy and childbirth is particular

During pregnancy, the breasts will continue to grow, and the bra should be replaced in time according to the changes in the breasts. A bra of the right size will support the breasts without leaving pressure marks on the back or shoulders. Some women, out of a desire for beauty, fear that their enlarged breasts will sag, so they wear underwire bras that tighten their breasts, which hinders blood circulation, causes breast damage, and slows down milk secretion after childbirth. The two shoulder straps of the bra should be wider and the material should be pure cotton. Do not use bras made of chemical fibers.

3. What to do if you have nipple pain during breastfeeding

A common breast problem encountered by breastfeeding women is nipple pain, which may even develop into nipple rupture. The most urgent thing is to observe the way the baby sucks milk. If the baby's sucking pressure is on the nipple instead of the areola, it will cause pain. The correct way to breastfeed is to open both lips of the child and open the mouth wide enough to cover most of the areola. Check the child's tongue - the front of it should extend over the lower gums, forming a cup shape between the lower lip and the breast. When cradling your baby, keep him/her close to your breast to avoid stretching your nipple.

The above discusses breast care during lactation from three aspects. During the entire lactation period, not only should the breasts be well cared for, but special attention should also be paid to their hygiene. After all, they are for feeding the baby. Breastfeeding is becoming more and more recognized and advocated by everyone. For the good of the baby and the health of the baby, it is better for mothers who have breast milk to feed the baby.