What causes breast pain after feeding?

New mothers who are breastfeeding sometimes experience breast pain, which is very painful. So what is the cause of breast pain during lactation? What should we do?

Breast pain and cracked nipples during lactation

Because the nipple skin of new mothers is relatively tender, when the baby sucks the nipple hard, it may cause nipple erosion, cracking and other nipple dryness symptoms. New mothers who do not secrete enough breast milk are more prone to such symptoms. When the baby drinks milk, he should hold all or most of the nipples in his mouth. However, some babies only hold the nipples when drinking milk. Wrong posture can easily cause the nipple skin to become dry and cracked. Some new mothers worry that the nipples are unhygienic and affect the health of the baby, so they clean the nipples several times a day, and even use soap to clean the nipples, which can easily cause the nipple skin to become dry and cracked. When the nipples become dry and infected, new mothers may experience breast pain.

Breast pain during lactation due to milk stasis

If the baby cannot drain the milk in the nipple well when drinking milk, it may cause milk stasis, which may also cause new mothers to experience breast pain.

Breast pain during lactation - mastitis

New mothers are very prone to mastitis. At this time, not only will they feel breast pain, but they will also have symptoms of high fever.

Breast pain during lactation and nipple phantom

Some new mothers feel breast pain, which may be a nipple illusion. For example, some new mothers secrete less milk, or use a bottle to breastfeed their babies at the beginning, which makes the babies unwilling to breastfeed. If the baby is forced to suck the mother's nipple at this time, the nipple may feel stinging.

What to do if you have breast pain during lactation

1. Breast pain during breastfeeding is a relatively common disease. If the pain is severe, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid aggravating the condition.

2. New mothers can use a cold and damp cotton towel to warm their breasts and nipples for three to five minutes before breastfeeding. When breastfeeding, let the baby hold all and most of the nipples, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of breast pain.

3. New mothers should wear looser underwear and pure cotton nursing bras, which will help relieve nipple pain.

4. New mothers should pay attention to the health of their baby's breasts. They should empty their breasts every time their baby drinks milk to avoid milk accumulation. After breastfeeding, you can squeeze out a little milk and rub it on the nipples. This can prevent the nipples from drying out and causing breast pain.