What to do if your nipples are swollen while breastfeeding

It is very common to have swollen and painful nipples during breastfeeding. Generally, if this symptom occurs, you can temporarily stop breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding, you must use a breast pump to suck out the excess milk in the breast in time when you stop breastfeeding. Otherwise, it will cause milk regurgitation or milk congestion. In severe cases, it may cause acute mastitis, which will have a serious impact on your health.

Why do nipples become red, swollen and painful during breastfeeding?

1. It is very likely that the baby bites the breast while feeding, causing the nipple to become red, swollen and painful. The mother must pay attention to the child's breastfeeding posture. When feeding, it is best for the baby's mouth to cover the entire areola. The advantage of doing this is that it prevents the nipple from being bitten again. Another advantage is that after the areola is fully sucked, the nipple will not be so painful when breastfeeding. The nipples will recover automatically over time.

2. Another possibility is that the breastfeeding mother has a cold or fever, which causes breast swelling and nipple pain. Do not breastfeed at this time, because the cold and fever can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding. Use formula instead of breastfeeding. Wait until the mother is well again before breastfeeding. During this period, you must know how to use the breast pump, otherwise it will easily cause milk backflow.

3. Use warm water to apply hot compress to the red, swollen and painful nipples at irregular intervals every day, and massage them appropriately. This will help the breasts recover as soon as possible.

What to do if you have nipple pain during breastfeeding?

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.