During breastfeeding, the nipples are always hard and painful when touched

During lactation, women's breasts play a very important role. Because the baby gets milk by sucking the mother's nipple, and the breast is also a very important part for producing milk. But at the same time, the breast is a very fragile part, so some breastfeeding women experience the special situation that their nipples are always hard and painful when touched. So what is the reason why nipples are always hard and painful when touched during breastfeeding?

This situation is usually caused by the baby sucking too hard, which is mainly related to incorrect breastfeeding methods. You can apply local hot compress to the nipples. Because it is breastfeeding, it is best not to use medication. If there is insufficient milk, you can ask a lactation consultant to massage you and clean it before feeding.

The correct breastfeeding postures are:

1. Sitting breastfeeding position. The mother sits down naturally with her feet on the ground. If the position of her legs is too low, she can put a low stool under her feet to avoid fatigue of the lower limb muscles. It is best for the mother to lean her back against the back of a chair or some supportive object. Place the baby on the mother's lap, and the mother holds the baby's head, neck and shoulders with one hand, so that the baby's body is closely attached to the mother's chest and abdomen. The mother uses her other hand to hold up her breast, with the thumb and index finger of the hand holding the breast separated into a C shape, and then gently puts the nipple into the baby's mouth.

2. Lying breastfeeding position. The mother lies on her side on the bed, supports the baby's head and neck with one hand, and uses the above method to help the baby suck. Some mothers, who have difficulty turning sideways during cesarean section, may feed their babies in the supine position. When feeding a baby in the supine position, the family needs to hold the baby to the mother's chest and help the baby suck on the nipple.

3. Embrace breastfeeding posture. The so-called cradle feeding is a feeding posture in which the baby is held on the side of the mother's body. This position can be adopted for twin fetuses or after cesarean section.