Can a cold cause breast pain during breastfeeding?

It is rather troublesome for a woman to catch a cold during breastfeeding, because most of the medicines for these two colds contain certain hormones. If a breastfeeding woman takes cold medicine containing hormones, it will be directly converted into breast milk, which will affect the baby's health. However, some women experience breast pain when they have a cold. So will a cold during lactation cause breast pain?

1. Will a cold during lactation cause breast pain?

It’s hard to say. Generally speaking, it won’t happen. But a cold may cause body aches. This is possible. You still need to actively treat the cold. If accompanied by local redness, swelling, heat and pain, mastitis should be considered and a detailed examination and active treatment should be conducted. It is recommended that you should eat a proper diet, drink plenty of water, strengthen hygiene, keep the local area clean, avoid adverse stimulation, take appropriate vitamin C supplements, cooperate with local hot compresses, massage and other measures, use sensitive antibiotics to actively control the infection, such as penicillin, ampicillin, etc., and you can also use traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment, which can usually improve. If the symptoms are severe, breastfeeding should be postponed.

2. What to do if your breasts hurt during lactation

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. Never wash your nipples with soap. Because there is a gland in the nipple or areola that secretes oil to protect the nipple and prevent it from drying out. Washing your nipples with soap will remove this natural protective film.