What to do if you have breast pain during lactation

Breastfeeding is a very important period, and breast health directly affects the health of the baby. However, breast problems are most likely to occur during lactation, and pain is the most typical symptom. There are many factors that lead to breast pain during lactation, many of which can be relieved through treatment and are not necessarily caused by breast disease. So, what should I do if I have breast pain during lactation? Let’s take a closer look below.

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.

5. Because the nipple skin is relatively delicate, especially the nipples of first-time mothers are thinner and more tender, and the nipples are easily cracked due to being soaked in the baby's saliva for a long time. Therefore, each feeding time should not be too long, generally 15 to 20 minutes is appropriate, and do not let the baby sleep with the nipple in his mouth.

6. Before going to bed every night, use the opposite palm to massage both breasts in a clockwise direction, while pushing from the base of the breast towards the nipple. After delivery, gently hold the breasts with both hands and circle around the breasts with your fingers; hold the base of the breasts with both hands and pull towards the nipples; cross your two palms and rub both breasts evenly; pinch the nipples with your index finger and thumb to pull them to separate the nipples from the neck and areola, and then wipe the nipples with a hot towel to remove impurities in the nipple pores; use your palms to rotate and massage both breasts in a clockwise direction, and then use your thumb and index finger to squeeze around the areola. If you see light yellow or colorless, transparent and slightly sticky colostrum overflowing, you can start feeding the baby.

7. Pay attention to keeping warm during massage. Hands should be kept clean and disinfected. Massage should be done 1 to 3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. You can do self-massage or ask your family to help you with massage. It is best to combine self-massage with massage of your husband. The massage should be gentle. If there is still a feeling of swelling and pain, ask your husband to gently suck and massage the nipples with his tongue. Effective breast massage can make it easier for babies to suck breast milk. Some mothers have excess milk, so it is advisable to squeeze out the excess milk in time.

8. Mothers should wear loose underwear and cotton bras, and put on nipple shields when necessary to facilitate air circulation and promote the healing of nipple cracks. If nipple pain is severe and unbearable, you can temporarily stop breastfeeding for 24 hours. However, during the period when you cannot breastfeed, you should express the milk and feed the baby with a small cup and spoon.