Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro,
breastfeeding
often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are answers to
some common inquiries that mothers - new and veteran - may
have.
Is it normal to have cramps while nursing?
Yes. During the first few days to weeks after delivery, you may
feel strong, menstrual-like cramps in your uterus when your
milk lets down. Breastfeeding helps shrink the uterus, so nursing
moms may have less blood loss after childbirth.
Is it normal to feel pain during or after nursing?
If your baby is
latched on
properly, you may have 30 to 60 seconds of pain (from the nipple
and areola being pulled into your baby's mouth), then the pain
should subside. But if you continue to feel pain, stop feeding
momentarily and reposition your baby on your breast. If the pain
persists, something else might be going on.
If your baby consistently latches on wrong, sucking on your
nipple without getting much of your areola in the mouth, you'll
probably feel discomfort throughout each feeding. Some moms say
it's painful or feels like a pinch as their babies nurse. And
you'll probably have sore, cracked nipples in no time.
Could the pain be caused by a breast infection?
If your breasts are sore and you have flu-like symptoms, fever,
chills, a hard or red area of the breast, or red streaks on
your breast, you may have an infection in your milk ducts called
mastitis. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor. If
he or she finds that you have mastitis, the infection can be easily
treated with antibiotics.
You may also have a yeast (or
thrush
) infection of your breast. It's important that you call your
doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- shooting or burning breast pain either during or after
feedings
- pain deep within your breast
- strong pain in the breasts or nipples that doesn't get
better after properly latching on and positioning your baby
- nipples that are cracked, itchy, burning, or are pink, red,
shiny, flaky, or have a rash with little blisters
Babies with oral thrush may have cracked skin in the corners of
the mouth, and whitish or yellowish patches on the lips, tongue, or
inside the cheeks.
Sore breasts with a lump also may be a sign of a plugged milk
duct, in which a particular duct gets clogged. To help unclog the
duct and ease your pain:
- Take warm showers or use warm compresses on the area,
massaging the area, several times a day. Then, breastfeed your
baby immediately.
- When breastfeeding, position the baby so the nose is pointed
towards the clogged area.
- If that doesn't work, try using a manual (hand) or
electric pump for a few minutes to help draw out the clogged
milk.
- If the lump doesn't go away within a couple of days, or
if you have any fever, chills, aches, or red streaking, call the
doctor.
Women who have inverted nipples (that turn inward rather than
protrude out) or flat nipples (that don't become erect as they
should when your baby is nursing) also may have trouble
breastfeeding and may experience frequent nipple pain. If either is
the case, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultation about
ways to make nursing easier and reduce any pain.
How can I ease my breast or nipple pain?
When dealing with sore breasts or nipples, here are some
pointers for avoiding general pain in the future as well as making
yourself more comfortable while your breasts heal:
- Make sure your baby latches onto your breasts correctly every
time.
- Ask your doctor to recommend a special over-the-counter
breastfeeding lotion to put on your nipples in between feedings
to reduce any dryness.
- At the end of a feeding, massage some breast milk on your
nipples, and then allow them to air dry.
- Some women find it helpful to nurse more frequently but for
shorter periods of time, rather than nurse for extended
periods.
- Try to nurse first on the side that's less sore.
- Gently break suction when removing your baby from your
breast. (Slip your finger in the side of your baby's mouth,
between the gums, and then turn your finger a quarter turn to
break the suction.)
- Vary breastfeeding positions to help drain all areas of your
breast.
- Use wet or dry heat on your breasts (a warm water bottle,
heating pad, washcloth, or warm shower) right before feeding.
(However, if you have a yeast infection in your breast,
you'll need to keep your nipples dry because the yeast
thrives on moisture.)
- Put ice packs or cool compresses on engorged breasts after
feedings.
- Gently massage the sore area before nursing.
- Get plenty of rest and fluids.
- Some mothers with cracked or sore nipples find that pumping
for 2 to 3 days allows their nipples to heal.
If you find that you're consistently unable to nurse your
baby without pain, be sure to call your doctor or a lactation
consultant.
Can I still breastfeed if I have a breast infection?
Yes. Contrary to what many people think, you can continue to
nurse your baby while treating your breast infection. In fact,
continuing to breastfeed can help clear up the infection.
Is it normal for my breasts to become engorged?
Usually, yes, especially during the first few days or weeks that
you're breastfeeding. When your milk first comes in, your
breasts become engorged (swollen and hard), which can be painful
for some women. This is called primary engorgement and lasts a few
days.
But the longer you wait to breastfeed or pump - both initially
and throughout your time nursing - the more uncomfortable and
engorged your breasts may become.
If you can't feed your baby right away, use warm compresses
and try to pump or manually express your milk. One way you can
express your milk is by holding onto your breast with your fingers
underneath your breast and your thumb on top. Gently but firmly
press your thumb and fingers back against the chest wall, then roll
your thumb and fingers toward your areola over and over to help
push the milk down the milk ducts.
Also, nursing frequently (approximately every 2 to 3 hours) and
trying to empty your breasts can help with the initial discomfort
of engorgement.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: June 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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