Contents:
- Medical Video: Common Breast Complications during Lactation
- Is it normal for breast pain because of breastfeeding?
- Causes of sore or numb breasts while breastfeeding
- Prevent and overcome breast pain
- 1. Make sure your baby suckles properly
- 2. Don't procrastinate for breastfeeding
- 3. Keep your breasts dry
- 4. Apply with breast milk
- 5. Don't soap the breast first
- 6. Cold compress
- 7. Use a bra with the right size
Medical Video: Common Breast Complications during Lactation
Breastfeeding is one of the most precious moments between mother and baby. Therefore, you certainly expect breastfeeding periods that are smooth and comfortable. However, many mothers complain of sore and numb breasts while breastfeeding.
Is this normal? How do you deal with sore breasts while breastfeeding so that you can still breastfeed your baby? Check out the full answer below.
Is it normal for breast pain because of breastfeeding?
No, breast pain when breastfeeding is not natural. Breastfeeding should feel comfortable and natural for both mother and baby. If the pain appears in the first few moments when the newborn starts breastfeeding, this is still normal. However, if the breast or nipple still hurts after several feedings, there must be something wrong.
Be careful, if the pain or numbness is ignored, the problem might get worse. Do not let you not be able to breastfeed the baby, huh. So if your breasts are painful, contact your doctor, midwife, or breastfeeding specialist immediately.
Causes of sore or numb breasts while breastfeeding
There are several possible causes of nipple pain or numbness when breastfeeding. By knowing the cause, you can determine the right steps to deal with it as soon as possible. Here are the kinds of causes.
- Babies do not suck properly or the position is not good.
- Injuries or injuries due to breast milk pumps.
- Fungal infections transmitted by the baby to the nipple of the mother's milk.
- Tongue abnormalities in infants (tongue-tie).
- Pimples appear like zits (milk blister) which contains milk in the breast area.
Prevent and overcome breast pain
As much as possible, don't stop giving breast milk to your little one. If the pain is unbearable, you can take a break from breastfeeding for about 24 hours while treating the cause of breast pain or numbness. Meanwhile, make sure you have taken the following steps to minimize pain or discomfort while breastfeeding.
1. Make sure your baby suckles properly
If the breasts hurt because the position of the body, head, or mouth of the child has a problem, try to adjust the body or head again until you feel comfortable.
However, do not stop and release your child while he is breastfeeding. Removing a baby when he is drinking will shock him and become fussy. It's better to slide your body or head slowly while still nursing.
2. Don't procrastinate for breastfeeding
Breast pain and numbness may make you afraid of breastfeeding. Therefore, you procrastinate until the baby is really hungry first. In fact, procrastinating will only make the baby more rough or tend to bite the mother's nipples when finally breastfeeding.
While breastfeeding when your baby's mood is still good can be a good opportunity to adjust his position to be more comfortable.
3. Keep your breasts dry
If your breasts have a fungal or bacterial infection, make sure the breast area remains dry and clean. Therefore, choose a bra or clothing from cotton that is cool enough, absorbs sweat and fluids, and can facilitate air circulation in the breast area.
After breastfeeding, you should also wait until the breasts are completely dry first and then wear a bra or clothes. Be careful not to rub too hard when you dry the breasts and nipples.
4. Apply with breast milk
After your baby has finished breastfeeding, leave one or two drops of breast milk to rub on your nipples or your breasts. Let it dry yourself, no need to rub it with a tissue or towel.
Avoid factory-made products or creams that contain various chemicals to be applied to the area of your breast. Unless the doctor has prescribed an ointment or cream specifically for you.
5. Don't soap the breast first
Soap will make the breast area, especially the nipple, become dry and cracked. This will make the breast more painful. Especially when the baby is drinking. Therefore, clean your breasts with just warm water, no need to use bath soap.
6. Cold compress
To deal with unbearable pain, you can compress your breasts with a cold cloth or ice cube wrapped in a soft towel. Cold compresses can help relieve breast pain.
However, do not immediately attach ice cubes to your breasts. Make sure you have wrapped the ice with a cloth or a soft towel.
7. Use a bra with the right size
Nursing bras or bras that are too tight can make the breasts feel numb. Likewise with bras that are loose and not enough to support the breasts. Therefore, choose a bra that has the right size. In order for your bra to support the breast load steadily, you can use a special breastfeeding bra with wire.
