Breast Care When Pregnant Until Towards Childbirth

Contents:

• Medical Video: Breast Cancer in Pregnancy | Gina's Story
  
• Benefits of breast care during pregnancy
  
• What are the consequences if the breasts have not been properly treated since they were pregnant?
  
• Breast care at 3 months gestation
  
• Breast care at 6-9 months of gestation
  

Medical Video: Breast Cancer in Pregnancy | Gina's Story

Breast care is very important during pregnancy until breastfeeding. This is because the breast is the only producer of breast milk which is the staple food for newborns, so breast care must be done as early as possible.

Breast milk is the most ideal food for babies, with the most complete composition and cannot be matched by man-made formula milk.

Benefits of breast care during pregnancy

Breast care during pregnancy has many benefits, including:

1. Maintain breast hygiene, especially hygiene of nipples.
2. Flex and strengthen the nipples, making it easier for babies to suckle later.
3. Stimulates milk glands so that milk production is abundant and smooth.
4. Can detect breast abnormalities early and make efforts to overcome them.
5. Prepare yourself mentally for breastfeeding.

What are the consequences if the breasts have not been properly treated since they were pregnant?

If pregnant women do not take care of the breasts properly and have only just received treatment before giving birth or after giving birth, then there is a risk that it will occur:

• Breast milk does not come out. This is what often happens, breast milk comes out after the second day or more.
• The nipples are not protruding so the baby has difficulty sucking milk.
• Little ASI production is not enough for babies to consume.
• Infection of the breast, swollen or suppurating breasts.
• Lumps appear in the breast, and others.

Breast care at 3 months gestation

Check the nipples to find out if your nipples are flat or go inside, by gently massaging the base of the nipple. Normal nipples will stick out.

If the nipple stays flat or re-enters the breast, then from 3 months pregnant you need to do regular breast massage so that the nipple can stand out.

The trick is to use two fingers, then the area around the nipple is aligned in the opposite direction towards the base of the breast to the entire breast area. Perform this massage twice a day for 6 minutes.

Breast care at 6-9 months of gestation

Breast care at gestational age is very important for successful breastfeeding. Don't get bored and don't worry about doing it. Remember that your baby will be very grateful for all your hard work in giving him breast milk.

Here are the treatments you can do:

1. Wet both palms with coconut oil.
2. Compress the nipple until mama areola (the brown area around the nipple) with coconut oil for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to soften the dirt or crust that attaches to the nipple so that it is easy to clean. Do not clean with alcohol or other irritating ingredients because it can cause nipple blisters.
3. Hold both nipples, then gently pull and rotate towards the inside and outside.
4. Hold the base of the breast with both hands, then massage it toward the nipple 30 times a day.
5. Second massage mama areola until 1-2 drops of milk are released.
6. Clean both the nipples and surrounding areas with a dry and clean towel.
7. Wear a bra that is not tight and is supportive of the breast. Do not wear a tight bra or press the breast during pregnancy.