There are ways to treat or prevent problems that may develop because of breastfeeding. Even if you begin to have symptoms like sore nipples or other issues, it's important not to give up before speaking with your health care professional or lactation consultant—or even a friend who has successfully breastfed her children. Here are some treatment options for the most common breastfeeding symptoms.
Sore nipples
To treat or prevent sore, cracked nipples:
- Make sure your baby is sucking properly. The baby's mouth should take your nipple and as much of the areola (darker area around the nipple) as possible. If it hurts, you may need to reposition and start again. Be careful not to pull the baby away from the breast quickly; instead gently interrupt the suction by placing a finger in his/her mouth.
- Offer the less sore nipple first, as the baby may suck more vigorously at first.
- Let your nipples air dry between feedings. You may want to expose them to sunlight briefly.
- Rub a small amount of breast milk or a breast cream that contains lanolin and water to soothe the area. Your milk will help heal cracks and kill bacteria, which could lead to an infection.
- Change wet nursing pads frequently.
- Wash your nipples daily with warm water and pat dry. Avoid using soap, which can remove natural oils.
- If you have an open crack in the skin, it may be better to nurse from other breast temporarily, but be sure to pump the sore side until it heals a bit and isn't sore.
Nipple soreness and chapping should go away within several days. If it doesn't, you should contact your health care provider or lactation consultant.
Engorgement
If your breasts are engorged (overly full), breastfeed frequently to help empty your breasts and relieve fullness and pain. If this is too painful, try to manually express some milk to provide a natural, soothing lubricant. This may also make it easier for the baby to latch on to the nipple. To ease engorgement, take a warm shower or apply warm compresses for a few minutes before breastfeeding. If your baby is not latching on well, use a pump to reduce engorgement and help your milk flow. Use cool compresses in between feedings to reduce swelling.
Plugged Milk Duct
This is a common problem for many breastfeeding mothers. Treatment may include: getting extra sleep or rest; applying heat compresses or taking a hot shower; massaging the blocked milk duct; and breastfeeding from the affected breast to help loosen the plug. Applying cool compresses to your breasts after feeding may also help.
Mastitis
If you suspect mastitis, or a breast infection, you should consult your health care provider right away. He/she will prescribe antibiotics and may recommend an analgesic to relieve the pain. Hot showers or compresses before breastfeeding can help by increasing circulation to the affected area.
In most cases, you can continue nursing through breastfeeding problems, even an infection. Emptying your breasts frequently can often reduce inflammation and relieve the problem.
For the rest of this article, questions to ask your health care professional, information on diagnosis, prevention and more, click here.
Author: Editorial Staff of the National Women's Health Resource Center