SAEDNEWS: If your breasts are swollen, your baby may have difficulty latching properly. In this case, you should express milk by hand or with a breast pump until your baby can comfortably latch onto the engorged breast.
Breastfeeding mothers may experience brief discomfort in their breasts while nursing. This sensation is linked to the let-down reflex, which is regulated by the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates the muscle cells in the breast to push milk out, sometimes causing breast pain. This hormone is released whenever the baby feeds in the first few days after birth, and later, even thinking about feeding the baby can trigger its release. Some mothers may feel their breasts become wet and may notice milk dripping when oxytocin is active.
Mothers may experience the let-down reflex in different ways:
Mild burning or tingling
Strong pressure, pain, or mild discomfort
Some may not feel anything at all
Over time, as breastfeeding continues, many mothers notice these sensations decrease.
Some mothers who produce a large volume of milk may feel deep, intense breast pain while nursing. Usually, this pain subsides after about three months of breastfeeding. If the baby latches properly and feeds efficiently, milk supply adjusts quickly to meet the baby’s needs.
If the baby latches correctly (taking both the nipple and the surrounding areola), the mother typically feels pain for only 30–60 seconds. Afterward, the discomfort becomes mild or barely noticeable.
If pain continues, it may indicate improper latch or other issues.
Incorrect latching, such as the baby sucking only the nipple, can lead to persistent pain, burning, and even cracked, sore nipples over time.
Thrush (Candida Infection):
Thrush is a common fungal infection affecting the baby’s mouth and the mother’s nipples. The warm, moist, sweet environment in the baby’s mouth provides an ideal condition for its growth. Infection may spread through breast milk and can cause pain during nursing. Immediate consultation with a doctor is recommended if thrush is suspected.
Engorgement:
In the first days after birth, breasts fill with milk and blood flow increases, causing tissue swelling. This can make milk flow more difficult, leading to red, shiny, and painful breasts.
Milk Overproduction:
Excessive milk may also contribute to discomfort. Once the baby latches properly and feeds regularly, milk production adjusts, and swelling-related pain decreases.
If you experience breast or nipple pain while breastfeeding, try the following:
Express Milk: If breasts are too full, hand-express or pump milk to help the baby latch comfortably.
Warm Compress: Apply a warm, moist cloth to your breasts before feeding to facilitate milk flow.
Cold Compress: After feeding or pumping, place cold compresses or cabbage leaves on swollen areas to reduce inflammation.
Proper Positioning: Position the baby correctly, and remove the breast when milk starts to flow too fast, letting the baby resume sucking when flow slows.
Massage: Gently massage painful areas before feeding to ease milk movement.
Hydration and Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and rest whenever possible.
Nipple Care: Consult your doctor about approved creams or lotions to prevent nipple dryness. Massage remaining milk on nipples after feeding and allow it to air dry.
For severe or persistent pain, or signs of infection or cracked nipples, consult a healthcare professional.
Do not pull the breast out abruptly; insert a finger between the baby’s gums to break suction first.
Try different feeding positions to ensure all areas around the breast are stimulated.
Some mothers find that pumping for 2–3 days helps heal cracked nipples more quickly.
With proper guidance and care, breastfeeding can become more comfortable, ensuring a positive experience for both mother and baby.
