Nursing your newborn can be a relaxing experience, but many women experience problems and pain when they begin breastfeeding. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, pain may be caused by a variety of issues, including clogged ducts, mastitis or sore nipples. Fortunately, common problems are easily managed with simple remedies. Contact your health-care provider or a lactation consultant for additional information regarding pain while breastfeeding.
Clogged Ducts
Clogged ducts often occur when your baby is feeding less or when you skip a feeding due giving your child expressed milk or formula. Weaning your child and constricting bras can also cause duct problems. Symptoms of a clogged duct may include redness, heat or tenderness. To unclog your milk duct, apply a warm compress to your breast prior to a feeding to allow your breast to relax and letdown. Massaging the sore area may also ease pain and discomfort. If the problem continues after several days, talk to a lactation consultant or your physician.
Mastitis
A sore breast or clogged ducts may become infected, meaning that you experience fever, body aches and fatigue in addition to tender breasts. Breast infection is also known as mastitis and is often treated with antibiotics. If you think you have mastitis, contact your doctor immediately. The sooner you catch mastitis, the easier it is to treat. Breastfeeding should continue as you treat the infection. Your baby is safe from the infection due to the antibacterial properties of breast milk, according to La Leche League International. Additionally, continued breastfeeding when you experience mastitis may speed recovery.
Engorgement
Engorgement occurs when your breasts become swollen and painful as a result of increased breast milk, blood and other fluids in the breast. The extreme fullness of the breast causes distortion of the nipple, making it difficult for a newborn to latch on. Women who experience engorgement generally have problems during the first week of breastfeeding due to infrequent or delayed pumping or nursing, according to La Leche League International. If you experience engorgement, frequent feedings, every two hours, can relieve pain and fullness. Use a warm compress to relieve pain prior to feeding, but keep in mind that it may cause milk let-down. Express milk using a breast pump to make it easier for your baby to latch on.
Sore Nipples
Sore nipples are a common and normal problem during the first few days of breastfeeding. Nipple soreness may involve an itching, pinching or burning sensation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Causes of sore nipples include improper positioning while nursing, improper nipple care or improper suction release at the end of a feeding. Simply changing your position while nursing may relieve soreness. Use olive oil, expressed milk and nipple ointments to soothe cracked or dry nipples. Gently insert a finger in the side of your baby's mouth to break his suction and reduce pain and discomfort until he learns how to properly release.
