Breastfeeding can be a very painful experience for new mothers, particularly if your nipples are still tender and not prepared for nursing or if you have a clogged milk duct. Over time, your nipples will toughen and nursing will become painless, and clogs will pass, but you can reduce the pain by massaging the nipples before and after breastfeeding.
Step 1
Rub your breasts with the heel of your hand, working down toward the nipple and ending at the nipple, before you nurse your infant. Rubbing your breasts and nipples in this way can help clogs to pass through the milk ducts and can also help to stimulate milk flow before you nurse.
Step 2
Squeeze your breasts gently until beads of milk come out onto the nipple after nursing. Use your fingers to massage the milk into the nipples. Do not use creams or lotions to soothe your nipples unless recommended by your doctor, because these creams may irritate the nipple or be ingested by your infant.
Step 3
Allow your nipples to air-dry. Your milk will dry onto the nipples, which will help to soothe them. Leave your nipples uncovered in the privacy of your home whenever possible, as fabric may irritate them during the first month of breastfeeding, the Babies 'n Business website explains.
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