Breastfeeding is natural and healthy, but it requires good technique and patience to prevent pain and discomfort for you and your child. Your nipples and breasts may feel sore or raw, especially the first few days, resulting in a burning sensation during feeding. Your infant may be positioned incorrectly, or you could be suffering from mastitis, a plugged milk duct or thrush. Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant about your breast pain.
Nipple Soreness
Sore nipples can cause a burning sensation while your baby feeds, especially if they are cracked. The position of your infant's mouth can damage your nipple. He should have most of the nipple and areola -- the dark area surrounding the nipple -- in his mouth. If you feel ongoing pain, detach and reposition him. Insert a finger between his mouth and your nipple to release suction before moving him. Switch his position with each feeding to avoid aggravation in just one area.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that leads to aching muscles, fever and a red, hot, tender area on the breast. Typically affecting one breast at a time, mastitis stems from several factors. Cracked or damaged nipples can allow bacteria into the breast, causing infection. Excessive stress or exhaustion, plugged milk ducts or breast engorgement may also produce mastitis, as can skipping feedings or wearing a tight bra. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and recommend applying warm compresses to the area. Continuing to breastfeed is important; breast milk is safe for your baby, even with a breast infection.
Thrush
Thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, is another condition that can lead to breast tenderness and pain. You and your baby can both develop symptoms. You might see white dots in your baby's mouth and on your nipples; your nipples can become sore and red; and you can experience burning or shooting pain in the nipple, breast tissue or both.
Contact your physician if you suspect thrush; she may recommend a yeast-infection medication. Sterilize all bottle nipples, pacifiers and any breast milk stored during a thrush outbreak. Boiling this milk is necessary to prevent reinfection. Wash your bras in hot, soapy water and change them frequently until thrush is eliminated.
Plugged Milk Ducts
Your milk ducts can develop obstructions that cause pain, swelling and a visible or palpable lump in your breast. Making milk faster than it is expressed, not fully emptying a breast during a feeding or breast compression from a tight bra can all can lead to plugs in your milk ducts. If you have a cold or are under stress, you may also experience blocked milk production. Nursing on the affected side can help dislodge the plug and reduce breast fullness. Massaging your breasts and applying warm compresses can also help release the plug. Consult with your doctor if this condition does not improve.
