Breast-feeding can provide the greatest nutritional value to your growing baby, but is not without its side effects for the mother. Tender or sore breasts after breast-feeding can make future breast-feeding difficult. You can take steps, however, to minimize tender breasts after breast-feeding. If at-home treatments do not help you find relief, consult your physician or lactation consultant.
Injury
In some instances, sore or painful nipples after breast-feeding can be a symptom associated with a nipple injury such as bruising, cracking or blistering. Continuing to breast-feed after this type of injury can be harmful because it increases the risk of infections, which can be passed along to your baby. If you experience pain after every nursing session, examine your breasts for signs of injury. Talk to your lactation consultant about options for feeding while your breast is healing.
Poor Latching
Finding the right "latch" or approach for your baby can make breast-feeding difficult. Tender, sore breasts after feeding can indicate you have not yet found the right position for breastfeeding. If your baby seems to be hungry or fussy after a feeding session, this can indicate he is not latching properly. A lactation consultant can help you find a better latch and reduce post-breastfeeding nipple soreness.
Clogged Milk Ducts
Clogged milk ducts can be a contributor to mastitis, a condition that causes nipple soreness after feeding and can contribute to an abscess developing in your breast. To prevent clogged ducts, you can massage your breasts prior to breast-feeding to loosen any potentially clogged ducts and stimulate infection-fighting particles toward your breasts. Taking a warm shower after breast-feeding also may help to relieve symptoms associated with plugged milk ducts. If your symptoms do not improve after 72 hours, however, see your physician.
Treatment
To minimize the immediate symptoms of sore nipples after breast-feeding, you can apply an antibiotic nipple ointment aimed at preventing infections. Always remember to wipe this ointment off before breast-feeding your baby. You also may wish to apply a moisturizing ointment that can help to prevent dryness and cracking following feedings. Lanolin is a common ingredient for such moisturizers because it traps moisture in. If you experience breast swelling post-feeding, applying ice packs or cool cloths for 10 minutes can reduce pain.
