How to ease breastfeeding pain

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural method of strengthening the mother-baby bond. Occasionally, however, it’s not quite so straightforward. Discomfort or pain is experienced by many new mothers, especially during the first few days of breastfeeding. No one should have to quietly suffer from breastfeeding pain, we at Dr. Avhad Hospital believe. With appropriate guidance, support, and skills, discomfort can be reduced and the breastfeeding experience is enjoyed.

Why Does Breastfeeding Hurt?

It is important to know that there should be some soreness at the beginning, but breastfeeding should not be long-term painful. Pain can occur due to several different causes, such as:

Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step towards relief. At Dr. Avhad Hospital, our lactation consultants are trained to analyze and correct such issues with tenderness and professionalism.

Tips That Work to Relax Breastfeeding Discomfort

A few tips, which work perfectly well to reduce breastfeeding discomfort and make feeding effortless, are:

1. Get a Good Latch

A bad latch is the most common reason for nipple tenderness. Your baby must draw in both the nipple and most of the areola. Check for rhythmic sucking and jaw movement. Use your finger to break the suction gently if pain continues after the initial minutes of feeding, and try feeding again.

2. Try Different Positions

Shifting your breastfeeding position can ease pressure and avoid soreness. Common positions are:

Try out different positions to determine the one that is most comfortable and will enable your baby to latch deeply and effectively.

3. Use Warm or Cold Compresses

Before feeding, a warm compress can be used to get milk flowing and ease tightness. After feeding, a cold compress can help ease pain and reduce inflammation. Wrap your compresses in a soft cloth at all times to be kind to your skin.

4. Apply Lanolin or Nipple Cream

5. Express a Little Milk Before Feeding

Sometimes, especially when breasts are very full, it is helpful to hand express or pump a little bit of milk ahead of feeding. This relaxes the areola, which is more comfortable for your baby to get a good hold of and which reduces the chance of nipple trauma.

6. Nurse Often and as Needed

Don’t wait until your breasts are engorged. Often, nursing also helps to prevent engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis. Responding to your baby’s hunger cues ensures a consistent milk supply and prevents pain.

7. Look for a Tongue-Tie or Other Problems

Sometimes, pain persists due to tongue-tie, a condition in which a baby’s tongue movement is restricted. This leads to an inadequate latch. At Dr. Avhad Hospital, our lactation consultants and pediatricians are on hand to diagnose and treat this condition should it arise.

8. Take Care of Yourself

Rest, adequate fluids, and wholesome eating support healthy milk-making and overall well-being. If you’re uncomfortable, be good to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to need help. A healthy, contented mom is the best gift your baby could receive.

When to Seek Help

If the pain continues after you try these procedures, or in case you note signs of infection (redness, fever, or flu symptoms), you have to see a doctor. At Dr. Avhad Hospital, our team is prepared to support you through each stage of breastfeeding. You need not experience it alone.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding should be a pleasurable experience, not painful. With proper care and assistance, most breast pain can be overcome in no time. We at Dr. Avhad Hospital take it on ourselves to enlighten mothers with the proper information, resources, and knowledge so that they are able to become the best in their new role.

If you are finding it challenging with breastfeeding discomfort, do not hesitate to contact us. Our supporting staff is only a call away.