Whether you are an experienced mother or a new mother nursing for the first time, you may experience a number of common problems and have many questions roaming on top of your head. Like the natural course of life, breastfeeding comes with its own ups and downs, and knowing how to take care of them along the way makes your life easier. Breastfeeding can be a long journey, and taking care of yourself along the way ensures a safe, comfy and most importantly, healthy journey. Let’s discover what can be wrong and what can be done about each of them.

The Importance of Nipple and Breast Care During Breastfeeding

During pregnancy, most women’s nipples go through many changes, from becoming larger to more sensitive. And when your newborn starts feeding from them or you start pumping, more pressure and suction are created, which strains the nipple even more. Breastfeeding can take a long time as well; some babies even nurse for up to an hour, and your baby may feed up to 13–14 times a day. This daily strain on your nipples can go on for up to 2 years if your body keeps producing milk, which brings us to the importance of care. With this amount of strain, it is normal for your breasts to hurt or feel sore from time to time, but treating problems swiftly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the comfort of yourself and your baby. 

Can breastfeeding cause pain in my breasts?

Especially in the early weeks, where both you and your baby are still in the learning phase, breastfeeding can cause pain. This discomfort is usually caused by an improper latch, sore nipples or engorgement. In other cases, blocked milk ducts or infections such as mastitis can lead to more severe pain. If the pain does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or swelling, it is important to consult a doctor to address the issue.

What are the most common breastfeeding problems new mothers experience? 

It is common for new mothers to experience sore nipples, engorged breasts, and blocked milk ducts. These issues can lead to discomfort or anxiety, especially in the early weeks. Understanding these common challenges and seeking support from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants can help alleviate concerns and make breastfeeding a positive experience. 

When should I consult a doctor about breastfeeding problems?

Persistent pain, signs of infection such as redness, fever or flu-like symptoms are signs that you need to consult a professional. If breastfeeding difficulties such as poor latch, sore nipples or blocked ducts do not improve with basic home remedies, a doctor can help assess and offer treatment to prevent more serious issues like mastitis from developing, while ensuring your comfort and peace of mind. 

Can I use soap on my breasts while breastfeeding?

Soap can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation during a time when your breasts are already sensitive and prone to damage, so it is generally recommended to avoid using soap on your breasts while breastfeeding. Rinsing your breasts with warm water is sufficient to keep them clean and prepared for nursing. If you feel the need to use soap, opt for a mild and unscented one, and avoid applying soap directly to the nipple area as it can lead to cracking and more discomfort. 

Sore Nipples 

Your nipples can feel sore after every feeding, and they can be red and pointy instead of round and smooth. Soreness in the nipples usually happens when your baby is not latched onto your breast properly and can be easily fixed. 

How can I prevent sore nipples while breastfeeding?

If your breast is sitting at the very back of your baby’s mouth, your baby will open their mouth very wide and take in a good deal of breast tissue, so there is nothing to get pinched, and it should not cause any nipple soreness at all. However, if your nipple is sitting in front of your baby’s mouth, you will feel the pinch every time your baby’s tongue comes up, and your baby will not have an easy time feeding either. You can insert your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the latch as soon as you feel pain and then try latching on again. Your baby should take at least one inch of areola into the mouth. Avoiding using soap, which can be drying and irritating, on your breasts can also ease the pain as well. You can wash with clean water, or use products specifically formulated for your breasts and nipples. You might also want to let some milk dry on your breast after feeding, which can help reduce some soreness, and use lanolin-based creams specifically for nipple inflammation and nipple soreness. Using nipple shields when not breastfeeding can also protect your sensitive nipples from any further pain or damage. 

How long does it take for sore nipples to heal?

The healing time of your nipples depends on the cause and the treatments you use to heal them. If the soreness is due to an improper latch, resolving the latch issue can bring relief within a couple of days. Nipple creams, cold compresses and air exposure also work to speed up healing. In most cases, sore nipples improve in one to two weeks. However, if pain persists, consult a doctor before taking any further steps. 

Are there any home remedies for sore nipples?

Applying breast milk to the nipples and allowing air drying promotes healing, as breast milk has antibacterial properties. Using lanolin-based creams after feeding also keeps the nipples moisturised, and cold compresses reduce pain and swelling. Nursing pads help minimise friction and irritation. Along with these, avoiding tight clothing protects your breasts from any further damage.

Infections or Painful Lumps

Your baby might be latched on properly and you might still develop sore or tender spots or painful lumps. These commonly result from a plugged milk duct or the early stages of an infection known as mastitis. 

What are the signs of a blocked milk duct?

Your baby might be latched on properly and you might still develop sore or tender spots or painful lumps. Along with pain and redness, you might experience a slower milk flow and the area may feel warmer than normal. These commonly result from a plugged milk duct. You might try applying moist or dry heat compresses to your breasts three times a day for 10 minutes and massage your breasts when taking a warm shower. As the duct unplugs, you may express some milk, which helps relieve pain. Continuing to feed on that breast is important for breastfeeding and helps further open the milk ducts. 

What are the signs of a breast infection (mastitis)?

If you have pain and tenderness and also feel fatigued, are running a fever, and have some flu-like symptoms, you might have a breast infection. Applying moist or dry heat compresses to your breast three times a day for 10 minutes and massaging your breast when taking a warm shower might still help with the infectious ducts but if your fever does not break in 24 hours, you might need further medical help. Call your doctor, but in the meantime, experts say do not stop breastfeeding; as your milk is filled with antibodies, it does not harm your baby.

How can I prevent breast infections?

Ensuring that your baby latches on properly, and frequently breastfeeding helps avoid engorgement and blocked ducts. Keeping breasts clean, and avoiding using soap helps maintain healthy skin. If you notice signs of blocked ducts, addressing it quickly helps you prevent it from developing into an infection. 

Can I take medication for a breast infection while breastfeeding?

According to professionals, medication can be taken while breastfeeding, but it is important to consult a doctor to make sure the prescribed medication is safe for both you and your baby. Most antibiotics used to treat mastitis are compatible with breastfeeding and will not affect your milk supply. Continuing to breastfeed from the affected breast can help clear the infection more quickly as well.

Yeast Infections or Thrush

Yeast infections are less troubling, but still an uncomfortable condition on the surface of the breast skin. This problem can develop anytime, even after months of successful nursing. 

What are the symptoms of thrush in babies?

Thrush is a form of yeast infection that thrives on milk, and this infection will likely affect you and your baby. Signs of thrush include red or pink shiny skin that usually itches, and may flake or peel. To understand whether or not your baby is infected as well, look for white spots on the inside of the cheeks, which may resemble cottage cheese, or sometimes a persistent nappy rash. These spots cannot be easily wiped away and may cause discomfort during feeding. If you have a yeast infection, you might also have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection with clumpy white discharge and extreme itchiness. 

Can I continue breastfeeding if I have a yeast infection (thrush)?

During this time you do not have to stop breastfeeding but both you and your baby need treatment. In this situation, do not try to heal it with home remedies, as they may worsen the situation, and consult your physician for the best treatment both for you and your baby.

Engorged Breasts 

Engorgement can develop when your milk begins to flood your breasts. Once the milk starts to come into the ducts, lymph fluids and blood also fill your breasts, which can cause the breast tissue to swell. And since the tissue pushes down on the milk ducts, the ducts sometimes can shut. In conclusion, breast milk builds up inside the breast and engorgement occurs. 

What can I do to relieve engorged breasts?

Your best solution might be placing cold packs on the breast, for about 20 minutes. This can help reduce the swelling and allow the ducts to open. Also, right before nursing, you can put a warm pack on your nipples for a few minutes to help with the milk flow and provide a better feeding experience. Showers can affect engorgement badly, as warm pouring water can dilate blood vessels and increase the swelling and congestion in your breast. During this time, the most important thing is to keep on nursing, as this can prevent accumulation and lessen the chances of engorgement.

If you have any further questions about breastfeeding and breast care, we have a Breastfeeding Guide curated just for you! Make sure to check it out to provide both yourself and your baby with the best.