For mothers who opt for breastfeeding, it is a healthy, practical approach to feeding a baby. But both you and your infant are learning as well. Rarely is it mentioned that while breastfeeding generally doesn’t hurt at all, there are moments when it really does. Anyone who has breastfed a baby understands that discomfort can occasionally be expected, particularly in the beginning.
Sadly, many new moms learn this lesson the hard way after only a few days of breastfeeding, when they are alone, exhausted, and suffering from severely engorged breasts, tender lumps, cracked nipples, or irritated areolas. Such conditions make it difficult to provide the most benefits of breastfeeding to your infant, so it’s important to find a solution that does not cause pain and that causes minimal discomfort.
Pain During Breastfeeding Sessions
The majority of uncomfortable side effects of breastfeeding are easily addressed and avoidable. Information is essential, ideally before the sore nipples and other uncomfortable problems appear, but modifications can be taken at any time to significantly lessen symptoms. Even if you’re following all the “correct” steps, you can still experience unpleasant breast tissue or sensitive nipples.
Fortunately, comfort could only require a few little tweaks, so don’t give up because you believe breastfeeding pain will never go away. How then do you endure the momentary (albeit occasionally agonising) discomfort? We’re prepared to assist.
Ensure a Proper Latch
You may wish to call your GP, midwife, or lactation consultant first to ask for guidance or a recommendation to a local breastfeeding specialist if you are having difficulties getting a proper latch during breastfeeding. An improper latch is one of the biggest reasons why mothers experience pain or discomfort during breastfeeding.
Be aware that these problems are fairly common and that you don’t have to solve (or endure) your breastfeeding problems by yourself. The majority of the time, a weak latch and uneven milk reserve drainage are the causes of sore nipples, sensitive lumps, and engorged breasts.
If left uncorrected, an ineffective, painful latch could make you feel worse and possibly reduce the amount of milk you produce, particularly if you wind up favouring one breast over the other or not draining your breasts completely after each feeding.
How to Make Breastfeeding More Comfortable
A medical professional or a certified lactation consultant can help you solve latch issues, recommend the best and most comfortable feeding position, and determine whether there are any other underlying causes. Yet what should you do if you have an appointment in two days but are currently in pain?
Try switching up and altering your nursing positions on your own in the interim. Make sure your infant is connecting to the areola as well as latching to the nipple. Utilizing a nipple lotion, gently massaging “clogged” milk ducts, and allowing breasts to air dry in between feedings are additional straightforward remedies that can lessen soreness.
Another popular alternative to natural breastfeeding positions is to consider the use of an electric breast pump. These devices can help mums produce breastmilk whenever they feel like it, without the need to feed at uncomfortable times or if the nipples are sore.
Author bio: Anita Browne, Product Sales Specialist, O’Flynn Medical, a leading supplier of healthcare equipment, including electric breast pumps, electric beds for elderly individuals, and much more.