Good morning
After the delivery, I am having pain in my breast during feeding. Why?

Question

Good morning 
After the delivery, I am having pain in my breast during feeding. Why?

Accepted Answer

Pain in the breast during feeding after delivery is a relatively common issue and can have several possible causes. Here are some reasons why you might be experiencing pain:

1. Engorgement: What it is: Engorgement occurs when your breasts become overly full of milk, making them swollen, hard, and painful. Why it happens: This usually happens a few days after delivery as your milk comes in. What you can do: To relieve engorgement, try breastfeeding more frequently, or use a breast pump to express milk if your baby is not nursing often enough. 2. Nipple Soreness: What it is: New mothers often experience sore nipples as they adjust to breastfeeding, especially in the early days. Why it happens: It can be due to improper latch, friction, or the baby not feeding correctly. What you can do: Ensure your baby has a proper latch. Try different breastfeeding positions, and use a lanolin cream or nipple balm to soothe sore nipples. 3. Mastitis: What it is: Mastitis is a breast infection caused by a blocked milk duct, leading to inflammation and pain. Why it happens: If milk is not drained properly or there is a crack in the nipple, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. What you can do: If you have pain, redness, and flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), it's important to consult a doctor. You may need antibiotics to treat it. 4. Blocked Milk Ducts: What it is: A blocked duct happens when milk doesn’t flow freely from the breast, causing pain and lumps in the breast. Why it happens: Overfull breasts or poor drainage can cause milk to build up in the ducts. What you can do: Try gentle massage or warm compresses before feeding to help unblock the duct. Continue breastfeeding to relieve the pressure. 5. Thrush (Fungal Infection): What it is: Thrush is a fungal infection that can affect both the mother’s nipples and the baby’s mouth, causing pain while breastfeeding. Why it happens: Thrush can develop after antibiotics or if there’s an imbalance in bacteria in the body. What you can do: If you notice white patches on your baby’s tongue or mouth, and you experience sharp pain in your nipples, contact your doctor for antifungal treatment. 6. Poor Latch: What it is: A poor latch can cause discomfort and pain while feeding. Why it happens: If your baby’s latch is shallow or incorrect, it can lead to nipple pain and inadequate milk transfer. What you can do: Make sure your baby’s mouth covers not just the nipple but also part of the areola. You may want to consult a lactation consultant for help with latching techniques. When to Seek Medical Help: If the pain persists or worsens, or if you have flu-like symptoms, redness, swelling, or fever, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out infections or other underlying issues.

Taking care of your breastfeeding technique and ensuring the baby is properly latched can often help reduce pain. Let me know if you need more guidance or assistance!

Good morning After the delivery, I am having pain in my breast during feeding. Why?