Why Does It Hurt when Breastfeeding?
On episode 64 of the Learning to Mom Podcast, I had a conversation with Diane & Abby, hosts of the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast. We discussed common issues moms may have when breastfeeding & how to manage them.
Soreness is no fun, especially if you have to breastfeed often. It’s also annoying to deal with a low or high supply of milk. If you’re facing these obstacles & just don’t know what to do, these tips can help!
Want to learn more??
Listen to episode Overcoming Pain, Low Supply, and Over Supply in Breastfeeding with the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast | Ep. 64
Where you’ll gain insights into breastfeeding!
Your Breast Changes When Your Milk Comes in
When you first begin to lactate, your nipples may feel:
Heavy
Full
Bigger
Uncomfortable
One of the best ways to manage this is to feed your baby consistently, as that will help keep your breasts comfortable.
Do you have Good Positioning While Breastfeeding?
Ever wondered how to hold your newborn during breastfeeding?
Finding the right position is important to have a good feeding session.
To ensure comfort for both you and your newborn, your baby’s nose should be close to the nipple.
Ideally, you should bring your baby to your breast, not the other way around.
Is your baby sucking & swallowing during breastfeeding? This is an important thing to watch for during feeding.
Sucking & swallowing are signs of a healthy, breastfeeding position.
Ooof, what is that??
Milk Ducts can get swollen
Type of breast swelling
Usually caused by an over-supply of milk.
These hard spots in the breast can be very painful & uncomfortable
Mastitis
A breast infection that may cause pain, burning, or flu-like symptoms.
This infection is sometimes caused by a plugged milk duct/too much milk.
**Use ice to reduce the swelling**
Signs of Nipple Damage - Do I have nipple damage?
When you’re breastfeeding, it’s alright if you experience discomfort. Still, certain changes in your nipples are not good.
In general, you should watch out for:
Extended discomfort/pain during breastfeeding (during the whole feed)
Cracking
Bruising
Blistering
Milk Ducts or Mastitis
If you develop a fever during breastfeeding, you need antibiotics.
How To Overcome an OverSupply in Breastfeeding
If you’re dealing with aching and pain from too much milk, there’s simple ways to solve this.
First 2 Weeks
During the first two weeks, stick to just breastfeeding. This will allow your body to adjust to making milk.
After 2 Weeks
After the first two weeks, you can start pumping, but only the amount you need (for the following day, for example).
Feeding your baby on-demand and when they’re hungry is a good way to get rid of the extra milk.
Signs of Good Breastfeeding
When your newborn breastfeeds, how do you tell a good latch from a bad latch?
First off, you should only feel discomfort for the first 30 to 60 seconds.
Aside from your baby tugging on the nipple, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Your nipple should retain its round shape when your baby comes off. If there’s lasting pain, tenderness, or soreness in the breast, then there’s a problem.
Be a Breastfeeding Bombshell
After a month, your body should start to regulate its milk.
No one size fits all, so don’t sweat it if this isn’t you. The timing is different for everyone.
Don’t be afraid if you have any undersupply or oversupply, as this will change.
Want to learn more?? Listen to episode Overcoming Pain, Low Supply, and Over Supply in Breastfeeding with the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast | Ep. 64
Where you’ll gain insights into breastfeeding!
