What Do You Do When Breastfeeding Hurts?

Although  it is normal to feel discomfort or sensitivity in the beginning  when the baby starts to suckle, it is not normal for you to feel a lot of pain.

However, if you are going through this stage and you are feeling pain in your breasts, we encourage you to read on.

Here we will explain several reasons why many women say that breastfeeding hurts and what you can do about it. 

Factors that can cause breastfeeding to hurt

There are several reasons why some mothers say that breastfeeding hurts. Among these are:

• The baby does not cling properly to the nipple. When the newborn does not properly grasp the nipple, or sucks properly, it  can often cause the nipple to hurt. Furthermore, cracks can occur, which are painful and can cause bleeding.
• Too tight tongue band.  Sometimes babies have a too tight tongue band – also called ankyloglossia. This can cause the baby to not be able to properly grasp the nipple,  thus ingesting the amount of milk he needs.

• Mammary gland inflammation. This is usually the result of an infection penetrating through open cracks. The symptoms: the chest becomes hot and hurts a lot, chills, lethargy and fever.

• Mushroom. This may be due to infection,  or perhaps the baby has fungus in his mouth because he has taken certain antibiotics. Among the symptoms are: pink and moist chest with sharp pains.
• Breast obstruction.  This occurs when the milk ducts are blocked, causing great pain. It can occur in just a single breast. The skin turns red, a white dot appears on the nipple, and then a lump breaks out.
• Chest constipation. This occurs when the milk runs down after you start breastfeeding. It can cause the breasts to swell and hurt.

What can be done when breastfeeding hurts?

To make the time you spend breastfeeding your baby as painless and comfortable as possible, take note of the following tips:

• When breastfeeding,  hold the baby’s head straight and wait for him to open his mouth wide. When he does so, hold the breast with one hand, and direct it into the baby’s palate. Be sure his mouth covers most of the areola.

• You should breastfeed every 2 hours.  At night, you may need to wake him up to breastfeed him as he will often eat the same way he does during the day.
• If the baby only drinks from one breast,  offer the other breast the next time you breastfeed. That way, you will avoid straining just one.
• Change position when breastfeeding  so that you can more easily relieve the discomfort and pain.
• Avoid going with bras that are too tight. Otherwise, it may cause increased pressure or friction on the skin.

• Wash your nipples with just lukewarm water. Do not use soaps that contain alcohol or other chemicals as it may cause irritation and dry them out.

• To avoid cracks in the nipples, and to cure them,  the best treatment is the breast milk itself. 
• Try to stay calm and avoid stress. 

In any case,  your doctor will be the one who can best advise you on what to do if the pain becomes more and more intense. 

While it is true that motherhood involves moments that require effort, suffering and pain should never be excessive.