Does Breastfeeding hurt ?

Does Breastfeeding hurt ?

Before a childbirth, future moms can have some apprehension about breastfeeding. They are many to asking questions about it : will I be able to breastfeed? Will I have enough milk? Breastfeeding, is it painful? This last question is one of those that comes up most frequently ...

Does Breastfeeding hurt ?

It’s not right or wrong. Pains are different for every mom even if in general the first breastfeeding days are not without discomfort and embarrassment. That’s normal that in the first days after the childbirth and the first day of breastfeeding to feel some pains and tension at the level of the chest. In some cases, despite the passing days, pain can stay.

The phenomenon of breasts engorged

After the childbirth, some woman has the phenomenon of breasts engorged, which causes some pains and discomfort. This phenomenon arrived between the second and the sixth day after the pregnancy. There is then an abundance of breastmilk in your breasts in parallel with an increased flow of blood that irrigates your chest. These two events result in swollen and painful breasts. This phenomenon disappears normally few days after the childbirth.

Baby cannot take a breast

If the pain appears at the level of the nipples, that’s maybe a sign that the position of your baby is bad and / or that baby does not take well in your mouth. It probably only takes the nipple and not the areola, his mouth then pinches your breast, hence the appearance of pain. Try different positions because some babies prefer some more than others.

How to reduce the pain?

Depending on where the pain comes from, there are several ways to reduce the pain:

If your breasts are tight, you can apply warm compresses and do small massages. This will allow your chest to relax. If you have applied a compress before a feed, it will also help baby to suckle.

If your breasts are engorged, new moms usually apply cold compresses to reduce the pain.

What to do if the pain persists?

In case of doubt and persistent pain, do not hesitate to contact a lactation consultant or your doctor