5 Remedies To Relieve Breast Pain During Breastfeeding
Breast pain during breastfeeding usually occurs in the first few weeks. According to estimates, it is believed that at least 90% of women experience this type of problem. However, these are pains that are, in fact, transient. Around the fifth day of breastfeeding, the nipples will be very sore, but we cannot stop breastfeeding.
Therefore, it is a good idea to improve this situation without giving up breast-feeding. In addition, it is necessary that the medicine we use to relieve the pain is not dangerous for the baby. Likewise, it is necessary to correct some practices that may be harming us. For example, the way the baby takes the breast is known to be the main cause of problems.
Below we will tell you how to proceed to relieve pain in the breasts during the breastfeeding stage.
Improving the position of the mouth on the breast helps to prevent breast pain during breastfeeding
The baby can hurt us by sucking only the nipple. To improve this situation we need to ensure that the baby’s mouth covers most of the areola . We need to make him open his mouth more, we can do this by inserting his finger.
This may cause pain for the first few weeks until you get used to the procedure. However, as the baby’s abilities improve, our situation also improves.
Apply a warm compress to avoid breast pain during breastfeeding
Moist heat has been shown to be an effective reliever of breast pain. Also, it can help the skin heal quickly. To apply this remedy, it is recommended to use a clean towel. We wet the cloth with warm water, preventing it from being hot. Remove excess water and place the compress over the nipple directly.
We leave the towel placed on the breast until it decreases in temperature, until it reaches room temperature. When it has cooled, we repeat the process. This remedy can also be applied to relieve pain caused by breast congestion.
Use hydrogel pads
The hydrogel pads are a product specially created to be used as a pain reliever in the breasts. These are sheets made of silicone that create a protective barrier. Also, due to their composition, they can be refreshing and calming.
Its main function is to prevent the bra or nursing pads from hurting us. Its size is equivalent to that of the areola, so it offers protection where we need it most.
Apply breast milk
Breast milk contains natural emollients that are very effective in helping to heal sore breasts. Its bactericidal action helps to protect and cure quickly. It is ideal to be applied when there are sores or cracks on the nipples.
Squeeze a few drops of your own milk and rub over the nipples. Before covering the breast, wait for the milk to dry completely.
Balms and ointments to combat breast pain during breastfeeding
On the market there are a multitude of options to treat breast pain resulting from breastfeeding. However, not all of these products are convenient. There is even the possibility that those containing lanolin can cause allergic reactions; in addition, its odor and taste are not always pleasant for the baby.
In this case, if we use a cream that causes the baby to refuse, we can jeopardize their feeding.
However, some natural remedies in the form of balms and ointments create a barrier and soothe the pain. For example, it is recommended to use olive oil or products that contain it as a base. This element does not interfere with odor or taste, it is natural and very effective.
The ointments to base calendula also help soothe the pain. Likewise, the advantage of using these products is that they contribute to the healing of the nipples.
Although breasts donate a lot to us, it is not recommended that we abandon breastfeeding. It is very important to continue breastfeeding unless your doctor decides otherwise. In any case, if the pain is unbearable, it will be because some complication has arisen, or we are undergoing some treatment that prevents us from giving the breast, and we can always use the pump to avoid compromising the milk supply.
