Breastfeeding is best for your baby, and also has added benefits for you. It’s a great way to bond with your baby, can help your uterus contract to its normal size, and can you help you lose your pregnancy weight. Unfortunately the first few days and weeks can be uncomfortable and downright painful. Here are ways to ease your pain.
- Sore and cracked nipples are common when you first begin to breastfeed. You can apply a topical nipple cream like Lansinoh, or you can express breastmilk and then rub that on your nipples and let it air dry. You’ll want to avoid using soap when you shower or bathe, and try to keep your nipples dry.
- Engorgement is when your breasts become hard, sore and swollen. It is caused by your body producing too much milk, and is common as your body tries to regulate how much milk your infant is taking in. During this time it may help if you massage your breasts, place a warm cloth on them, or just nurse your baby.
- Blocked ducts can be very painful. You will notice them as a hard, tender, red lump in your breast. You can attempt to clear it by massaging the area, bathing it in hot water, and continually nursing that breast.
- It is common to leak between feedings or from one side while you are breastfeeding on the other side. This will begin to diminish as your supply "regulates" itself, but may never disappear completely. You can wear breast pads or apply pressure with your arm or hand to stop the leaking.
- Mastitis is an infected duct and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of mastitis are similar to flu-symptoms.
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