How to Prevent Painful Breastfeeding

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable for new mothers, but continued feedings should not be painful. Nursing is meant to be a special and pleasant experience for you and your baby. There are several things you can do to prevent breastfeeding pain, and getting educated on the proper way to breastfeed will help you do so without experiencing too much pain. Be sure to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant if pain is severe and does not go away. Prevent painful breastfeeding by positioning the baby the right way before you nurse, helping your baby to latch on properly and feeding as often as your baby wants.

Steps

1. Talk about your breastfeeding plans with your doctor or midwife before you give birth. He or she will be able to recommend books and other resources to help you learn proper breastfeeding procedures.
2. Talk to your lactation consultant in the hospital. This is a breastfeeding consultant who can help you understand breastfeeding methods that will prevent you from feeling pain.
3. Understand the causes of breastfeeding pain so you can avoid behaviors that might contribute to discomfort in breastfeeding.
   • Look for signs of engorgement, which can halt the flow of milk and cause pain.
   • Notice the state of your nipples. Sore nipples are normal when you start, but dry and cracked nipples or bleeding can cause pain during breastfeeding and is not normal.
   • Talk to your doctor about the signs of mastitis. Mastitis is an infection that can cause painful, red and swollen breasts. You might have the infection if you notice a fever and red marks on your breasts.
4. Make sure your baby latches on properly. This will ensure your baby does not cause you any pain while you breastfeed.
   • Position your baby properly so he or she can latch on and feed. There are several positions that work, and your lactation consultant or physician can show you how to do them.
5. Nurse your baby regularly. Feeding your baby every 1 to 3 hours will ensure your milk flows properly.
   • Allow your baby to fully drain the milk from one breast before moving to the other breast.
6. Keep your breasts free from any bacteria or yeast that may cause infections.
   • Wash bras, pumping equipment and nursing pads after use.
   • Wash your hands before and after you breastfeed.
7. Give your breasts comfort and freedom when you are not breastfeeding.
   • Wear unrestrictive bras and loose fitting tops.
8. Massage breasts if they become engorged. If it has been a while between feedings and your breasts are sore, rub them lightly and express a little milk to give yourself some relief.
9. Try not to use feeding props such as nipple shields and pacifiers. This can interfere with your baby's natural latching and sucking, which might cause you pain when you breastfeed.
10. Keep your nipples dry to prevent them from getting chapped and sore. If possible, allow them to get some air after breastfeeding.
11. Wean your baby from breastfeeding gradually instead of abruptly. This will reduce the pain you might feel when you stop nursing.
12. Drink a lot of water, and follow a proper diet. Staying hydrated and healthy is essential to keeping the milk flowing through your ducts. Blocked milk ducts will lead to painful breastfeeding.

Tips

• Try taking a supplement such as lecithin every day to prevent clogged milk ducts, which can lead to painful breastfeeding.

Warnings

• Do not use soaps, alcohols or creams on your breasts or nipples when you are breastfeeding. Warm water is all you need to clean your breasts when you are bathing.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Prevent Painful Breastfeeding. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.