One breast hurts while breastfeeding. Body position during breastfeeding. Comfortable underwear

mother's milk - the best food for the baby. At breastfeeding mother and child come together under the influence of joint emotional satisfaction. But sometimes this feeling of closeness is overshadowed by pain in the mammary glands. By immediately identifying and eliminating the cause of anxiety, you can avoid long-term treatment and interruption of feeding

Normal and pathological

After childbirth female breast especially sensitive. Flows of milk are accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the mammary glands. Some heaviness, and sometimes tingling or tingling in them, are natural signals that it is time to feed the baby. Initially uncomfortable, they reduce their intensity after a few days. But in the first week, the tide happens even when feeding, disturbing the young mother.

At this time, a slight reddening of the nipples is acceptable. Their sensitive skin rubs with the gums of the child, responds with a slight burning sensation. It should disappear after a few feedings. If this does not happen, then in no case should the increasing pain be tolerated. It means the appearance of cracks that become the gateway for infection. A nursing mother needs to learn how to properly apply the baby, make sure that he completely captures both the nipple and the areola.

The described soreness in the mammary glands during feeding can be called natural and it is “treated” by regular feeding. After recovery menstrual cycle breast filling before menstruation returns. But there are other reasons why a breastfeeding woman has breast pain:

cracks in the nipples;
lactostasis;
mastitis;
thrush and other infections;
abrupt interruption of feeding.

In classes for expectant mothers and after childbirth nurses teach some relaxation techniques to help cope with the "hot flashes". They show how to hold the baby while feeding, wean him from the breast without damaging the skin of the nipple. Simultaneously illuminated anxiety symptoms while breastfeeding.

Improper attachment

The mammary gland, which the baby sucks, should be supported from below by the mother's hand. The child's chin necessarily touches the breast, and the nipple, together with the areola, is in the mouth. In another case, the mother experiences, and the damaged skin hurts after.

If proper attachment does not save, then the nursing mother should pay attention to the length of the frenulum in the child. A short bridle stretches over time. But for general health, it may be safer to incise it. This operation is performed by a pediatric therapist or dentist.

To avoid inflammation of microcracks and abrasions on the nipples, the mother must take care of her own hygiene. For this:

after feeding, the remaining milk is expressed and the breast is washed;
nipples immediately lubricated sea buckthorn oil or other healing drugs;
dry the skin in the open air;
avoid tight or uncomfortable bras;
use breast pads and change them in time.

These simple procedures help heal existing skin damage. If there are no diseases, the mammary glands are alternated at each feeding, after which they are cleaned and carried out. air baths.

Thrush in mother and child

Sharp in a nursing mother, burning and itching is one of important symptoms thrush. The activity of the fungus of the genus Candida can occur during feeding at any time. Arising in the mouth of an infant, colonies of harmful microorganisms also spread to maternal breast.

A whitish coating on the reddened mucous membranes of the oral cavity, the general anxiety of the baby - the first warning signs fungal infection. Although it rarely affects the milk ducts, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. The therapist prescribes treatment for two at once.

lactostasis

For three months, the mother's body gets used to the needs of the newborn. During this period, breastfeeding is important regularity and frequency. At first, there may be less or more milk than the baby needs. Later, the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which are responsible for the amount of nutrient fluid, normalizes. It is the latter that prevents the stagnation of milk in the mammary gland.

Oxytocin relaxes the milk ducts. baby crying, care and even thoughts about the baby increase its production. And excess anxiety interrupts the stable replenishment of the hormone. This is one of the causes of lactostasis, but others can be distinguished:

incomplete release of the breast from milk;
hypothermia, injury or injury mammary gland;
cracked nipples;
dehydration;
occlusion of the milk ducts improper feeding or underwear;
refusal to feed while continuing lactation.

Feeding becomes painful, but after it, relief is felt. The mammary gland, in which stagnation has occurred, swells, seals are felt in it, the local temperature rises, and milk is splashed unevenly or does not come out at all. This condition requires an immediate response, as it can be complicated by mastitis.

Mastitis and its difference from lactostasis

If milk retention in the milk ducts is not eliminated in 1-2 days, then congestive mastitis develops, quickly turning into an infectious form. Mastitis - inflammatory process, provoked by the coagulation of milk in the milk ducts and alveoli. It also occurs without previous stagnation if the mammary gland becomes infected through cracks in the nipples.

The early symptoms of mastitis are very similar to the signs of lactostasis, but are more pronounced. Complete differentiation is carried out using laboratory tests. But usually enough characteristic differences.

Palpation. With lactostasis, probing the seals does not increase the pain, and the accumulated milk has clear boundaries. With mastitis, the resulting infiltrate blurs the contours of the focus of inflammation, the chest hurts, swells and turns red.
Isolation of milk. Simple congestion is relieved by feeding from the diseased gland. Very painful pumping with inflammation does not bring relief - this is one of the important differences. Possible purulent discharge.
General state. Mastitis is characterized by constant fever body (37-38 ° C) or its sharp jump to high values.

Treatment of congestive mastitis is the same as for lactostasis. But if the disease has moved to the next stage, then they take a break in breastfeeding and carry out antibiotic therapy. To maintain lactation, continue to express milk.

Relief of pain during breastfeeding

In breastfeeding, the first months and the end of lactation are considered the most difficult. At this time, unpleasant complications are frequent. No special treatment is required to combat milk stasis, and pain is reduced in various ways.

More often give the baby the affected breast and decant the remnants. Breaks in feeding should be no more than 3 hours.
Before feeding, the breast is warmed with warm, but not hot water or apply a warm heating pad for 10 minutes. High temperatures are dangerous.
Continue easy training massage. Movements should be smooth, you can not press hard on tight places, so as not to pinch other ducts.
Since the baby may not have enough strength to pull out the thickened milk, a small amount of milk is expressed with a breast pump before applying.
Possible swelling is eliminated by applying cool cabbage leaves, arnica ointment or Troxevasin.
If signs of inflammation appear or improvement does not occur after 2-3 days, you should consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.

The entire period of lactation, a nursing mother should take care of her health and follow the rules of hygiene. To prevent the main causes of chest pain, comfortable underwear, sleeping on your side or back, regular feeding and pumping out leftovers can.

In this article:

The birth of a baby is a wonderful period in a woman's life. But the joy of communicating with the baby can overshadow some troubles. Young mothers celebrate pain occurring in the mammary glands. Many have chest pains with breastfeeding, both before and after feeding.

By nature and duration, the pain is pulling, piercing, short-term, constant and dull. To diagnose the pathology that caused discomfort, you need to visit a gynecologist. A speedy recovery depends on a timely visit to a specialist.

What is the cause of chest pain

In gynecology, there are several reasons why pain occurs. Some of them are associated with changes in the body after childbirth. Others are more dangerous pathologies require specific treatment.

Physiological pain during breastfeeding includes:

intense flow of milk during feeding;
improper grip on the breast by the child;
production of oxytocin;
feeding according to the regimen;
hyperlactation.

Among the pathologies that cause pain, there are:

lactostasis;
mastitis;
cracked nipples;
cystic inflammation of the breast;
candidiasis thoracic ducts;
the presence of malignant tumors in the gland.

Symptoms of physiological pain in the breast

If a woman experiences pain during breastfeeding, the symptoms should be analyzed and the cause identified as soon as possible. In some cases, the intervention of a doctor is not required.

Rush of milk

If the chest hurts during breastfeeding the first weeks after childbirth, while there are no seals and formations, this is a physiological process. During this period, there is an intense flow of milk to the glands. Soreness is associated with the expansion of the ducts of the glands. Mothers notice that the child does not have time to swallow milk, which spurts from the chest. After 1-2 minutes, everything falls into place: the pressure in the ducts drops, the baby sucks calmly, the pain in the chest subsides.

Incorrect latch on the nipple

Many new mothers do not properly attach the baby to the breast. Such actions lead to cracks in the delicate skin of the nipples and squeezing of the ducts near the areola. As a result, there is nagging pain while breastfeeding. To avoid this trouble, the mother must ensure that the baby captures the breast correctly. The baby's lips should be turned out a little, and the nipple, along with the areola, is captured by the baby's mouth.

Production of oxytocin

In the first weeks after childbirth, the uterus returns to its usual size. Its rapid reduction is facilitated by the production of a hormone - oxytocin. An intense release of the hormone occurs at the time of breastfeeding. At the same time, the woman experiences aching pain not only in the chest, but also in the lower abdomen. Unpleasant sensations will pass as soon as the uterus contracts to the proper size. This usually happens 1-1.5 months after birth.

Feeding according to the regimen

Many pediatricians recommend sticking to strict regime feeding. As a rule, such actions lead to overflow of the thoracic ducts with milk and stagnation in the glands. The chest becomes stone, painful. Relief comes with feeding or pumping.

Hyperlactation

All processes in the body are controlled by the brain. Since the body does not yet know how much milk is needed to satisfy the baby's hunger, it tries to produce it in excess. Closer to 3 months of a child's life, lactation will become mature and there will be the amount of milk that is necessary to meet the needs of the crumbs. Accordingly, the pain will disappear with time.

Symptoms of pathological pain during breastfeeding

You should be concerned if the mammary gland hurts during breastfeeding, and the following are added to the discomfort:

increase in body temperature;
aches, chills;
redness of the breast;
bloody discharge from the ducts;
the presence of cones and seals in the chest;
an increase in one breast in size in relation to the other.

Such symptoms indicate the presence of pathological foci of infection in the gland or neoplasms.

lactostasis

This problem is most common in breastfeeding women. In simple words- This is a blockage of the milk ducts, as a result of insufficient emptying of the breast. Occurs in the first month after childbirth. Intensive milk production leads to the fact that the child does not completely empty the breast. Milk stagnates, bacteria multiply in the ducts, which cause inflammation.

The disease progresses with lightning speed. Symptoms come on suddenly:

a sharp rise in body temperature up to 40 ° C;
chest pain when touching and feeding;
redness of the area of the affected gland;
selection breast milk drops;
enlargement of the diseased breast in size.

With rational treatment, the symptoms disappear after 3-4 days, and lactation returns to normal.

Mastitis

This is an inflammatory disease of the mammary glands, characterized by the development of an abscess. Milk from the breast is excreted with impurities of pus and blood. With this pathology, surgical excision of the affected gland is indicated.

Mastitis occurs when:

hypothermia;
trauma;
penetration of infection into the gland through microtraumas on the nipple.

Mastitis may be the result of advanced lactostasis.

Cracks in the nipples

The problem occurs in the following cases:

improper attachment of the child to the breast;
insufficient or excessive hygiene care;
improperly fitted bra;
improper pumping (pressure on the nipple).

As a rule, with cracks, the mammary gland hurts during breastfeeding. The saliva of the child irritates the delicate skin, which is accompanied by pain. Cracks are dangerous penetration through the affected skin infection, which leads to serious illnesses such as mastitis and breast candidiasis.

Candidiasis

With candidiasis (thrush), a woman experiences itching, burning and pain when feeding. Fungal infection and bacteria (staphylococci) penetrate the skin through cracks. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that a woman transmits candidiasis to a child during feeding. It is more difficult to treat a baby with thrush. fungal disease strikes oral cavity baby. The result is breast rejection due to discomfort.

cystic inflammation

Feeding may be accompanied by pain in the presence of a woman's breast benign formations- cyst. The size of the formation can be from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. Exact size cysts are diagnosed by ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. Education causes pain and a feeling of fullness when feeding. This is due to the fact that compression blood vessels and milk ducts. A woman can detect a large cyst on her own. Lying on your back with your hand raised up, each section of the gland is examined by palpation. If you find seals or bumps, you should contact your gynecologist.

breast cancer

In the presence of malignancy feeding causes pain, and blood is secreted from the glands. The main thing is not to panic. On early stages the disease can be successfully treated.

How to get rid of pain while breastfeeding

For pain of a physiological nature, specific treatment is not required. IN due date the body will return to normal, lactation will be established and the pain will pass. If the pain is caused by the pathology of the mammary glands, you should immediately consult a specialist.

With lactostasis, treatment is indicated aimed at eliminating stagnation of milk and relieving inflammation. It includes:

taking penicillin antibiotics;
massage with camphor oil;
warm shower;
antipyretic drugs;
frequent pumping of the affected breast.

mastitis requires surgical intervention. An abscess is removed along with the affected gland. If there are no purulent impurities in the milk, doctors prescribe conservative treatment predominantly antibiotics.

You can get rid of cracks with ointments containing panthenol and sea buckthorn oil. Regular care behind the breast of a nursing woman - the best remedy from cracks.

Breast cysts require observation. At intensive growth surgical treatment is indicated.

Candidiasis or thrush is treated with antifungal drugs. As a rule, Kandit ointment or Clotrimazole is prescribed.

If a woman has a malignant tumor, a rational treatment is prescribed by an oncologist.

Preventive actions

To avoid breast problems while breastfeeding, it is important to follow simple rules:

Follow the rules of hygiene - take a shower 1-2 times a day.
Inspect nipples daily for microtrauma.
Feed your baby on demand.
Stick to correct technique pumping.
Correctly apply the baby to the breast.
Avoid hypothermia.
Give the child a second breast only after the first is completely empty.
Regularly palpate the chest for lumps.
Have an annual check-up with specialists.

Pain during feeding may be different reasons. Even the most harmless nipple cracks can lead to the development serious pathologies. It is better to once again consult a specialist and prevent possible diseases.

Breast milk is essential for your baby full development. None adapted mixtures will not replace the value of mother's milk. Try to feed your child as long as possible, but do not forget about your own health.

Video on how to avoid cracked nipples

From the moment of birth, between mother and baby is established close connection. During breastfeeding, the child receives necessary food and acquires immunity. Any disease of a woman can easily be transmitted through milk, so it is important to determine the causes of chest pain as quickly as possible. Consider why it can be very painful to breastfeed a newborn or older baby, because breastfeeding is a natural process.

natural causes

In the very first days of a newborn, many mothers note that they feel chest pain when feeding. Causes do not always lie in pathologies. Often the pain is natural factor still unusual for a woman and a child process.

When a young mother is just starting to feed, then soft skin nipples are still getting used to it. After feeding, small cracks remain on it, which can cause pain.

Another reason why breastfeeding hurts is when milk comes in too quickly. The chest with GV seems to be bursting from the inside, sometimes it starts to hurt on the sides, and sometimes only the right or left hurts, and it becomes very unpleasant for the mother to feed.

In order to cope with discomfort, it is enough to attach the baby to the chest. Natural resorption process will help to cope with pain. The more often the baby will be applied to the breast, the less swelling will occur.

The formation of lactation lasts several months after its onset. Periodic "tides" of milk, accompanied by pain in the chest - this is the norm.

Important! If at this moment it is not possible to attach the child to the breast, you should use a breast pump.

Over time, the young mother will also develop a reflex and milk will appear by the time of feeding.

Incorrect latch on the nipple

Incorrect nipple latch is the most common cause of pain in a woman while breastfeeding. In addition, improper nipple grip causes:

the child does not eat;
swallows air;
problems with gas formation.

It is important for a woman to master the correct feeding technique with her baby.. Insert the nipple into the mouth so that it is at the level of the root of the tongue. This will prevent the possibility of injury and provide comfort to the child.

The physiological causes of improper nipple latching in breastfeeding can be pathologies of the child's palate or too short bridle under the lip. In both cases, consultation with a pediatrician and dentist is required.

Cracked nipples

The lack of experience in a young mother can lead to skin injury and the formation of cracks in the nipples. The reason for this may be improper care behind the chest. too frequent and aggressive washing leads to thinning of the skin and disrupts the water-lipid barrier, which leads to excessive dryness.

If such a problem occurs, a woman can resort to using special creams for the skin around the nipples with GV.

Another reason for the formation of cracks is the wrong pumping technique. It is best to use a breast pump to avoid injury.

We offer you to watch a video about the occurrence of nipple cracks in a nursing mother:

lactostasis

If the mammary gland is sick, then one of the reasons during the feeding period may be lactostasis. This is the stagnation of milk in the ducts of the mammary glands. This condition can be determined by the presence of seals in the chest and soreness during pressure. In a place where milk has stagnated, as a rule, a noticeable vascular network. With HB, one or more mammary glands can be affected.

Causes:

increased milk production;
violation of its outflow.

This problem is often found in young mothers immediately after the first birth. Milk arrives, but the baby still eats too little, therefore, the breast is not completely emptied. This leads to increased pressure in the ducts, as well as swelling and infiltration. As a result, a nursing mother has a feeling of discomfort, discomfort, or even a severe chest pain.

About lactostasis during breastfeeding is described in this video:

Mastitis

Mastitis is called the inflammatory process of the mammary gland due to the penetration of bacteria.. Symptoms of infection are severe chest pain and swelling, the appearance of seals and redness, as well as a sharp rise in body temperature. In most cases, mastitis is caused by a staph infection.

The reasons may be:

lactostasis;
cracked nipples.

Attention! Difficult childbirth and weakening of the body are provoking factors for the appearance of mastitis in a woman.

Diseases are diagnosed on the basis of palpation of the inflamed area and according to the results of ultrasound. A neglected case of mastitis can turn into a deformity of the mammary gland, the occurrence of sepsis, and even death.

The symptoms and treatment of mastitis are discussed in this video:

Vasospasm

Vasospasm, also known as Raynaud's disease, is a sudden contraction of blood vessels in the chest. Young mothers can celebrate sharp pain in the nipples immediately after cessation of feeding. The reason for this is vasospasm.

You can determine the disease by changing the color of the nipples from pink to white or even purple or blue. When the spasm passes, the nipple becomes its usual color again. This can last from several minutes to several hours and occur both on both breasts at once, and on one. In this case, the young mother will be able to temporarily feed the baby with only one breast.

The cause of the problem may be a systemic disease of the body on the background of autoimmune problems. In some cases, vascular contraction occurs due to the abuse of strong tea or coffee, which cause spasm.

Thrush

Thrush is a disease that occurs due to the penetration of a fungal or staphylococcal infection. Often the cause is damage or cracks in the nipples. At this point, it is easiest for bacteria to enter the body of a young mother and infect the baby.

Symptoms:

white coating on the nipples of the mother, as well as the cheeks and gums of the child;
discomfort and burning of the nipples.

During thrush, a woman will experience chest pain, which will increase as the infection penetrates deeper into the milk ducts. The disease develops against the background of low immunity, too rare or, conversely, frequent washing breasts, as well as hormonal changes.

What could be the reason for this if there are no seals in the mammary glands?

Not always chest pain is accompanied by the presence of seals. If the mammary gland does not have painful bright pronounced areas- this is a reason to exclude such a symptom during breastfeeding as lactostasis, since in most cases it has localization.

Additional symptoms of pain during feeding

A woman should be attentive not only to the presence of chest pains, but also to general condition organism. Additional symptoms will help the doctor prescribe necessary research and accurately diagnose, as well as determine a treatment plan.

The temperature has risen

Temperature with chest pain is a cause for serious concern. The combination of symptoms signals either milk stagnation or lactostasis. A noticeable increase in temperature along with chest pain is a sign of infection or inflammation. With such symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor, because without drug treatment not enough. A low temperature may indicate a sluggish inflammatory process.

Attention! Before associating a fever with chest pain, you should make sure that there are no symptoms of a cold or other diseases accompanied by fever.

Redness

Most often, redness, together with chest pain in a woman with GV, is caused by:

lactostasis;
mastitis;
mechanical damage.

If with GV the breast around the nipples is very reddened, then this may indicate the development of an infection, so this problem cannot be started.

Other

Others additional symptoms May be:

Itching- a sign of mastitis and thrush. It is important not to comb already damaged tissue. To relieve symptoms, the doctor prescribes special ointments.
Burning- another sign of a bacterial infection.
Discharge from the nipples- a symptom indicates the occurrence of a purulent-inflammatory process, which can lead to mastitis.

Diagnosis and treatment

Treatment of severe chest pain by a mammologist. You should contact him immediately if the symptoms are severe pronounced character and do not pass over time, as well as in the presence of high temperature. Diagnostic methods:

palpation of the chest;
blood analysis;
analysis of milk for the presence of infections;
Analysis of urine.

In some cases, an ultrasound of the mammary glands may be needed.

According to the results of the research, the doctor identifies the cause of the disease and prescribes therapy. If an infection is found, treatment will include bacterial therapy and healing procedures. Before the new mother is completely healthy, it may be necessary to transfer the child to artificial feeding. In case of severe pain, milk must be expressed, it is not advisable to feed the baby.

In some cases, a woman is prescribed conservative treatment. This may be applying hot compresses to the chest, massage of the mammary glands, water procedures and diet.

What can't be done?

For chest pain, do not:

Prevention

Prevention of the appearance of pain in the chest consists in a timely response to the appearance of discomfort and preventive measures. Prevention:

Regular baby feeding. This will help to avoid stagnation and, over time, will lead to even milk production.
Learning the right feeding technique. If the baby correctly captures the nipple, then the ducts of the mammary gland will be emptied, and the breast will not be injured.
Learning the right technique for expressing milk. Warm shower and breast massage before the procedure will make the process more physiological and safe.
Proper breast hygiene. You don't need to bathe too infrequently, but not too often either. The use of special moisturizing and, if necessary, wound healing agents is recommended.
Using the right underwear. Good breast support during the day will help to avoid squeezing the channels of the mammary gland.

Advice! In case of congestion in the chest, a warm compress should be used before feeding.

So does it hurt to feed small child breast milk, depends on the young mother. Chest pain during lactation frequent occurrence among nursing mothers. There are many reasons for its appearance. If there is a suspicion that the problem is caused by an infection, you should contact a specialist. You can not ignore the pain in the chest or nipples with breastfeeding, because it can affect not only lactation, but also the health of the baby.

One of the most touching moments after the appearance of a child in the family is the process of feeding him. At this time, a subtle psycho-emotional connection is established between mother and baby, which is so important for harmonious development crumbs. Unfortunately, sometimes the idyll is disturbed by uncomfortable or painful sensations in the chest, which can intensify when the baby is attached to the nipple. We will try to figure out why the chest hurts during feeding, whether it is necessary to interrupt feeding and whether such a situation is dangerous for the health of the mother and the newborn baby.

After childbirth, complex recovery processes take place in the female body all the time, which often affect the well-being of a nursing mother. Hormonal changes along with the development of breastfeeding affect the condition of the mammary glands. They increase due to the incoming milk, the nipples become more rough. Pain during breastfeeding can be caused by natural causes or the development of any disease. It depends on the cause of the pain whether a woman should seek medical help from a specialist or whether she can fix the problem herself.

Non-dangerous causes of pain

Pain that occurs in a nursing mother can cause the following reasons natural character:

intense flow of milk before or during feeding;
cracks in the nipple caused by a violation of the technique of feeding the child;
injuries caused by improper pumping or ill-fitting underwear;
premenstrual pain.

Let's take a closer look at each of these situations.

Flushes of breast milk. The hormones oxytocin and prolactin are responsible for milk production. They are intensively produced female body at the time of putting the baby to the breast. The more milk the baby sucks, the more it will arrive during subsequent feedings. Over time, when the baby's nutrition schedule is established, milk will arrive even before the start of feeding, and even with the mother's thoughts about her baby. If a lot of milk is produced, then before feeding, the woman feels the "bursting" of the breast.

In the first time after the birth of a child, the ducts of the mammary gland are not yet developed and milk moves slowly through them, especially the first, which has a high density due to its high fat content. Therefore, intense rushes of milk in some cases can cause tingling and even pain in the chest during feeding.

This problem does not require medical intervention and eventually goes away on its own as breastfeeding becomes established.

Cracks in the nipples. Very often, the chest of a nursing mother hurts when feeding if there are cracks on the nipple. They are formed most often due to a violation of the technique of applying the baby to the breast or can be caused by the eruption of the first teeth. Sometimes the nipple can be damaged if the breast is abruptly taken from the baby at a time when he still holds it firmly with his gums.

Peculiarities proper attachment baby while breastfeeding

Sometimes young mothers themselves provoke the development of cracks in the nipples. Firstly, they do not prepare the breast for feeding, which should be done on recent months pregnancy, conducting hardening and massage of the nipples. This is especially important if they have irregular shape, because of which the baby will not be able to grasp them correctly. Secondly, the excessive sterility of the nipples, which young mothers are trying to achieve, can actually harm both the child and the nurse herself.

Frequent washing of nipples with soap violates the natural microflora, which prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria on the surface of the skin, protects it from drying out and cracking. And the baby is deprived of the lactobacilli necessary for him to increase immunity. To heal cracks, use special creams. In addition, you need to eliminate the errors that led to their occurrence.

Injuries. Incorrect pumping can lead to microtrauma of the breast. Sometimes chest pain can be caused by an ill-fitting underwear. If side seams bras are not located in the costal zone, but on the mammary gland, the straps are not strong enough or the cups squeeze the chest too much, then after a while, when wearing such underwear, pain may appear. If you feel discomfort when putting on underwear, then replace it with a more comfortable one. Special underwear for nursing mothers does not have hard seams, protects the breast from injury and makes the process of feeding more convenient.

Breast pain is sometimes added to the usual premenstrual pain in nursing mothers. It is cyclic in nature, disappears after the onset of menstruation and completely disappears some time after the end of lactation.

Breast diseases

If the pain sensations described above do not usually require medical care, then the development of the disease in the mammary gland should not be ignored, since on initial stage it is much easier to treat.

Endocervicitis in nursing mothers after childbirth

Among the main diseases that can cause pain during breastfeeding, the following can be distinguished:

lactostasis;
mastitis;
candidiasis;
mastopathy.

Lactostasis is the blockage of one or more ducts of the mammary gland. The resulting milk plug causes quite severe pain at the location. The main symptoms are pain in the clogged segment, redness of the skin, the presence of seals, hot breasts. Despite the fact that the temperature of the gland itself rises, the temperature of the whole body usually does not exceed the norm. At the initial stage of lactostasis, milk does not change its taste and does not pose a danger to the child. On the contrary, doctors recommend feeding the baby more often with the diseased breast, and before that, massage it.

By sucking out the milk, the baby will help clear the clogged duct.

It is useful to make warm compresses and knead the formed seals as often as possible. The causes of lactostasis will help to establish a breastfeeding specialist, since there are quite a few of them. Untreated lactostasis in time leads to the development of a more serious disease - mastitis, therefore, if the first symptoms of the disease occur, you should carefully consider its treatment.

Mastitis. With acute inflammation of the mammary gland, the body temperature rises sharply, pain intensifies, then an internal purulent process begins, so it is impossible to feed a child with a sick breast. With untimely treatment, it is sometimes necessary to apply surgical methods And antibacterial drugs that negatively affect the health of the baby. Because the child for a long time not applied to the chest, and also under the influence high temperature the production of a diseased gland of milk can sharply decrease.

Candidiasis of the mammary gland is instantly transmitted from mother to infant, causing inflammation of the oral mucosa of the child. Both in the baby's mouth and on the nipples a white coating forms. At the first signs of illness, you should immediately stop breastfeeding, and give expressed milk to the baby only in boiled form. It is possible that children's immunity cope with the infection and treat only the mother will have to. In the area of the nipples, there is a burning sensation, itching, pain, the skin turns red. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, then fungal infection can penetrate into the milk ducts, causing sharp pain inside the chest. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is better to seek the help of a doctor who will select a safe and reliable medicine.

Tips for the expectant mother: how to prepare the breast for feeding

During the period of hormonal instability, mastopathy, which was observed in a woman before childbirth, may worsen. The attending physician will help you choose drugs that are safe for the child to relieve pain. Feeding the baby can be continued without restrictions.

A young mother can be discouraged by the appearance of pain and discomfort when feeding a newborn baby. Normally, this process should proceed without any discomfort. This symptom should be taken carefully, as pain may indicate the development of breast diseases.

In most cases, to eliminate given symptom it is enough to correct the technique of applying the baby to the breast, but often a nursing mother needs help qualified specialist. To avoid serious consequences, it is enough for a young mother to carefully monitor her feelings during feeding and notify the attending physician about them in a timely manner.

Causes of pain during breastfeeding

Pain during lactation may appear as a separate symptom or in combination with other signs. Discomfort and pain in mammary glands appear for a number of reasons:

excessive production of breast milk in the glands;
constant flow of milk;
postpartum recovery period;
difficulty in the outflow of milk;
violation of the rules for attaching a newborn to the breast;
traumatic injuries of the nipples (abrasions and cracks);
stagnant process in the mammary gland (lactostasis);
abrupt cessation of breastfeeding;
consequences of inflammatory diseases of the mammary gland (mastitis).

Important! If the pain during feeding is caused by a strong influx of breast milk, then in order to avoid congestion The woman is advised to express regularly.

Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the areola and nipples. Small abrasions and cracks are the entrance gates of infection, which causes purulent-inflammatory complications in the mammary glands.

Inverted or flat nipples are a common cause of pain while breastfeeding. IN this case the baby cannot make a full latch on the nipple. The solution to this problem are special pads, imitating the shape of the nipple.

To more rare reasons Breastfeeding pains include:

Improper latch and sucking of the breast in newborns. Similar Situation occurs when parents give the child a pacifier and introduce complementary foods early.
Incorrect posture of the baby when feeding. The body of the baby should be turned towards the mother. A breastfeeding woman should hold the breast from below with her hand to ensure that the baby is properly grasping the nipple.
Use of compressive underwear. A tight bra can compress the mammary glands, causing congestion mother's milk. Young mothers are recommended to use special underwear.
Independent weaning of the baby from the breast. A newborn child should independently throw the mother's breast after saturation has come.

A common cause of pain in the mammary glands during feeding is hormonal imbalance, premenstrual syndrome and mastitis. In this case, the woman should immediately contact a medical specialist.

Important! If necessary, a woman may need to temporarily stop breastfeeding. Do not be afraid of this, as there are situations when the mammary gland needs complete rest.

Additional symptoms

Pain in the area of the mammary glands is often accompanied by additional symptoms that indicate the development of internal pathology. These symptoms include:

abrasions and cracks in the nipples:
tingling and burning sensation;
increase in body temperature;
foci of redness of the skin in the area of the mammary glands;
flushes of breast milk, accompanied by pain;
sweating and chills;
the formation of cones and nodes;
discomfort during feeding;
swelling in the area of the mammary gland;
signs of candidiasis (thrush).

Fever during breastfeeding

Particular attention should be paid pain syndrome accompanied by an increase in body temperature. The combination of such symptoms signals the development of milk stagnation in the mammary gland. If a nursing mother does not observe specific discharge from the nipple, then we are talking about lactostasis, which has arisen due to a violation of the outflow of milk.

If fever and pain are accompanied by discharge from the nipple, then this indicates the development of a purulent-inflammatory process (mastitis). This condition is very dangerous for a young mother. With lactostasis and mastitis, the body temperature rises to 38.5-39 degrees. At the same time, the woman is not worried about coughing, runny nose and other signs of SARS. When feeling, the density and soreness of the mammary glands are noted.

What Not to Do

In order to eliminate pathological symptoms It is strictly forbidden for a nursing mother to resort to such methods:

completely empty the mammary glands by pumping;
accept medications affecting the production of breast milk;
limit yourself to fluid intake;
put warm compresses on the area of the mammary glands;
use bottles with nipples to feed your baby.

How to deal with pain

First of all, a nursing woman is recommended to establish the process of lactation. To do this, you need to get detailed advice from a specialist who will help you master the technique of applying the baby to the chest. The formation of lactation lasts for 2.5-3 months from the moment the child is born. During this period, the mammary glands adapt to new conditions and increased stress.

It is recommended to apply the baby to the mammary glands on demand. This will allow you to regulate the volume of milk produced, avoiding congestion in the mammary glands.

If the cause of the pain was lactostasis, then the woman is recommended to follow the following rules:

Before feeding the baby, it is recommended to carry out a light self-massage of the mammary glands.
Each new feeding should be accompanied by a change in the position of the baby. This will evenly empty all lobes of the mammary glands.
If too much milk is produced, then the mother is recommended to express.
Feed your newborn as often as possible.
After feeding, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the breast area. As a compress, a wet towel or cabbage leaf, previously aged in the refrigerator, is used.

Compliance with such rules will allow you to get rid of signs of lactostasis in 2-3 days.

If the cause of the pain is mastitis, then you can not do without medical help. It is recommended to continue breastfeeding until the young mother begins to notice purulent discharge from the nipples. A mammologist deals with the problem of mastitis. The woman will need to pass ultrasound mammary glands and a course of antibiotic therapy.

Another one serious reason pain - thrush. A moist and warm environment on the surface of the mammary glands contributes to the reproduction of a fungal infection. If a breastfeeding mother develops symptoms fungal infection mammary glands, she is advised to temporarily postpone feeding and undergo a course of antifungal therapy.

Abrasions and cracks in the nipples cause a lot of discomfort and pain. This condition is treated with the following medicines:

Panthenol. This drug is available in the form of a spray that has a wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect. It is necessary to apply Panthenol to the nipple area after each feeding of the baby.
Bepanten. The product is available in the form of ointment and cream. The drug contains a whole complex of wound healing components. It is recommended to lubricate cracks and abrasions after each feeding.
Videstim (ointment).
Sea buckthorn oil. Due to the content of provitamin A, sea buckthorn oil promotes rapid regeneration of the skin. For the treatment of cracks and abrasions in the nipples, it is recommended to lubricate them with oil after each feeding.
Lanolin. This tool is used for the purpose of prevention and treatment. Lanolin Protects skin from drying out and chapping. Lanolin cream is recommended to be applied after taking a shower.
Solcoseryl. This remedy is effective in the treatment deep cracks nipples. For this purpose, the ointment is applied to the nipple area or applied as an application.

Here are some tips to help you cope with breastfeeding pain:

Air baths have a beneficial effect on the condition of the mammary glands during lactation. Air baths should be carried out after each feeding of the baby.
After the baby has eaten, a woman should lubricate her breasts with sea buckthorn oil or lanolin cream.
Nursing mothers are advised to wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics.

In order for the treatment to bring the expected success, a woman should consult a doctor to identify the cause of the condition. It is important to remember that self-medication is an unjustified risk.