Breast pain is a common occurrence when breastfeeding your child, but you can mitigate it. Discover tips for reducing breast pain after giving birth.
Having a baby is a joyous time, but it can also come with some uncomfortable physical changes. One of these is breast pain after giving birth. It’s not unusual for new mothers to experience tenderness, swelling, and even sharp pains in their breasts during the days and weeks following delivery, especially while breastfeeding. While it may be concerning, there are several ways to manage the pain and reduce discomfort. Let’s look at some of the best tips for reducing breast pain after giving birth.
Try Different Nursing Positions
One of the most common causes of postpartum breast pain is incorrect latching or positioning while breastfeeding. Not all babies latch correctly on the first try, which can cause some pinching until you get them settled. To minimize this discomfort, make sure you’re using the correct positions for both you and your baby when nursing. If one position does not feel comfortable, switch it up until you find one that works for both of you. Consider incorporating pillows to give yourself extra support if you find your baby favoring more unusual ways to latch.
Use a Breast Pump
When you produce a larger supply of breast milk, it can cause engorgement and clog your milk ducts, leading to inflammation and irritation. Fortunately, using a breast pump can relieve some of that pressure. A breast pump can empty one breast while your baby feeds on the other, reducing the pain and discomfort from engorgement.
Additionally, a breast pump can help relieve clogged milk ducts by allowing milk to flow freely from the breasts, providing relief from tightness and pain. Just make sure you brush up on all you need to know to ensure you use the device properly.
Wear Looser Fitting Clothing
It’s important to wear supportive clothing during this time as well. Bras with wide straps will distribute weight more evenly across your shoulders and chest than narrow straps or no bra at all. Also, try wearing bras without an underwire; underwire bras can put added pressure on sore spots and worsen pain and inflammation.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Another vital tip for reducing pain in your breasts after giving birth is to practice heat or cold therapy. Heat increases circulation and helps relax tight muscles, while cold reduces inflammation and helps numb the affected area. Assess how you’re feeling carefully to pick the method that’s right for you. You can purchase heating pads or bags of frozen peas at most grocery stores; make sure whatever method you choose is comfortable for you before using it regularly over the next few months.
Breast pain after giving birth is completely normal—but it doesn’t have to be unmanageable! With these five tips for relieving postpartum breast discomfort, new mothers can find some relief from their pains so they can focus more on bonding with their little ones. Always make sure to take care of yourself first so that you can be everything your child needs!