Definition – What is breast pain when breastfeeding?
There are various causes of painful breasts when breastfeeding. A distinction should be made between pain that only occurs during breastfeeding itself and pain that is permanent and also manifests itself during breastfeeding. However, it is important to note that in most cases you can achieve a lot with heat and massage of the breast. However, massage should not be used if there is a bacterial inflammation of the breast tissue, as the germs can then be spread throughout the breast.
Causes of breast pain during breastfeeding
In addition to the numerous causes of pain during breastfeeding, there are four aspects that are highly relevant when looking for a trigger. Painful initial milk injection: This problem presents itself after about 3-4 days and is usually bilateral. A feeling of tension, enlargement, firm glands and a high sensitivity of the breast with vein drawing occurs.
Frequent application is very important. In addition, moist heat or a massage from the inside to the outside will also help. Emptying the breast by hand can also help.
Cold rather than warmth after application is more helpful. If necessary you can also take painkillers. Sore nipple: 95% of sore nipples are caused by an unfavourable breastfeeding position and therefore incorrect sucking behaviour of the child.
This can be caused by artificial teats or a shortened frenulum of the baby’s tongue, which makes correct sucking difficult. Other causes are a fungal colonisation of the nipple (thrush) or a bacterial infection. For the mother the correct breastfeeding position is important.
Changing the breastfeeding position or rubbing the nipple with breast milk can also have a positive effect. If this does not help, you should think about a suckling training for the baby. Milk congestion: Milk congestion is a problem that is induced by stress.
Stress promotes the production of milk but inhibits its release. This is a very unfavourable constellation with the consequence of milk congestion. Pressure from bras, rucksacks or slings can also have a negative effect.
A congestion tends to be one-sided and is often accompanied by palpable lumps, reddening of the breast and fever. Very important in management is rest and frequent breastfeeding. – Painful initial milk infusion: This problem appears after about 3-4 days and is usually bilateral.
A feeling of tension, enlargement, firm glands and a high sensitivity of the breast with vein drawing occurs. Frequent application is very important. In addition, moist heat or a massage from the inside to the outside will also help.
Emptying the breast by hand can also help. Cold rather than warmth after application is more helpful. If necessary you can also take painkillers.
- Sore nipple: 95% of sore nipples are caused by an unfavourable breastfeeding position and therefore incorrect sucking behaviour of the child. This can be caused by artificial teats or a shortened frenulum of the baby’s tongue, which makes correct sucking difficult. Other causes are a fungal colonisation of the nipple (thrush) or a bacterial infection.
For the mother the correct breastfeeding position is important. Changing the breastfeeding position or rubbing the nipple with breast milk can also have a positive effect. If this does not help, you should think about a suckling training for the baby.
- Milk congestion: Milk congestion is a problem that is induced by stress. Stress promotes the production of milk but inhibits its release. This is a very unfavourable constellation with the consequence of milk congestion.
Pressure from bras, rucksacks or slings can also have a negative effect. A congestion tends to be one-sided and is often accompanied by palpable lumps, reddening of the breast and fever. Very important in management is rest and frequent breastfeeding.
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