Why Does My Breast Hurt When Pressed During Lactation?
Chest Pain During Breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, it is a common experience for the breasts to be tender or painful when pressed. This is often due to conditions such as breast hyperplasia or mastitis, which are prone to occur during lactation. If the milk is not emptied in time, it can lead to blockage of the mammary ducts, causing inflammation and resulting in breast pain. To avoid milk stagnation, it is crucial to promptly empty the breasts, such as using a breast pump.
Causes of Breast Pain During Breastfeeding
Breast pain during breastfeeding is often attributed to milk stagnation, which occurs when excess milk accumulates in the breasts due to overproduction or improper breastfeeding techniques. The pain can also be caused by incorrect breastfeeding methods.
Proper Breastfeeding Techniques During Lactation
Generally, mothers tend to let the baby suckle one breast first and then the other. However, due to the abundance of milk in many first-time mothers and the small size of the baby, the baby may become full after sucking one breast, leaving milk remaining in the other. If this pattern is repeated, the milk in the unemptied breast accumulates, leading to milk stagnation. Additionally, factors such as poor nipple development, small nipple size, and inverted nipples can hinder the baby's ability to suckle effectively, resulting in incomplete milk emptying and subsequent milk stagnation.
Management of Breast Pain During Breastfeeding
Here are some tips for managing breast pain during breastfeeding:
- Find a comfortable position before breastfeeding. You can use a warm towel to gently apply pressure to the breasts for a while and then gently massage them. Stimulating the breasts can help the milk flow more easily. Squeezing out some milk can also soften the nipple area, making it easier for the baby to latch on.
- If you experience pain in one breast, try switching to the other side for feeding. Start with the less painful side and ensure that both the nipple and the areola are fully within the baby's mouth. This can reduce irritation and make breastfeeding less challenging for the baby.
- If the nipple is injured by the baby, gently squeeze some milk onto it. The milk contains fats that can effectively protect the nipple. Remember to avoid suddenly pulling the nipple out during breastfeeding, as this can easily cause injury.
