Problems with Breasts
Mastitis
You may breastfeed your baby even with a breast infected with mastitis. If your baby does not want it because of its salty taste, empty your breast by your hand or a breast pump.
Cause
- 1. A nipple gets infected because the nipple was scarred due to incorrect breastfeeding or infection
- 2. Bra or clothes were too tight and applied pressure on the milk line, blocking the milk flow and lines
- 3. Breast engorgement occurred because you haven't completely emptied the breast while breastfeeding
Symptoms
- 1. It mostly occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the delivery, but it may happen at any stage during breastfeeding. It is mostly found in either side of the breasts.
- 2. The area infected with mastitis feels painful, becomes reddish, swells and becomes feverish.
- 3. Overall, you'd feel like you've come down with a cold and severe fever (38.5 C and higher). You ache all over and are full of pain.
Treatment
- 1. Breastfeed your baby every 2 to 3 hours, or empty your breasts completely after breastfeeding.
- 2. If your fever continues for more than 24 hours, you should consult with a doctor and take antibiotics and antifebrile. When taking antibiotics, make sure to follow the instructions.
- 3. Drink lots of water and get enough rest.
Sore nipple
The most common cause of sore nipples for the first few weeks is an incorrect breastfeeding position.
- 1. Try to relax before or while breastfeeding. Turn on relaxing and comfortable music and take a deep breath.
- 2. If your baby doesn't bite up to the arelia and causes you nipple pain, try the suction again.
- 3. Start breastfeeding from the side of the nipple which feels less painful.
- 4. Squeeze milk a little after breastfeeding and apply it to the nipple and arelia. Expose it to air to dry for about 5 minutes.
- 5. This makes the surrounding of the nipple more tender and lets your baby easily suckle your breast.
Breast engorgement
In 2 to 3 days after the delivery, the blood vessels and lymph in the breast tissue increase, and your breasts enlarge and the amount of milk increases. If you don't empty your breasts completely, they become hardened, feel feverish and pain is experienced. This is called breast engorgement.
Prevention
- 1. Breastfeed your baby as often as possible. (more than 8 to 12 times a day)
- 2. Empty your breasts completely every time you feed your baby. If not, squeeze them out with your hand or a breast pump.
- 3. Avoid bottle-feeding your baby for the first 3 to 4 weeks.
- 4. Avoid stress and relax yourself when breastfeeding.
- 5. Do not give an artificial nipple to your baby.
Treatment
- 1. Take a warm shower before breastfeeding or warm your breasts with a hot wet towel for 5 to 10 minutes.
- 2. Squeeze milk a little after the above procedure to make the arelia tender.
- 3. Empty your breasts completely every time you feed your baby. If not, squeeze them out with your hand or a breast pump.
- 4. Avoid stress and relax yourself when breastfeeding.
- 5. After feeding, apply a cold wet towel on your breasts for a while.