Breastfeeding provides many benefits, both for the baby and the mother. Pain during breastfeeding is generally normal and there are many ways to deal with it, so you don't need to use it as an excuse to give up and not give exclusive breastfeeding to your little one, right?
Breastfeeding is natural. However, it turns out that there are many obstacles that you may experience during the early stages of breastfeeding, such as sore breasts. Don't worry, this pain when breastfeeding is common and will usually subside within the first 3 months of breastfeeding.
Source of Pain While Breastfeeding
Recognizing the source of pain while breastfeeding is the first important thing for mothers to do, so that this condition can be treated appropriately. Pain while breastfeeding is felt by most mothers during the first week of breast milk (ASI) coming out of the nipple, especially if the milk does not come out smoothly.
In addition, there are several other things that can also cause pain while breastfeeding, including:
1. Breast swelling
Mother need not worry. Breast engorgement is common in early breastfeeding. At this time, the breasts will feel firmer, heavier, and tense. This condition is the body's way of working so that the baby gets enough milk.
In addition, swelling may also arise if the baby is no longer breastfeeding often or the position of the arrangement is not right, so that milk production is less effective.
2. Incorrect breastfeeding position
Besides being able to cause swollen breasts, an improper position can also cause the baby to only bite his mother's nipple. This is actually normal at the start of breastfeeding. However, if this persists for more than 1 minute, you may need to check whether the breastfeeding position is correct.
3. Dry or cracked nipples
Dry or cracked nipples can be caused by basically dry skin, incorrect positioning when pumping breast milk, improper latch of the baby's mouth, or a yeast infection.
This condition can cause blood to come out when you are breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. Even though it looks worrying, it's okay if this blood gets into the little one's mouth, because usually there is only a small amount.
4. Fungal infection
If you or your baby are taking antibiotics to treat an infection, the risk of a yeast infection in your baby's nipples and mouth will increase. In contrast to regular pain, yeast infections can cause pain that lasts up to 1 hour after breastfeeding.
5. Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of one part of the breast due to swelling or blockage of the breast glands. This condition can cause a fever, and a swollen, hard, and red area of the breast that can be very painful while breastfeeding.
Even though it hurts, you should still breastfeed your little one to remove as much milk as possible from the breast and help relieve swelling. In addition, Mother can also express breast milk for storage. If it still does not improve within a few days, you should immediately consult a doctor.
6. Breast abscess
Breast abscess can occur if mastitis is not treated properly. This abscess needs to be treated with surgery to remove the buildup of pus. If you experience this condition, you can only continue breastfeeding after the abscess has dried.
In addition to the factors above, there are several other things that can also cause pain while breastfeeding, such as improper nursing bras, menstruation, or breast cyst disease.
Tips for Overcoming Pain While Breastfeeding
The following are some tips that you can do independently at home to relieve pain while breastfeeding:
- Give cold or warm compresses to the breast.
- Get enough rest and drink enough mineral water.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen at the dose recommended by your doctor.
- Continue to breastfeed and pump or express breast milk to prevent the above conditions from worsening.
- Wear a nursing bra and clothing that doesn't compress the breasts.
- Wear nipple shield or nipple shields to help the nipples stick out more and more easily.
- Make sure the breastfeeding position is correct. If necessary, ask a nurse or midwife for help.
- Keep your breasts clean by always cleaning them slowly every shower.
- Use a cream recommended by your doctor when you are not breastfeeding to keep the nipple skin moist.
The pain of breastfeeding may make you want to give up. This is actually a natural thing and probably felt by almost all mothers. However, you need to know that while breastfeeding, your body will also release the hormone oxytocin.
This hormone can cause a feeling of happiness that diverts your mind from pain, into a sense of pride and appreciation for your struggle to keep breastfeeding. So, breastfeeding itself can be medicine for you. However, don't forget to reward yourself with good self-care, too, Bun.
If your breasts still hurt even though you have applied the tips above, immediately consult a doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant to determine the cause and get the right treatment.
