The Truth About Breastfeeding Pain: Why It Hurts and How to Find Relief

Breastfeeding is often depicted as a beautiful, natural experience, and for many, it is. However, for a significant number of new mothers, it can also be a journey fraught with pain and discomfort. While common, pain during breastfeeding is not something to be endured silently. Understanding its causes and knowing when to seek help is crucial for a successful and less stressful feeding experience.

Many mothers believe that a little pain is part of the package, but experts like Dr.

Astha Chakravarty, a Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, emphasize that breastfeeding should ideally be pain-free. If you're experiencing persistent pain, it's a clear signal that something isn't quite right, and it's essential to investigate the root cause.

So, what are the common culprits behind breastfeeding pain?

1.

Incorrect Latch and Positioning: This is by far the most frequent cause. A shallow latch, where the baby only takes the nipple and not enough of the areola, can lead to nipple soreness, cracking, and intense pain. Proper positioning ensures the baby's mouth is wide open, with lips flanged out, and the nipple is deep within their mouth.

2.

Engorgement: When breasts become overly full, hard, and tender, it's known as engorgement. This can happen in the initial days postpartum as milk comes in or if feeds are missed. It can make latching difficult for the baby and be very uncomfortable for the mother.

3. Mastitis: An inflammation of breast tissue, often caused by a blocked milk duct that becomes infected.

Symptoms include a red, swollen, tender area on the breast, fever, chills, and body aches. It requires prompt medical attention and often antibiotics.

4. Nipple Thrush (Candidiasis): A fungal infection that can affect both the mother's nipples and the baby's mouth. It causes intense, burning pain, often described as 'stabbing' or 'shooting,' and may be accompanied by red, shiny, or flaky nipples.

Both mother and baby need treatment.

5. Blocked Milk Ducts: A tender lump in the breast, sometimes warm to the touch, indicates a blocked duct. If not resolved, it can lead to engorgement or mastitis.

6. Sore or Cracked Nipples: Often a result of poor latch, but can also be due to aggressive pumping or dry skin.

Severe cracking can be incredibly painful and increase the risk of infection.

7. Inverted or Flat Nipples: While not always painful, these can make latching challenging, leading to frustration and potential soreness if the baby struggles to get a deep latch.

8. Breast Abscess: A more severe complication of mastitis, where a pocket of pus forms in the breast.

It's extremely painful and usually requires drainage.

9. Raynaud's Phenomenon: A condition where blood vessels in the nipple constrict in response to cold or stress, causing the nipple to turn white, then blue, then red, accompanied by severe, burning pain.

10. Bite Reflex or Teething: As babies grow and develop teeth, accidental bites can occur, causing sharp, sudden pain.

Teaching the baby to unlatch if they bite can help.

Finding Relief: Practical Tips

If you're experiencing pain, here are some steps you can take:

• Check Your Latch: Ensure your baby has a wide mouth, takes a good portion of the areola, and their lips are flanged out.

  If unsure, seek help from a lactation consultant.

• Experiment with Positions: Different positions can put less pressure on sore spots. Try the football hold, cradle hold, or laid-back feeding.
• Warm Compresses: Before feeding, apply warm compresses to help milk flow and ease discomfort.
• Gentle Massage: Massage your breasts, especially tender or lumpy areas, to help clear blocked ducts.
• Express Milk: Hand express or pump a small amount of milk before feeding to soften the areola, making it easier for the baby to latch onto engorged breasts.
• Nipple Creams/Ointments: Lanolin-based creams or hydrogel pads can provide relief for sore or cracked nipples.

  Ensure they are safe for baby.

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (check with your doctor first) can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Rest and Hydration: Crucial for recovery, especially if dealing with infection.

When to See a Doctor

While many issues can be resolved with proper latch and care, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Persistent, severe pain that doesn't improve with basic measures.
• Fever, chills, body aches (signs of mastitis).
• Redness, warmth, or swelling on the breast that is worsening.
• A persistent, painful lump in the breast.
• Pus or discharge from the nipple.
• Deep cracks or bleeding nipples.
• Pain that interferes with your ability to feed or enjoy daily life.

Remember, you don't have to suffer in silence.

Breastfeeding can be a truly rewarding experience, and addressing pain proactively is key to making it so. Don't hesitate to reach out to your gynaecologist, a lactation consultant, or your healthcare provider for support and guidance. They can help you identify the cause of your pain and develop a plan for relief, ensuring a more comfortable and joyful feeding journey for both you and your baby.