Common Challenges
Breastfeeding Challenges
Common Challenges
Breastfeeding should not be painful. Your breast and nipples may say sore/tender the first few days after giving birth to your baby. This pain should go away once your baby learns to latch correctly and you have found the right breastfeeding position that feels comfortable to you. Here are some reasons your breast might be sore.
Breast Symptoms
Plugged Duct
A plugged duct is caused by milk not being able to fully drain from your breast.
Signs:
- Small swollen lump in your breast that can be painful.
- No fever
What You Can Do:
- Avoid tight fitting clothing or bras (avoid bras with underwire)
- Use warm compress or take a warm shower.
- Pump or hand express after feeding.
Engorged Milk Gland
Engorgement can be cause by missed or delayed feeding or pumping sessions. Your breast become hard and painful.
Signs:
- Swelling, throbing and tender.
- No fever.
What You Can Do:
- Do no skip feedings or stop breastfeeding. This will only make the engorgement worst.
- Hard breasts can make it difficult for baby to latch, make sure to your baby has a good latch.
Breast Infection (Mastitis)
Breast infection, called mastitis, is an infection of the tissue of the breast.
Signs:
- Body aches, fever and chills
- Expressed milk may look clumpy or stringy-the milk is safe to feed your baby.
What You Can Do:
- You may need to be treated in an emergency room if you have the following signs:
- Red streaks moving twords your arms or chest.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Pus draining from your breasts.
- Continue to breastfeeding and express milk frequently. It is important to keep removing milk from both breast.
Call your health care provider immediately if you think you may have a breast infection. For engorgement or plugged duct, call your WIC clinic or peer counselor for suppport.