Breast care doesn’t end with childbirth – it becomes even more important in the postpartum phase, especially for breastfeeding mothers. During this time, women may face several problems, such as engorgement, sore nipples, plugged milk ducts, and pain from breastfeeding.
Breast care after giving birth goes beyond hygiene. It also requires paying close attention to any changes in your breasts, including soreness or pain, whether related to breastfeeding or not. So, as a new mom, here’s everything you need to know about caring for your breasts during this important phase.
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What happens if you don’t maintain breast health after giving birth?
After birth, a woman’s breasts play an important role in the growth and development of her baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that babies start breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for most babies and helps protect them from many illnesses and diseases.
Additionally, breastfeeding also reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer. In fact, a 2015 meta-analysis published in the Annals of Oncology found that breastfeeding was associated with a 20 percent reduction in the risk of triple-negative breast cancer.
While breastfeeding is important, women should not neglect their breast health during this period. Failure to maintain breast health after childbirth can lead to various problems, such as:
Mastitis: A breast infection that occurs when a blocked duct is left untreated. Symptoms include breast pain, tenderness, redness, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
Breast and nipple thrush: A fungal infection that can cause severe nipple pain, burning, and a rash on the breast.
Blocked milk duct: A red, painful lump that may be hot to the touch.
Nipple retraction: the nipple turns inward.
Unusual nipple discharge or nipple bleeding: A problem that can occur after childbirth.
Tips for caring for your breasts after giving birth
According to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and IVF Specialist, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, taking care of your breast health after delivery is very essential. To maintain breast health, you should follow the following tips:
- Make it a habit to regularly check your breasts and nipples. Learning to recognize, prevent, and treat conditions that may arise during breastfeeding will help you avoid problems and heal from discomfort more quickly.
- Wear a supportive bra at night. Make sure it fits properly and is not too tight. Nursing bras are ideal for feeding.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing or underwired bras, which can block milk ducts and increase the risk of breast infections.
- Change nursing pads when they are damp, wet, or dirty.
- Shower daily. Just apply clean water to your nipples.
- Avoid using soap, as it removes the natural oil produced by the glands around the nipples, which can cause them to dry out and crack.
How to deal with sore breasts after breastfeeding
Many factors and underlying conditions can cause postpartum breast pain. One of the most common causes is breast engorgement, which occurs as your body adjusts to producing milk and your breasts become full and uncomfortable. Your breasts may feel hard, tight, and painful, and symptoms will worsen if you avoid breastfeeding or pumping.
Cramping is usually temporary and peaks about five days after delivery. If you are breastfeeding or pumping every 2 to 3 hours, your breasts should not be engorged.
Another common cause is mastitis, a type of breast inflammation that can cause infection. People who breastfeed are more likely to develop mastitis. You may have red, swollen, and painful breasts, as well as flu-like symptoms. “A good rule of thumb is to only pump as much as your baby needs,” says Dr. Bajaj. If you’re breastfeeding, don’t pump to “empty” your breasts.
To relieve or prevent chest pain, you can try several solutions:
- Try several breastfeeding positions, such as cradle hold, cradle hold, football hold (clutch), and lying down (to change the position of the baby’s mouth on the breast and reduce pain).
- Start breastfeeding on the side that is least painful until the baby is lethargic, then slowly move the baby to the other breast, taking care to ensure proper positioning and latching.
- When your nipples hurt, apply a little breast milk to them. Your milk has healing properties that help reduce discomfort.
How to manage congestion:
- Continue to pump or feed according to your baby’s needs.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medications.
- Use cold packs on your breasts after breastfeeding to minimize irritation.
- Try manual lymphatic drainage. It helps increase lymph flow in the breasts. As lymph flow improves, breast swelling decreases.
- Try easing the back pressure. This will draw fluid away from the nipple and allow your baby to latch on more easily.
- Try breastfeeding while lying on your side.
- Do not rub your breasts unless your doctor tells you to. Using too much force or rubbing your breasts too much can make your feelings worse.
- Wearing a supportive bra can improve fluid movement in the breasts.
Is it safe to use breast milk or cream while breastfeeding?
Breasts and nipples don’t require any special care while breastfeeding, says Dr. Bajaj, emphasizing that the small bumps in the areola area produce a unique oil that naturally cleanses, lubricates, and protects your nipples. Simply clean your breasts and nipples with plain warm water when you shower or bathe.
Avoid using soaps, astringents, or alcohol as they can dry out and cause sore nipples. Multi-ingredient creams or lotions should also be avoided as they are not safe for your baby to ingest and may cause allergic reactions on your nipples.
Pay attention to any changes in your breasts after giving birth.
In addition to relieving pain and breast engorgement, it’s also important to address any unusual changes in your breasts. “Anyone who is concerned about breast changes that occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or after should talk to their doctor,” says Dr. Bajaj. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of mastitis, especially if they are severe or don’t go away within 24 hours.
Most importantly, lumps in the breast, as well as unusual changes in the skin or nipples, should be examined by a doctor, as they may indicate malignancy.
