Does breastfeeding hurt?

Does breastfeeding hurts?

Future mothers before giving birth can have apprehensions on breastfeeding. Many of them ask questions: will I manage to breastfeed my baby? Would I have enough milk? Breastfeeding, is it painful? This last question is one of those that come back most frequently ...

Does breastfeeding hurts?

This is neither true nor false. The pain is specific to each mother even if generally the first days of breastfeeding are not without discomfort or discomfort. It is normal that in the 1^ers day after childbirth and the 1^ers days of breastfeeding to feel some pain and some tensions in the chest. In some cases, despite the days that spend pain may persist.

The phenomenon of engorged breasts

After childbirth, some women have the phenomenon of engorged breasts, which cause discomfort and pain. This phenomenon appears between the 2^th and the 6th^th day after pregnancy. There is then an abundance of breast milk in your breasts in parallel with an increased blood flow that irrigates your chest. These two events result in swollen and painful breasts. This phenomenon normally disappears a few days after childbirth.

Baby does not manage to take the breast

If the pain appears in the nipples, it may be a sign that your baby's position is bad and/or baby does not take your breast in the mouth. He probably only takes the nipple and not the areola, his mouth then clamps your breast, hence the appearance of pain. Try different positions, because some babies prefer some more than others.

How to reduce pain?

According to where the pain comes, there are several ways to reduce pain:

If your breasts are stretched, You can apply hot compresses and make small massages. This will allow your chest to relax. If you have applied a compress before a feeding It will also have the effect of helping baby suckling.

If your breasts are engorged, new mothers generally pose cold compresses to reduce pain.

What if the pains persist?

In case of doubt and pain that persist, do not hesitate to contact a lactation consultant or your doctor.