Can I breastfeed if I have itching on my body during breastfeeding?

The breastfeeding period is also a very important stage for the mother. Because the baby needs to be breastfed, the mother must pay attention to diet and other aspects. Many foods cannot be eaten. When the mother feels a little uncomfortable, she cannot take medicine casually. Many mothers will experience itching on the body and breasts during breastfeeding. At this time, the cause must be found out and treatment must be carried out.

What causes itchy breasts during lactation?

1. Breast eczema

Breast itching during lactation may be caused by breast eczema. The main reason is milk leakage during breastfeeding. Excessive milk causes the underwear underneath to become damp, which will lead to eczema over time. Recommendation: Wash with warm water every day, dry it after washing, and apply some eczema cream which may help.

2. Breast hyperplasia

Breast itching during lactation may be due to the fact that as the amount of milk increases after delivery, the mammary ducts will swell and the surrounding skin will break. In order to adapt to the needs of breastfeeding, the breast hyperplasia causes the skin of the breast to be stretched, resulting in the so-called stretch marks on the breast, causing itching symptoms.

3. Allergic reaction

Breast itching during lactation is considered to be caused by an allergic reaction. The main reason is that the breast skin is not adapted to the baby's milk sucking and milk stagnation, which is similar to an allergic reaction.

What to do if your breasts itch during lactation

1. Drink plenty of water every day

Itchy skin means it needs water or moisture to moisturize. When the dermis (inner layer of skin) becomes dehydrated, it starts to itch. To get rid of this condition, all you need to do is drink plenty of water. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. You can also eat water-rich fruits to avoid dehydration. Some fruits contain a lot of fructose, just make sure you don’t eat fruits that are high in sugar so that your blood sugar levels don’t go high.

2. Wear loose, smooth cotton clothes

This type of clothing can help avoid further irritation of breast itching symptoms. Loose, smooth, cotton clothing will reduce friction against the breasts. Breast itching can get worse if you don't wear a bra.

3. Apply lotion to your breasts

Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated. Keep a favorite bottle of lotion nearby so you can always use it. If your skin is dry and uncomfortable, frequent application of moisturizer (every two hours) can help relieve the skin's symptoms. Consistent use of moisturizer will help prevent continued dryness of the skin.