What should breastfeeding women do if they have nipple pain?

Nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers is mainly caused by not using the correct method to feed the child in life. It may also be caused by milk engorgement. Therefore, we recommend that mothers should know how to regulate nipple pain, which can alleviate diseases such as breast hyperplasia. The following is an introduction on what breastfeeding women should do if they have nipple pain. I hope you can understand it well.

The most common cause of nipple pain is improper sucking by the baby. When the baby sucks the nipple, he does not put enough of the areola into his mouth, but only holds the top of the nipple. Such repeated sucking causes nipple pain. When the baby sucks, the mother feels a needle-like pain in the nipple, which may be caused by nipple fissures. The causes of nipple fissures include improper sucking by the baby, applying alcohol and soap on the mother's nipples, or due to oral motor dysfunction of the baby.

From the above reasons, it can be seen that the causes of nipple pain and nipple cracks are related to the baby's incorrect sucking of the nipple. Mastering the correct breastfeeding posture is the key to preventing nipple pain. What should I do if I already have nipple pain?

1. Before breastfeeding, the mother should take a comfortable position and apply a hot and wet towel to the breasts and areola for 3-5 minutes. At the same time, massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex and squeeze out some milk. This will soften the areola and make it easier for the baby to suck.

2. First breastfeed with the breast that hurts less, and make sure to put most of the nipple and areola into the baby's mouth. Also pay attention to changing the baby's feeding position to reduce the stimulation of the nipple caused by sucking.

3. If breastfeeding needs to be stopped due to other reasons, the mother should gently press the baby's lower jaw with her index finger, and the baby will automatically spit out the nipple. Never pull out the nipple forcibly, as this will damage the nipple.

4. If nipple cracks have occurred, squeeze out some milk after breastfeeding, apply it on the nipples and areola, and wait for it to dry naturally.

Mothers should wear loose underwear and cotton bras, and put on nipple shields when necessary to facilitate air circulation and promote the healing of nipple cracks. If nipple pain is severe and unbearable, breastfeeding can be temporarily stopped for 24 hours, but the milk should be expressed and fed to the baby with a small cup and spoon.

Through this article's introduction to the relief methods for nipple pain in breastfeeding women, you should all know that it is best for breastfeeding women to empty their milk. This will not only help relieve breast pain, but also help to renew milk, so mothers should know how to deal with nipple pain during breastfeeding.