If the breast of a nursing mother hurts.  Mastitis and lactostasis in nursing mothers - symptoms and treatment

If the breast of a nursing mother hurts. Mastitis and lactostasis in nursing mothers - symptoms and treatment

Mastitis and lactostasis in nursing mothers - symptoms and treatment

PAIN IN THE NIPPLES AND BREAST. MASTITIS IN A FEEDING MOTHER

For every woman a word "mastitis" has a threatening character - after all, it alone will remind you of the existing problems of the mammary glands , while others know exactly what this disease can turn into. What needs to be done if your chest hurts Why is mastitis so dangerous?

Such an ailment as mastitis is a bacterial infection with a focus of inflammation in the female breast. caused by microorganisms mostly staphylococci ), penetrating into the mammary glands through cracks in the nipples. As a rule, the disease manifests itself a sharp rise in temperature up to 39C and chest pain.

The incidence of mastitis is extremely high, sometimes in nursing mothers it reaches 16%. Medical specialists note that the average incidence of diseases has not consistently fallen below 5% for many years, and primiparous women are the most ill (they most often have milk duct obstruction).

"Mastitis and lactostasis" - similarities of symptoms and differences

The main causes of mastitis in a nursing woman after childbirth may be the following factors:

poor hygiene and even during pregnancy and during feeding;

unresolved congestion breast milk(launched lactostasis) due to improper attachment of the child to the breast or poor pumping;

hypothermia of the mammary glands;

transmitted viral infections .

The risk group includes all women who have during childbirth
purulent complications were observed or they have had breast problems in the past.

In nursing mothers with incomplete emptying of the breast lactostasis may occur (stagnation of milk in the ducts is especially common after first birth ) and it is important not to confuse it with mastitis. These two different processes are manifested by similar symptoms, however with mastitis, antibiotics are often indispensable , A lactostasis does not require any medical treatment.

With mastitis, the body temperature rises significantly and is accompanied by chills. , the nipple is swollen, the mammary gland is tense - here why does my chest hurt. Milk stasis occurs due to blockage duct. In this place, a painful and hard seal is felt, the skin over it is reddened, the body temperature is slightly increased.

In serious cases with advanced lactostasis, when the chest hurts for more than a week, and seals in the mammary glands do not resolve , we can talk about the development of mastitis. The woman's condition may deteriorate rapidly She needs urgent medical attention.

Factors that provoke mastitis

What causes provoke the development of this disease and in what cases can the doctor diagnose "mastitis"? Stagnation of milk in the breast mainly occurs in the first weeks after childbirth when an inexperienced mother has not yet established a full-fledged and proper feeding of the baby . The delicate skin of unhardened nipples often cracks, appears chest pain . Cracks are open gates for infection to enter the milk ducts. hypothermia mammary gland can also provoke mastitis (for this reason, after childbirth, a woman should avoid drafts, cold showers, too light clothing).

Contribute to the disease large intervals between feedings (more than two hours) with incomplete emptying of the breast; wearing a tight bra, the details of which cut and put pressure on the chest; a decrease in immunity when a woman’s body, weakened by childbirth, does not fight infection.

Symptoms and types of mastitis

Mastitis develops very quickly. If treatment is not started on time, then the disease enters a new stage, the woman's condition worsens, and in especially severe cases, the only way out of the situation is operation .

Mastitis according to severity and symptoms is divided into several types:

Serous mastitis

Enlarged breast volume

Painful chest

Moderate rise in temperature

Infiltrative mastitis

Very painful when probing the seal in the mammary gland

Elastic, red and hot skin in the breast area

Severe rise in temperature

Purulent mastitis

Unbearable pain in the chest (even from a light touch)

Suppuration of breast tissue, presence of pus in milk

Enlarged and inflamed axillary lymph nodes

Temperature rise up to 40°C

Headache

If you don't start on time treatment of serous mastitis, then after three days you will have to deal with infiltrative mastitis, in which

painful lumps . The general condition of the woman is deteriorating every day. At this stage of the disease, every hour without treatment complicates the course of the disease and soon comes its most severe, purulent form.

On medical photo of purulent mastitis, an area of ​​\u200b\u200bstrong redness of the mammary gland is clearly visible, which is also enlarged in size, edematous. The pain is so strong that it is impossible to touch the chest.

Body temperature "jumps" , rising to 40 degrees, and then falling. The condition of the woman is aggravated by headache and weakness.

BREAST MASTITIS. TREATMENT AND PREVENTION TO PREVENT DISEASE

Every woman should know that at the first doubt about the condition of the mammary gland, she needs to see a doctor in order to diagnose mastitis in time and cure it as soon as possible. If one breast is infected and there is pus, then you can only feed the baby healthy! That's why examination by a mammologist it is simply necessary that the specialist diagnose "mastitis" as early as possible - timely started

treatment can prevent worsening of the condition of the mammary glands and occurrence of complications. Also, do not continue to feed the child, despite the pain in the mammary gland and nipples - bacteria are very dangerous for the baby and can endanger the life of a newborn .

Diagnosis of mastitis

First, the woman is examined by a mammologist.

Appoint

general blood analysis which will confirm the presence of an inflammatory process or its absence.

They do an ultrasound of the mammary glands.

Carry out bacteriological examination

breast milk samples and select appropriate antibiotics (some modern drugs can be combined with feeding).

Doctors do not recommend limiting the treatment of mastitis with folk remedies for the following reasons:

Plant components cannot quickly and completely cope with a severe infection.

Without determining the type of infectious agent, it is very difficult to choose the right folk remedy.

Temporary relief of symptoms of pain and nipple condition chest doesn't mean

inflammation is completely suppressed . Very often, a woman gets worse after a while, because the bacteria get time for enhanced reproduction.

Mastitis treatment mammary glands

Fundamental Principle treatment of mastitis in breastfeeding mothers consists in the regular and complete emptying of the mammary glands. At the first stage of the disease, it is possible to give a child a “sick” breast - it is safe for him!

Antibiotics may be a contraindication to breastfeeding However, this is not always how mastitis is treated.

Each next feeding of the baby should be started with the “suffering” breast, regardless of the pain in it, then the child is offered a healthy one. It is recommended to switch to manual pumping after feeding is completed, and remove the remaining milk with a breast pump. Expression to the last drop is often not possible, and this is not necessary, the signal for the correct manipulation will be the disappearance of a feeling of heaviness.

It is useful after pumping to apply ice to the chest for 15 minutes (wrapped in cellophane and through a cloth). Before feeding, a woman should take Oxytocin (4 drops under the tongue). This drug improves the outflow of milk and relieves spasms of the milk ducts.

The whole complex of measures (oxytocin, feeding, pumping, cooling) is performed every 2 hours, also at night!

At a high temperature (starting with indicators of 38.5), antipyretic drugs are taken, based on paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Since very often mastitis is preceded by

cracked nipples , it is important to treat them by treating them with Bepanten or Purelan-100.

Quite often, all of the above measures during the treatment of mastitis are limited and, in favorable cases, it does not come to taking antibiotics.

Preventive measures to prevent the development of mastitis

In order to prevent the development of mastitis and then treat it for a long time, you need to know how to properly follow preventive measures to care for the mammary glands.

In order not to hear an unpleasant diagnosis of "mastitis" at a mammologist's appointment, each woman must do the following:

being pregnant, wash your breasts daily with cool water and harden the delicate skin of the nipples (rough towel, naked body);

wash hands and wash breasts before feeding;

Right

breastfeed after birth ;

in the first month of life

feed the baby on demand rather than on schedule;

to express after feeding (controversial point, modern views on

natural feeding of the child preclude its need).

be sure to treat nipple cracks in time;

wear only

comfortable bras ;

avoid shock and hypothermia of the chest.

LACTOSTASIS IN A FEEDING MOTHER. WHY THE BREAST HURTS AND THERE APPEARS INFLAMMATION ON THE NIPPLES

About half of mothers experience lactostasis during the entire feeding period, but many women never experience such problems. Lactostasis is the phenomenon of blockage of the milk duct, which is mainly determined by the structure of the breast.

The term "lactostasis" is translated as "stagnation of milk" and accurately reflects what constitutes a seal in the breast. When something interferes with the movement of milk in a certain part of the breast, it stagnates, thickens and a milk plug forms. “Fresh” milk begins to accumulate above this cork (after all,

the lactation process continues all the time ), there is edema, thickening of tissues. At a nursing mother sore chest , local reddening of the skin is observed or the temperature rises and the baby develops.

Causes leading to stagnation of milk in the mammary glands

Provoke lactostasis in a nursing mother can be a long uncomfortable position, leading to compression of the milk duct.

The following situations should be avoided:

constantly feed the baby, being in the same position;

sleep on one side all the time;

wearing an inappropriate bra for weeks, despite the fact that the chest hurts;

perform heavy cleaning or ironing with monotonous hand movements.

Contribute to the development of lactostasis, mother's fatigue,

baby getting used to the nipple , high fat content of milk.

The main reasons for the development of milk stasis in the breast are the following factors:

a large interval between feedings (the child is applied to the breast after 3-4 hours);

improper attachment of the baby to the mother's breast;

squeezing the mammary gland (clothes, posture, loads, pinching with fingers when feeding);
prolonged decantation;

strong

postpartum stress .

Most often, lactostasis in nursing mothers occurs in the first two

weeks after childbirth . In addition to innate instincts, babies need to acquire certain sucking skills, and for inexperienced mothers, correct advice on breastfeeding to fully develop it.

Feeding newborn babies on demand is extremely important to ensure in the first months of life. Such a diet when they do not look at the clock in order to

give the baby a breast useful for both baby and mother. These are the main recommendations of the World Health Organization for all breastfeeding mothers.

The most important thing at all times is the rule: every 1.5-2 hours to put the baby to the chest (both injured and healthy). Only a baby is able to effectively develop the milk ducts and alleviate the condition of the mother.

In order for the baby to exert the greatest effort precisely on the hardening area, you need to choose a pose and put the baby to the breast so that his lower lip is on the chest from the side of the problem area.

Some nursing mothers mistakenly think that in the presence of lactostasis

baby during feeding should be on the affected chest. Such incorrect actions can lead to stagnation of milk in the second breast and provoke mastitis.

Breast symptoms

Common symptoms of lactostasis are:

the appearance in the chest of seals the size of a walnut and painful to the touch;

redness of the skin of the chest over the site of compaction, tubercles;

pain in the nipple, the appearance of a milk bubble, a feeling of pressure in the chest;
elevated temperature;

uneven milk supply;

with the chest, the veins of the chest appear brighter.

A nursing woman needs to examine her breasts every day in front of a mirror. It is necessary to pay attention to

skin color, on the condition of the nipples of the breast, probe the gland from the edges to the center - the breast should have a uniform filling and not hurt.

Breastfeeding mothers should take immediate action

adjusting feeding if signs of breastfeeding are found, such as:

a hard to the touch and painful seal the size of a nut is palpated;

on examination, they notice reddened skin of any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe chest (can be compared with published medical photo of lactostasis);

pain is felt in only one area of ​​the chest, while other places do not respond so strongly to palpation.




If you notice any of the symptoms of lactostasis, do not panic - excessive nervousness contributes to spasm of the milk ducts. It is important in this situation to remain calm and relaxed. reconsider feeding regimen taking into account all the above wishes, and also take all measures that will help you relax, sleep and reduce the overall tone of the body.

LACTOSTASIS OF THE BREAST GLANDS. HOW TO TREAT AT HOME

Young mothers should be aware that at the first signs of breast lactostasis, the necessary treatment should be carried out as early as possible in order to prevent the development of mastitis. Taking action is not difficult, the main thing is to remain calm and act correctly. Approximately half of breastfeeding women have encountered such a problem as lactostasis and was successfully treated at home.

Actions that alleviate the condition with lactostasis of the mammary glands:

If you find symptoms of milk stasis, you should immediately attach the baby to the breast or express the milk completely. When something interferes with the movement of milk in a certain part of the breast, it stagnates, thickens and a milk plug forms. “Fresh” milk begins to accumulate above this cork, an edematous tissue thickening appears - this is why the chest hurts. But as soon as the chest is released, the temperature will drop and relief will come.

Attach the baby to the breast should be frequent: every two hours!

It is best to improve the condition of a mother’s diseased breasts with a newborn baby who “eats” breast milk. But if this is not possible, then milk is expressed by hand, and then with a breast pump. It is necessary to endure severe pain, but be sure to bring the pumping process to the end.

Spasm of the milk ducts as a result of strong feelings and stress can lead to breast lactostasis. In no case should you be nervous, you need to create a calm environment, spend more time with your baby, lying in bed - this is so convenient for frequent feedings.

good helper folk remedy for the treatment of lactostasis at home is such a method as applying a cabbage leaf to a problem chest.

Among the many useful properties of cabbage in the case of lactostasis, it is important to combine the anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects of cabbage juice, as well as the availability of treatment.

A warm breast shower is helpful before feeding. The heat of the water enhances blood flow in the breast tissues, and a slight warming promotes the resorption of indurations. Popular in the past, warm compresses for lactostasis are not used today, as they have a negative effect on the condition of a woman.

Reduce pain and reduce swelling in the chest you can apply cold to the chest for 15 minutes in between feedings.

If the breast is warmed with heat before pumping, this will facilitate the free flow of milk. A towel soaked in warm water is applied to the chest, and you can also express yourself under a warm shower. It is very important that the water is not hot, because excessive heat contributes to the spread of infection, and the likelihood of mastitis increases.

warm before expressing

from the edges of the breast to the nipples, because excessive pressure will increase the pain.

Children's paracetamol helps with lactostasis to reduce the temperature. After taking an antipyretic drug, it is best to lie down to rest or sleep.

During the treatment of the baby, it is necessary to drink less so as not to increase lactation (the optimal amount of the entire fluid should not exceed 1.5 liters).

Sometimes a few procedures of proper frequent feeding are enough and the lumps in the breast dissolve. Knowing what to do with lactostasis, a nursing woman will restore her health in two to three days and continue to enjoy motherhood.

THE BREAST AND NIPPLES GREATLY PAIN BEFORE MENSION AND WHEN FEEDING

In the previous article, we told you about what symptoms are characteristic of mastopathy, how to prevent the development of this dangerous disease, and what modern and folk methods of treatment

mastopathy of the mammary glands the most efficient. But pain in the chest and nipples can be triggered by a number of other reasons. Quite often, you can hear women complain about sore nipples when feeding a baby. Pain of varying intensity can be caused by various conditions and diseases that require different treatment and the help of narrow specialists. In any case, the mammary glands should be examined and treated in a timely manner.

The cause of nipple pain is often irritation of their delicate tissue:

increased sensitivity of the nipples (may be the cause of severe pain before menstruation);

drying of the skin in the area of ​​the nipples due to the frequent use of strong detergents or lubrication of the nipples with brilliant green;

damage to the skin of the nipples during itching;

irritation

from the seams or laces of bra cups , tight underwear;

injuries when using an uncomfortable breast pump;

any injury to the chest or nipple (even the position during sleep, lying on the stomach, can injure the chest);

anomalies in the shape of the nipples (folds,

warts, growths ).

Pain in the nipple can cause a milk bubble that appears due to blockage of the outlet. Another cause of pain can be

spasm of chest vessels leading to circulatory disorders in the mammary glands.

Pain syndrome accompanies the condition of a woman with certain breast diseases:

with residual effects after breast surgery (pain sometimes occurs during feeding, even after many years);

fungal infection, candidiasis ;

at various

viral and pustular skin lesions .

Sometimes pain in the nipples appears immediately for two reasons at the same time. However, the most common injury to the nipples is when the baby suckles incorrectly or is ineptly attached to the breast. A child from the moment of birth has a strong sucking instinct, but he learns to do it correctly by practice,
receiving milk from mother's breast .

The nature of the pain can tell what it is caused by:

If during feeding the nipples hurt more precisely at the moment of attachment, and then the pain gradually decreases, we can conclude that, most likely, the reason lies in improper attachment (poor grip of the nipple in the baby's mouth). Many women describe the cutting nature of the pain. This often happens in primiparous mothers who have tender, not hardened nipples - the problems go away after their skin hardens a little.

If in the chest

a fungal infection , pain in the nipples will be felt throughout the feeding, as well as after it is over. Feels like the pain caused by a fungal infection is burning, but this is not always the case. .

suspect

fungal infection and other dermatological problems can be on the following basis: if the onset of pain was preceded by a period of relatively painless feeding.

It is better not to give a pacifier to a newborn baby, as his sucking technique will change. The baby will grab the nipple in a different way, shallowly - like

pacifier pacifier . In such a situation, the tissues of the nipple experience the full force of children's movements, and it is injured - pain occurs.

Incorrect attachment to the breast leads to health problems for both mother and baby. The baby tries to suck harder, but receives less milk. He just starts to malnourish, there may be a lag in weight gain, and

mom starts introducing mixtures . For the mother, this situation turns into severe pain and is dangerous with the likelihood of developing mastitis due to the fact that the milk in the breast stagnates.

Breastfeeding rules to follow:

Even during pregnancy, carry out hardening procedures for the skin of the nipples.
Control the correct capture of the nipple by the baby's lips (they should cover the chest, not tucking in or pulling in; the baby's chin should be pressed to the chest).
Support the baby's head and guide the breast deep into the mouth (the position of the nipple at the baby's upper palate will be good; when the baby suckles at the breast, he captures more lower part the areola of the mother's nipple, and there is more free edge above his upper lip).
The head of a grown child must be stably held in the elbow area and prevented from slipping during feeding.
Right

support the breast to the position of the nipple in the mouth did not change throughout the feeding.

Breast mastopathy

If the feeding of the child is carried out correctly, there are no cracks and other injuries of the nipples, there are no phenomena of stagnation of milk in the chest ducts, then the most common

the cause of pain (both in the mammary gland and in the nipples) is mastopathy .

The term "mastopathy" refers to a pathology that leads to abnormalities in the structure of the mammary glands due to hormonal abnormalities. Disruptions in hormonal balance occur in a woman's body when

inflammatory gynecological diseases , as well as violations of the regular cycle of menstruation. An irregular menstrual cycle, which changes under the influence of hormones, is often accompanied by women's complaints of pain in the nipples and a delay in menstruation.

An excess of “extra” hormones affects the development of ducts in the mammary gland, blockages occur there, cysts form, and connective tissue grows.

There are two types of this disease:

diffuse (common mastopathy), at which uniform tissue changes occur in two mammary glands at once;

nodular mastopathy when a certain number (one or more) of large nodes are found in the chest.

With both types of mastopathy in women, the chest may hurt before the onset of menstruation.

It is noticed that with a diffuse form of pain occurs more often, and they have a clear connection with the expectation of menstruation. Usually the pain syndrome appears in the second half of the menstrual cycle, so many women complain

for chest pain after menstruation . In rare cases, from the nipples colorless discharge may appear , and sometimes you can see an admixture of blood in them.

As a rule, the nodular form of mastopathy develops painlessly or the pain in the part of the mammary gland where the node is located does not appear strongly. However, among women there are rare cases of high pain sensitivity of the nipples of the breast with nodular mastopathy, when the pain is unbearable.

timely

visiting a doctor, examination and proper treatment provide good results in mastitis and preserve women's health.

WHAT TO DO IF THE BREAST AND NIPPLES HURTS DURING PREGNANCY

The state of a woman when she has

chest pain during pregnancy , does not mean that bad changes are taking place - this is a normal physiological process due to an increase in metabolism.

Changes in the condition of the mammary glands

A sign such as increased sensitivity and pain in the nipples during pregnancy can help diagnose the onset of the pregnancy itself in the early stages. Sometimes such sensations begin to annoy women: after all, even touching their own nipples causes a feeling of discomfort and leads to a state of anger.

Women's nipples can become just as sensitive (or hurt)

before the onset of menstruation . This often misleads expectant mothers, and they are unaware of the onset of pregnancy.

From the very

first days of pregnancy The greatest changes occur with the breast. This is felt and remembered by almost all women, in whose body the content of female sex hormones is rapidly increasing and special hormone of pregnancy (human chorionic gonadotropin) . Outwardly, these changes manifested by an increase in breast size , a feeling of heaviness, because the mammary glands grow and adipose tissue increases. For this reason, the chest hurts during pregnancy, preventing the woman from forgetting about her new “interesting” position.

Pain manifestations are the stronger, the more the woman was subjected to suffering from

breast tenderness during menstruation . These conditions are very similar in sensations, only the size of the breasts in pregnant women becomes larger, blue veins become visible, and the nipple halos become darker. Often colostrum is released which is not to be feared.

As a rule, nipple pain during pregnancy is quite tolerable,

with the release of a small amount of colostrum easy to handle. And most importantly, what a woman should understand is a temporary and normal phenomenon that you need to get used to.

Precautionary measures

In order not to irritate the skin of the chest and reduce pain, give preference to comfortable natural underwear, use absorbent breast pads.

wear

special supportive bras and take them off at night. You need to sleep in spacious soft shirts or pajamas made of cotton fabrics.

For very sensitive nipples

special soft pillows for sale that eliminate friction.
The chest should be washed every day with warm water without soap. If the skin is very dry, apply an emollient milk to relieve itching.

Forbidden

squeeze colostrum from the breast ! It is enough to wipe the nipples and observe general hygiene. You can use bra cup pads. second trimester of pregnancy pain symptoms usually decrease, so any worsening chest pain may be a sign of disease. Consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and make a correct diagnosis.

Change in nipples during pregnancy

Swelling of the tissues of the nipples. For the entire duration of pregnancy female breast becomes heavier and can increase in size by about three times. Accordingly, the nipples increase and swell. The degree of change depends on the "activity" of female hormones.

Darkening of the skin of the nipples. Increased skin pigmentation

. These signs include darkening of the skin around the nipples and areola. .
Tubercles of Montgomery. Already at the beginning of pregnancy, women may notice the appearance on the breast of small tubercles located around the nipples (the so-called Montgomery tubercles). They are vestigial glands, located in the areola of the nipples of any woman and do not manifest themselves in any way. They can be seen
during pregnancy or at the beginning of the breastfeeding process. In some women, Montgomery tubercles appear already on the third day of pregnancy and can serve as its sure sign.

Response to stimulation. Increased sensitivity of the nipples during pregnancy requires extremely careful handling of the breast. Touching and stimulating the nipples affect the condition of the uterus and bring it into tone. Increased uterine tone can provoke dangerous cases:

miscarriage or premature birth . Pregnant women are better off not taking risks and unnecessarily not touching the nipples.

It often happens that in very specific cases, a woman has both chest (nipples) and stomach pain at the same time.

At first

during pregnancy, the muscles and ligaments of the abdomen hurt during the growth of the fetus . Certain hormones relax the abdominal muscles, which cause unusual pain. Such means will help support the stomach, as a bandage or belt for pregnant women . It's good to just lie down.

When a woman's body prepares directly for childbirth and future feeding,

pain in the abdomen and pain in the nipples of the chest . A new portion of the necessary hormones enters the body of a woman, and the stomach can hurt in the process. preparation of the cervix for the upcoming birth.

NEXT ARTICLE.

Most mothers at least a few times in their history breastfeeding felt discomfort and pain arising in the mammary glands after feeding. In today's article, we will talk with you about why the chest hurts after feeding. Can such a problem indicate thrush, and how to apply crumbs to the chest in order to avoid cracks, wounds and possible infection?

Since ancient times, women around the world have known that breastfeeding is not only a way to satisfy the hunger and thirst of a child, but also a great opportunity for a new mother to communicate with her baby. However, due to pain concentrated in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands or the nipple area, for a considerable number of women in labor, the natural process of breastfeeding turns into torture.

Really, what a pleasure you can get if every time after feeding, tears roll into your eyes, caused by sharp pains. So, what danger does ignoring the pain syndrome represent for the mother, and when should you run to the doctor?

Discomfort and pain as a variant of the norm

In the first 2-3 months after the birth of a child, a woman may experience tingling sensations in the mammary glands after the baby has eaten. This is due to the effect of the production of the hormone oxytocin on the female body. Such weak tingling pains, localized in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands, are associated with contractions of the uterus and chest muscles.

The most severe pain is felt in the first 3-5 days after the birth of the baby. Usually, at the same time, the mother also complains about strong stretching sensations in the uterus. This is due to her return to prenatal size.

An unexpressed pain syndrome can be observed when the mammary glands produce milk very quickly. For example, if you regularly fed on demand, and now the child is sick and eats very little, then there may be a feeling of fullness in the chest. This is a variant of the norm. The best "treatment" for pain is to quickly restore on-demand breastfeeding to the previous levels.

In this case, you do not need to resort to imitation of breast sucking. With artificial emptying of the mammary gland (using a breast pump), milk production increases even more.

Severe chest pain: possible causes

  • Very often, discomfort and pain in the mammary glands, both during and after feeding, appear due to improper attachment of the baby to the breast. A little later, we will tell you how to deal with this problem and what lactation consultants advise.
  • One of the causes of pain is also the shape of the nipples. For example, if they are flat or pulled inward, it is more difficult for a child to grab the areola, which, in turn, leads to microcracks (and, if hygiene is not observed, also to an inflammatory process). In this case, it does not matter which mammary gland has such anatomical features. After all, it is necessary to feed the baby with both the right and left breasts.
  • No less often, a mother develops thrush, which is transmitted through the nipples to the baby during feeding. As a result, the mother has sharp pains in the chest after feeding, and the nipples become reddish and swollen, peeling is possible. There are several reasons for the problem: taking antibiotics by a nursing mother, vaginal thrush during the period of gestation, and others.
  • It is also likely that the breast is very sore after feeding due to stagnation of milk (for example, a natural dairy product may be too thick and it is difficult for a child to suck it out of the breast). The nurse develops seals, and the skin on the chest becomes darker than usual. This is due to venous congestion. In this case, it is enough to “drain” the breast on your own (with the help of hands or a breast pump). If this is not done, mastitis may develop in the future, the last stages of which jeopardize the established process of breastfeeding and the health of the mother.
  • If the baby is sick or was born prematurely (that is, cannot cope with the volume of milk produced), the mother may notice that the flow of milk becomes very large. It is difficult for a child to take an overcrowded breast, and the mother (due to her inexperience) does not know how to help the newborn.
  • The mother may also suffer from vasospasm. With this disease, the nipples turn white, and a strong stabbing pain is felt in the mammary glands, a burning sensation of the nipples can be observed. This disease occurs when the vessels of the nipple are very spasmodic, blood even drains from its top.


Vasospasm

This disease develops for several reasons:

  • infection or injury to the nipple (usually occurs against the background of improper attachment of the child to the breast);
  • surgical interventions on the breasts and nipples that the woman had previously undergone;
  • taking certain drugs (for example, hormonal contraceptives can also cause the development of vasospasm);
  • now doctors say that the development of the disease is also affected by smoking, the use of caffeinated drinks and foods in large quantities.

Laktostasis or mastitis

The cells of the mammary gland, which just produce a treat, swell greatly, due to which there is a poor outflow of milk. For this reason, lactostasis develops, which is characterized by blockage of the "milk" ducts and severe pain or mastitis. This disease, which affects the breasts of a breastfeeding mother, is associated with an inflammatory process.

It is noteworthy that many women suffer from lactostasis and even mastitis after the end of breastfeeding.

Reminder for lactostasis

  • In no case do not stop feeding a child with a sick breast if pus is not released from it. Doctors recommend adhering to medical treatment against the background of continued HB.
  • It is recommended to express milk until you feel that only lactostasis remains, and then apply the baby. However, this procedure can be done 2-3 times a day. Otherwise, milk production will increase.

With an increase in body temperature, discharge from the mammary glands, as well as constant drowsiness and fatigue, go to the doctor.


Nipple problems

Now let's talk about how to get rid of the problem and alleviate the condition of a nursing woman.

Cracked nipples: how to prevent and get rid of

  • Squeeze out a few drops of milk after each feeding and lubricate the breasts with them. Milk fat creates a protective film on the nipples through which pathogens cannot penetrate. Of course, don't forget to wash your hands first.
  • Try to wash your chest with soap or shower gel as little as possible. The ingredients of these products dry the skin, and even more so, they negatively affect the condition of the nurse's irritated nipples.
  • As soon as cracks and bleeding wounds appear, it is necessary to begin to lubricate the nipples with special creams and ointments. Usually doctors advise using Bepanten (or its analogue D-panthenol).

If, despite all the manipulations of the mother, the crack does not heal within a week and continues to hurt, it is recommended to stop giving the diseased mammary gland to the baby for at least a few days. Do not worry that he will remain hungry. After all, you will give him a treat from a healthy chest. In addition, it is recommended to supplement the child with a spoonful of milk expressed from the patient.

The influence of thrush

Many women believe that Candida pathogens do not affect the health of a nursing mother. Few people know that in the presence of thrush, milk production decreases. This is explained quite simply.

The fact is that due to pain in the nurse, the outflow of milk decreases. At the same time, children, in whose mouths Candida fungi settled, suckle the breast very sluggishly and weakly (due to inflammation). If you do not take up treatment in time, then there is a high probability of developing mastitis and lactostasis in a nursing woman.

In the presence of thrush in one person, it is necessary to treat the disease in both the mother and the child. After all, yeast likes to live in a warm, humid environment, so there is a high probability of infection from mother to child and vice versa. During the period of treatment, the nurse should adhere to a special diet (namely, exclude sweets from the menu).


Disease prevention

  1. In order not to get sick, do not forget about careful hygiene.
  2. Try not to wear breast pads that are popular among breastfeeding mothers. The fact is that such products must be changed before each feeding. Our women, due to forgetfulness (or even economy), do this much less often. As a result, an ideal environment is formed - moist and warm, for the growth of pathogenic yeast. For the same reason, mothers should not wear too tight breast underwear. There are special models designed for wet nurses. They are much better suited as a daily "outfit", unlike products with a huge push-up.
  3. After feeding, do not immediately put on a bra. Doctors recommend doing air baths for the mammary glands (lasting at least 15 minutes).

Treatment of thrush of the nipples

  • It is recommended to wipe nipples affected by yeast fungi with a solution of natural vinegar (1 teaspoon per 200 ml of warm water). Wash your nipples with this remedy as often as possible (preferably after each feeding). Be sure to use only natural apple cider vinegar (no 9% product is out of the question).
  • If you notice white coating in the mouth of the crumbs, it is necessary to wipe the oral cavity and tongue with a soda solution. Mix 1 tsp. baking soda in a glass of warm liquid. It is most convenient to wrap your fingers with a sterile bandage, soak in folk remedy and then treat the affected area.

How to apply crumbs to the chest

Newly-made mothers have questions related to the correct application of the baby. There are a number of rules, non-compliance with which can cause nipple cracks and pain during and after feeding. By the way, it is precisely because of the discomfort that arises from improper breast capture by the child that many mothers refuse breastfeeding and transfer the crumbs to adapted milk formulas.

In addition to the correct posture, you need to make sure that the newborn is in the correct position when feeding. Make sure that it captures not only the nipple, but also the areola. Do not give the baby the opportunity to "bite" the mammary gland.

It is not recommended to take the nipple out of the baby's mouth. Breastfeeding experts recommend waiting until the baby comes off the breast on its own. If there is such a need, you should not pull the mammary gland by force. Experienced mothers suggest slightly pressing on the child's chin or sticking the little finger into the corner of the mouth. In response to your manipulations, the baby will open its mouth and the nipple will slip out of the mouth.

Thanks to proper application, problems such as mastitis and lactostasis can be avoided.

Now you know what chest pains that occur after feeding may indicate and how to get rid of them. Of course, it is easier to prevent the disease than to treat it. However, if your nipples or breasts hurt after feeding, we recommend that you go to the doctor. We are sure that you will find a person who can sit with the baby while you take care of your health.

After childbirth, a woman often experiences chest pain. At first, this is a normal phenomenon, which causes hormonal changes and the onset of lactation. breastfeeding is only getting better, so the nursing mother experiences chest discomfort. First of all, this is breast swelling due to the influx of milk, as well as nipple injury due to regular sucking.

In this case, it is necessary to establish proper feeding of the child and establish a diet. Then the pain will soon pass. But what if the pain lasts for a long time or did not appear immediately after childbirth? First, let's figure out why the chest hurts when feeding.

Causes

  • Breast swelling due to a large influx of milk or milk arrives directly during the feeding of the child;
  • Wrong and uncomfortable bra. Choose loose cups that don't squeeze your breasts. See that the seams are located on the ribs, and not the chest;
  • Early start of the menstrual cycle. The pain disappears at the onset of menstruation or after one or two days. When menstruation begins after childbirth, read the article “ Menstruation during lactation”;
  • Nipple injury. Since the skin of the nipple is tender and is not yet accustomed to the frequent sucking of the child, cracks and abrasions form. They require treatment not because of the discomfort and threat of mastitis.
  • - common cause chest pain during feeding and after. The disease appears if milk stagnation occurs in the lobules of the mammary gland. A nodule or lump in the chest is a sure sign of the disease;
  • If lactostasis is not recognized in time and treatment is not started, it develops into mastitis. This is an inflammation of the mammary gland with high fever and redness of the skin around the nipples;
  • Mastopathy - benign formations in the breast due to hormonal changes. Such a disease goes away after a certain time on its own. However, because of him, the chest hurts after feeding. If the tumor does not disappear after two or three menstrual cycles, be sure to consult a specialist!



Cracks and abrasions on the nipples

Abrasions and cracks occur due to improper attachment of the baby, as well as during the appearance of teeth in a child. In addition, the abrupt interruption of breastfeeding can be the cause of trouble.

This issue should be taken seriously. And not only because the chest hurts when feeding. Cracks and abrasions contribute to the penetration of infection into the mammary glands, which as a result causes inflammation.

The following recommendations will help eliminate cracks during lactation:

  • Use special liners for the chest and change as you get wet. Such pads will provide hygiene, which will help to avoid infections;
  • Choose the right bra so that the nipples do not touch the seams;
  • Make sure that the baby captures the nipple and areola during feeding;
  • After feeding, treat the nipples with oil that heals wounds. Sea buckthorn and laurel oil, chamomile and tea tree oil have wound healing properties.

Cracks are often the cause of a fungal infection, including thrush. When a fungus forms, be sure to seek help from a doctor.

Signs of infection:

  • Severe chest pain after feeding or during it;
  • Pain deep inside the chest;
  • Sore nipples aren't from the baby's suckling;
  • The appearance of a rash and redness on the chest;
  • Feeling of itching and burning in the nipples.

Infection during lactation is dangerous because it is transmitted to the baby from the mother. Thrush can easily appear in baby! The baby cracks the skin in the corners of the mouth, white and yellow formations appear on the tongue and lips. Therefore, a nursing woman needs to treat the disease immediately!


Laktostasis and mastitis

Lactostasis occurs during lactation, when excess milk accumulates in the lobules of the mammary gland. If no measures are taken, after a while such a blockage of the milk flow in one of the lobes will lead to the formation of mastitis.

Therefore, it is important to identify lactostasis in time. A sure sign of the disease is a painless seal in the chest during lactation. It does not cause discomfort at first, so it often goes unnoticed.

Feel your breasts regularly!

After a while, the induration becomes painful. In addition, the state of health worsens, sometimes the temperature rises, chills and redness appear on the skin around the nipple. At the same time, the chest hurts after feeding or during the feeding itself.

Massage, regular warm showers and chest compresses will relieve lactostasis. Sometimes you can express milk. Also constantly change the position of the child during feeding to engage each lobule of the breast.

For more information on how to treat the disease, read the article “We treat lactostasis on our own”. If the symptoms do not go away for several days, be sure to consult a doctor, as this may be the beginning of mastitis.

Mastitis is a breast infection that often causes pain. She is accompanied elevated temperature and chills, roughness and redness of the skin. In this case, the doctor prescribes special medicines and antibiotics.


Ten Ways to Ease Pain

  1. Proper attachment of the baby to the chest will relieve pain in the near future. How to do this, read the article " Establishing breastfeeding";
  2. Proper preparation of the breast for lactation will ensure comfortable feeding and normal development of the child. Read more in the article “How to prepare the breast for natural feeding”.
  3. Find the right cream or other nipple product with your doctor. This will reduce dryness of the skin and relieve inflammation;
  4. Feed often in small portions;
  5. Take warm showers regularly;
  6. Before feeding, do warm compresses, and after - cold;
  7. Drink at least 2-3 liters of fluid per day. These are water, drinks, various broths and soups. The liquid normalizes the production of milk and increases the level of lactation. What you can eat during lactation, read the article "Diet for a nursing mother";
  8. Get enough sleep, rest and walk in the fresh air;
  9. Do light exercise. In the third month after the birth of a child, you can start doing squats and going to the pool. Six months later, do yoga or fitness. Such physical activity will give vigor and strength, and will also help you get back in shape faster. However, when lactating, avoid jogging and classical aerobics, excessive training and heavy lifting;
  10. If the chest hurts intolerably and unbearably during feeding, stop feeding for one or two days. During this time, the inflamed skin of the nipples will recover.

Remember that chest pain is often indicative of breast disease and a possible infection. Therefore, regularly check your breasts for lumps and carefully monitor your well-being!