Breastfeeding hurts my nipples
- Check the positioning of your baby
- Dry your nipples carefully after feeding
- Place dry breast pads in your bra to keep your nipples dry and replace them when it they get damp
- Avoid using soap on your breasts
- After feeding, try expressing a little milk and rubbing it into your nipples, allowing them to dry naturally
- Contact your midwife or health visitor if soreness persists or your nipples become cracked
Sore and swollen breasts
If your breasts produce more milk than your baby needs, they may become tender, full and heavy. This is known as ‘engorgement’. Engorged breasts can be uncomfortable and difficult for your baby to latch onto
- Try gently expressing a little milk from your breast before a feed (Click here to learn more about expressing milk)
- Check your bra isn’t too tight
My breasts feel hard and lumpy
You may have a blocked milk duct.
- Try a warm flannel or shower to soften breast tissue
- Try massaging the lump towards your nipple when you’re breastfeeding
- Try different feeding positions to empty different parts of your breast
- Check your bra isn’t too tight
- If it doesn’t improve or your breasts become very sore, speak to a healthcare professional
My breasts feel hot and painful and I feel fluey
You may have mastitis.
Symptoms and solutions
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast which can lead to an infection. Symptoms include areas of your breast feeling painful, red and swollen. You may also experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever or aches.
Why does it occur?
Non-infectious mastitis is due to a blocked milk duct or problems with breastfeeding.
This can lead to infectious mastitis, which is caused by bacteria.
How to avoid and treat mastitis
- If you have an infection contact your healthcare professional. They’ll suggest ways you can relieve the pain and prescribe an antibiotic that’s safe to take while breastfeeding
- Keep feeding ‘on demand’ because you need to keep your milk flowing. This will also help to unblock the milk-duct
- Massage any hard lumps in your breast towards the nipple while you’re breastfeeding
- Try different feeding positions to empty different parts of your breast
- Check your bra isn’t too tight
- Get lots of rest and drink plenty of water
- Ask your midwife to check your baby is in the right position when feeding
