How to Relieve Breast Soreness After Childbirth

Shortly after childbirth, many women experience breast pain and swelling (engorgement). The breasts also can become hard and sensitive. These conditions typically subside after your body becomes accustomed to breastfeeding and you've established a feeding pattern. If bottle feeding, these symptoms will disappear once the body stops producing milk.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ice packs
• Supportive bra
• Cabbage leaves
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen

1. Wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra, 24 hours a day. This will help prevent your nipples from being stimulated by rubbing against the material.
2. Shower with your back to the water flow. Warm water can stimulate nipples, causing more milk production.
3. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to your breasts to decrease the swelling. These can be placed directly into the supportive bra to keep your hands free.
4. Feed your baby frequently (if breastfeeding) to help extract some of the excess milk. You can also use a breast pump to achieve the same results. If you are not breastfeeding, you do not want to express the milk, this will only send a message to your body to keep producing breast milk, which you don't want.
5. Place cold cabbage leaves inside your bra. This will help reduce swelling and somehow aids in reducing milk production.
6. Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other pain medications that may have been prescribed by your doctor. These medications are safe to take even if you are breastfeeding, as long as they are taken in moderation according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If breastfeeding, try to feed your baby at least every one or two hours the first several days after giving birth. This will help prevent your breasts from becoming too full with milk.
• Never take any medications, except the ones listed above, without consulting a doctor first. Remember, if you are breastfeeding, whatever you put into your body is transferred into baby's bloodstream.