How to Soothe Sore Breasts

Breastfeeding or pumping can be painful.

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By Mitestarossa
eHow Community Member

Article Rating:

(6 Ratings)

Breastfeeding can be very challenging in the beginning but well worth it. If you can make it through the painful part, it eventually goes away (for me 8 weeks in) and you will not have pain again. Breastfeeding is so convenient you will be happy that you stuck it out.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

I believe prevention works best. See steps 5,6 and 7 for prevention techniques.
Step 2

NIPPLE SHIELD - This could possibly be the best way to prevent and relieve sore breasts because you are actually putting a physical barrier in place. If you don't know where to get one, ask your doctor or breastfeeding advisor. The nipple shield also helps if the baby is not suckling properly.
Step 3

LANOLIN - Lanolin based products such as Lansinoh work wonders. Use as directed on the package. You can also use it for dry skin and chapped lips.
Step 4

ICE CUBES - I have had moments where I literally had to freeze my nipples with ice cubes before attaching my baby. It does give a lot of relief.
Step 5

SEATING - Make sure you are sitting up straight and bring the baby up to your breasts. This may require several pillows. I like to use the u shaped pillow and then put additional pillows underneath it to bring the baby to breast level.
Step 6

ATTACHMENT - If you are having difficulty attaching, try gently squeezing the babies lips together so they look like "fish lips". Then push your nipple against the bottom lip as you are attaching them.
Step 7

DETACHING -This can be very painful if not done right. Stick your finger in the corner of the babies mouth to release the suction grip.

Comments

BobbiK said

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on 1/11/2009 Beginning pain caused me to stop nursing (not to mention mastitis) 18yrs ago. Wish I would have had this kind of advice then. Good news: You will help many new mommies that read this. Thanks for posting.