It is also possible:
- To take an analgesic (Tylenol) before the feeding;
- To start the feedings with the breast that is least injured. Be careful, this is not a long term solution and it could affect your milk production;
- Vary the feeding positions;
- It is also recommended to spend some time topless and to apply breast milk on your sore nipples after every feeding.
Thrush
Thrush is a problem caused by Candida, women’s all-time favourite fungus! Candida can cause Candidadis (yeast infection) but is also responsible for a breastfeeding problem: thrush.
Thrush causes a sharp pain, burn-like, a shooting pain in the nipple and the breast. This sensation is felt during the feedings but it can cause itching all the time. Your nipples can become red or pink and the areola can become leathery and shiny.
In babies, thrush can leave white stains in his mouth, can cause grumpiness and can cause a severe diaper rash.
You will find in the From Tiny Tot to Toddler the recipe to get rid of this fungus. When you are stuck with fungus, there is no need to see a doctor; everything you need is available in a pharmacy (see your Tiny Tot). If the thrush doesn’t disappear after the treatment or if you and your baby are showing other symptoms, I suggest contacting a lactation consultant or a doctor. Some women and babies need medication to eradicate thrush. Candida can also be invasive. A naturopath can be of great help.
Still, here are a few tips to help you in your treatment:
- Avoid humidity (on the breasts, in the nursing pads and in the bra);
- Avoid sugar and ideally gluten in your food. Candida loves these nutrients. I always suggest to mothers suffering from Candida to “eat Asian” during the treatment. A lot of vegetables, a lot of meat and a lot of rice;
- Pay attention to your hands and nails hygiene;
- Wash in hot water (50°C or more) any objects that have been in contact with your baby’s mouth or your breasts (toys, some parts of the breast pump, bras, etc.);
- Throw soothers away after the treatment.
Vasospasm
A vasospasm is a problem related to the blood circulation. It is a brutal constriction of the blood vessels that irrigate the nipple and the areola. It causes a reflex reaction to cold and pain. This problem can be related to a bad latching or to an anatomic or functional problem. The vasospasm gives a violent pinching pain or a sharp burning pain when the baby releases the breast, when the nipple is in contact with cold air or after a sudden temperature variation (for example, when you come out of the shower). The nipple can whiten and sometimes look like a raspberry. The vasospasm is followed by a dilation of the nipple’s blood vessels and they become red or purple.
- Have your latching checked;
- Lower your nicotine, caffeine and mint intake;
- Do you take vasoconstriction medicine? If so, talk to your doctor,
- Use vitamin B6 supplements (read your From Tiny Tot to Toddler to know how much you should take);
- Osteopathy can also help you.
Breastfeeding is something very natural but it is not always easy for everyone. It is important to be supported and to take care of yourself. Let others help you and don’t hesitate to seek help as soon as you have a question, a worry or a pain.
The second part will cover congestion, mastitis, blocked milk ducts and abscesses. I will also add a small section for mothers who have milk production problems.
