Today, I would like to reassure you and demystify the “pain” of breastfeeding.
Hypersensitivity
First, I would like to mention that breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt. If it did, it wouldn’t be normal! Some women have hypersensitivity, sometimes even during pregnancy, caused by their hormonal background. As you begin breastfeeding, you should see a significant improvement every day. If your hypersensitivity lasts more that a week, I suggest consulting a breastfeeding godmother, a doula, a lactation consultant, a nurse or a doctor.
I would also like to add that we frequently hear mothers saying that they are in pain when they breastfeed for many reasons. First, breastfeeding does not come naturally to women who haven’t seen many women breastfeeding in their family. It is therefore common to make certain “practical” mistakes when latching. Don’t worry! These mistakes are easily and quickly corrected when we have a good technique. It’s a matter of time, confidence and learning!
Find local support
Moreover, we live in a very individualistic society and many women take a long time before they seek help when they are facing a problem while breastfeeding. Yes, it is possible to experience issues when breastfeeding that can cause pain and no woman should wait before seeking help to enjoy this beautiful experience. Many agencies such as La Leche League Canada can help you and answer your questions. You can get the support of a breastfeeding godmother through agencies but also through local clinics. Most CLSC offer breastfeeding clinics with available breastfeeding godmothers. You can also ask a doula, a lactation consultant, a nurse or a doctor for help. Don’t forget your personal resources, like your friends, your sisters or even your mother who may have already breastfed. In brief, you must ask for help immediately when there is a problem. If the first person you ask cannot help you, ask for references, other resources!
For obvious reasons, I cannot give you a complete guide of all possible problems and solutions because the problem must be evaluated: latching, breast morphology, the mouth and tongue of your baby… A global evaluation of your breastfeeding must be made in order to find a solution but many little tips can guide you, help you.
Here is the first part of a small guide of benchmarks to help you address the situation. We will see cracked nipples, thrush and vasospasm. In my next article, we will cover congestion, mastitis, blocked milk ducts and abscesses.
Sore and cracked nipples
The nipples can get sore after the first few feedings. It usually results from using the wrong position and can cause pain at the beginning and sometimes for the whole feeding. If you suffer from sore nipples, the first thing to do is to check the latching position.
- Does your baby open his mouth correctly? Is he taking most of your areola in his mouth?
- Do you offer your nipple close to your baby’s nose?
- Is the head of your baby deflected back? Did you make sure that his nose is clear and his chin is pressed on your breast?
- Is your baby at the right height? Are you using your nursing cushion correctly? Are you touching bellies with your baby?
- Are you holding your baby’s neck (good position) or are you holding his head (wrong position)?
As you can see, it is not complicated and many breastfeeding issues are related to tiny problems that are easily resolved. But to resolve it, you must first see it. Couples who follow a prenatal nursing course make a very good nursing team when comes the time to breastfeed. A little visit to a clinic or an appointment with a perinatal professional can solve your problems very quickly and you will then be able to continue breastfeeding much more comfortably.
Sore and cracked nipples will not heal if the issue is not corrected, no matter what cream you are using. The foundation is the position of your baby and the way he takes your nipple. In some cases, these guides will not be enough. Sometimes the baby has a blocked jaw or a frenulum of tongue, for example. In those cases, the position is not everything. You must meet a lactation consultant, an osteopath or a chiropractor that will help you.
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.
