Every woman who is about to become a mother is waiting for the moment when she will be able to attach her crumb to the breast. However, this process does not always go smoothly and without difficulties. Quite often, newly mummified mothers have nipples when feeding. The reasons for this may be different. This article will tell you about why nipples hurt while feeding and how to deal with it.
Breastfeeding
It's no secret that lactation is an absolutely natural process. Through the mother's milk the baby receives the basic nutrients. Also, the immunity of crumbs in the first months after birth is very weak. Mom can feed the baby and thus give him his immune defense.
In the first days after the birth of a child, a woman may not have milk. In this case, colostrum begins to be released in small portions. Do not worry that the baby is not enough. Nature has thought it through. Already in 2-4 days after delivery starts to arrive milk. This is where the first difficulties arise, which are manifested in the fact that a woman's nipples are badly hurt during feeding. How to deal with this phenomenon?
Note the amount of milk
If the nipples are sore while feeding, this may be an indirect sign that the baby does not have enough food. Observe the crumb during the sucking process. Listen to his swallowing movements. Perhaps, there is no milk in your breast at all? Because of this, the baby is irritated, begins to suck more intensively, and the effect does not come.
In this case, the only way out is temporary lure. Apply the baby to your chest as often as possible. Stimulation of the nipples will lead to increased lactation. You can also try to drink special teas to increase the amount of milk. So that at this time the kid does not remain hungry, give him a small amount of adapted mixture.
Teach your child how to properly grasp the chest
If you have nipples during feeding, the reason for this may be an incorrect attachment of the baby. In the normal position, the crumb must completely capture the areola. His tongue is placed above the lower jaw and may even extend beyond the mouth. The baby's lips should be relaxed and turned outward.
If the crumb clamps the tongue and strongly strains the lips, then such a grip is wrong. In this case, he gives the mother a strong pain and simply flatten the nipple. Show the baby the correct grip. Pins gently twist his lips and bring them into a relaxed state. The child himself will be more comfortable to eat in this position. In a few days you will be able to note that the pain began to subside.
Use breast pads
If your nipples are sore while feeding, the cause may be their irregular shape. In this case, the breasts of women are often small. Flat or retracted nipples can be developed over time. However, in this case it will be necessary to have patience.
The way out of this situation is quite simple. Get silicone pads on the chest. With their help the baby will be fed, and discomfort of the mother during the process will disappear.
Use medication if necessary
Nipples are often sore when fed due to infection. In most cases, it is a fungal lesion. Thrush can be not only on the nipples of the mother, but also in the mouth of the baby. At the same time, one should not engage in self-medication. It is worth to consult a specialist for help and a qualified appointment.
The only thing you can do in this situation yourself is to treat the breast with a soda solution. However, before the next feeding, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the applied compound. Otherwise, the baby will feel a bitter taste and completely refuse from natural nutrition.
Use healing ointments
Often, women suffer from nipples when breastfeeding in the first weeks after childbirth. In this case, we are not talking about any pathology. The child simply learns to suck and slightly injures the tender skin of the mammary glands.
Correction in this case is the use of healing ointments. Most of them require the subsequent rinsing off the nipples before the next feeding. The Bepanten remedy is the best option. It does not need to be washed off, it is absolutely safe for the baby. The drug quickly heals cracks and abrasions. A few days after regular use, Mom feels much better.
Do not take your baby's breasts during feeding
Pain in the nipples during and after breastfeeding may appear due to the fact that the mother takes away the breast from the baby by force. In this case, the insatiable kid protests and tries to grasp the nipples with the gums. All this gives discomfort and pain to a woman. What to do in this case? The
option can be two. It is necessary to give the baby plenty of pumping. When he gets bored, the little one will let go of your chest. If you need to urgently terminate the process, then proceed as follows. Place your little finger between the child's tongue and the nipple. The kid will immediately open his mouth and let go of your chest.
Discontinue breastfeeding
The latest way to get rid of nipple pain during lactation is to simply turn breastfeeding. In this case, the baby will feed on the milk mixture from the bottle. It is worth noting that most pediatricians and experienced professionals do not welcome this method. However, some mummies still use it.
Remember that the best food for a child is mother's milk. Only so the kid can receive all nutrients and vitamins. No modern adapted mixture will replace a natural breastfeeding baby. To continue the adjusted lactation physicians and experts advise at least until the child reaches six months. Feed the baby properly and for as long as possible. If you have any difficulties and problems, please contact lactation specialists and experienced pediatricians. Easy and pleasant process of breastfeeding!