NIPPLE PAIN

Next to perceived lack of milk supply, did you know that nipple pain is the second most common reason women in America prematurely
wean their babies?  With all of the various factors to consider that contribute to nipple pain and trauma, we are proud to announce a
comprehensive series on nipple pain, complete with photographs that show readers a proper latch and the various types nipple trauma.  This
series aims to educate women about sore nipple prevention and treatments!   Over the course of the next year, this series will be developed and
expanded to include:

Normal & Abnormal Breastfeeding Sensations

Latch Basics for Preventing Nipple Pain & Trauman  - COMING SOON

Causes of Nipple Pain from Trauma  - COMING SOON

Causes of Nipple Pain Unrelated to Trauma  - COMING SOON

Stages of Nipple Pain & Trauma  - COMING SOON

Comfort Measures for Nipple Pain  - COMING SOON

Treatment Options For Nipple Trauma  - COMING SOON

Treatments NOT Recommended for Nipple Pain & Trauma  - COMING SOON

Potential Complications from Broken Skin  - COMING SOON

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Normal & Abnormal Breastfeeding Sensations

Breastfeeding should not hurt or be chronically painful during, after or between a feeding. 

Nipple tenderness is seen in most mothers between day three and six.  Following the initial latch onto the breast, the baby draws the mother’s nipple into the junction of the hard and soft palate.   The baby uses their lips and tongue to provide a cushion for the gums which are used to compress the areola (the dark tissue surrounding the nipple).  In the beginning of a feeding, this process can result in an uncomfortable tugging or pulling and feelings of tenderness or slight discomfort that should last for no more than a few minutes.   Heat and redness in the skin may result and is normal.  

During a feeding some women experience the sensation of tingling, pin prickles or a sudden shooting pain as a result of the milk ejection reflex.  This sensation usually last for a few minutes and may occur several times during a feeding or when a let down occurs in between feedings.  It is common to experience this throughout the first month of breastfeeding. 

If you are breastfeeding an older baby and become pregnant, sudden nipple soreness may result from hormonal changes.  This type of soreness usually goes away over the course of the pregnancy and it not cause to wean.

Intense, toe-curing pain, pain throughout the entire feeding, after feedings or between feedings is not normal.  Persistent soreness that does not improve after one or two days of trying to correct the problem is not normal.  Broken skin, bleeding, blisters or any change in skin color is cause to contact a lactation professional for evaluation as is any nipple tenderness that does not resolve within the first week.

Around day two or three, breasts feel full and this tells you that your milk production has increased.  Breasts may have a small amount of swelling, but will remain soft enough for the baby to latch.  From that point on, your breasts be at their fullest at the beginning of a feeding and then softer and smaller after the feeding is finished.  When the breast is unable to drain, a period of engorgement can set it.  While nearly 70% of all women experience a period of engorgement during day three to seven of breastfeeding, engorgement is not a "normal" aspect of breastfeeding.   Associated with the onset of lactation, symptoms include moderate to severe swelling of both breasts, skin hot to the touch, shiny and tight skin on the breast and a body temperature greater than 98.6 degrees.  Shortened and infrequent feedings, supplemental bottles, infrequent and scheduled feedings can all result in engorgement. 

Sensations of tenderness in a particular spot or painful lumps in the breast are not normal and may indicate a plugged milk duct. The skin over the area may be red and the spot may not soften with a feeding.  Any breast lump that does not get significantly smaller within a week or becomes suddenly increasingly painful should be examined by a doctor. 

Pain left untreated often gets exponentially worse and can result in nipple trauma.   If you are experiencing abnormal breastfeeding sensations, you do not need to suffer and you don't need to wean your baby.   Experienced Lactation Consultants can often modify one aspect of the breastfeeding dynamic so that you can have a comfortable and even pleasurable breastfeeding experience. 

Latch Basics for Preventing Nipple Pain

Coming Soon

Causes of Nipple Pain from Trauma

Coming Soon

Causes of Nipple Pain Unrelated to Trauma

Coming Soon

Stages of Nipple Pain & Trauma

Coming Soon

Comfort Measures for Nipple Pain

Coming Soon

Treatment Option for Nipple Trauma

Coming Soon

Treatments NOT Recommended for Nipple Pain & Trauma

Coming Soon

Potential Complications from Broken Skin

Coming Soon

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