Should I keep breastfeeding if it hurts?

Should I Keep Breastfeeding If It Hurts?
Breastfeeding is often heralded as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing essential nutrients and fostering a unique bond between mother and child. However, many mothers encounter discomfort or pain during the process, leading to the critical question: should they continue breastfeeding if it hurts?
Understanding the Pain
Pain during breastfeeding is not uncommon and can stem from various factors. According to experts, the most frequent cause of nipple or breast pain is related to positioning and attachment. If a baby is not latched correctly, it can lead to significant discomfort for the mother. This means that before considering stopping breastfeeding, it’s essential to evaluate how the baby is being held and brought to the breast.
In many cases, simple adjustments in positioning can alleviate pain. For instance, ensuring that the baby’s mouth covers not just the nipple but also a portion of the areola can help create a better latch, reducing discomfort.
When to Seek Help
While some discomfort can be expected, persistent or severe pain is a signal that something may be wrong. Conditions such as nipple thrush, mastitis, or even a tongue tie in the baby can contribute to ongoing pain. If the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant. They can provide tailored advice and support, helping to identify the root cause of the pain and suggesting effective solutions.
The Benefits of Continuing
Despite the discomfort, many health professionals advocate for continuing breastfeeding if possible. The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond nutrition; it also supports the baby’s immune system and promotes healthy development. Moreover, the act of breastfeeding can stimulate milk production, which is crucial for maintaining a good supply.
If the pain is manageable and can be alleviated through proper techniques or treatment, continuing to breastfeed can be beneficial for both mother and child. Many mothers find that as they and their babies become more experienced, the pain diminishes over time.
Alternatives and Compromises
For mothers who find that breastfeeding is too painful despite making adjustments, it’s important to remember that there are alternatives. Pumping breast milk and feeding it to the baby via a bottle can be a viable option, allowing mothers to provide the benefits of breast milk without the discomfort of direct breastfeeding. Additionally, combining breastfeeding with formula feeding can also be a practical solution, ensuring that the baby receives adequate nutrition while allowing the mother to manage her comfort levels.
Conclusion
In summary, while pain during breastfeeding can be a significant hurdle, it is often manageable with the right support and techniques. Mothers should assess their situation carefully, seek help if needed, and weigh the benefits of continuing against their comfort. Ultimately, the decision to continue breastfeeding should be based on individual circumstances, with the well-being of both mother and baby as the top priority.

Should I keep breastfeeding with a bad latch?

Without a proper latch, your baby will not get the milk she needs and your breasts won’t be stimulated to produce more, initiating a vicious cycle of poor milk demand and poor milk supply. What’s more, your breastfeeding nipples may become cracked and feel mighty painful when the latch isn’t right.

How long until breastfeeding stops hurting?

Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. This is because your nipples are not used to breastfeeding. The pain lasts for a short time, usually around 1 week. Soreness that continues throughout the breastfeed, or lasts for more than 1 week of breastfeeding, is not normal.

What to do when breastfeeding is extremely painful?

Breastfeed as long as you can on the sore breast. Change breastfeeding positions. After your baby feeds, use manual expression to release any remaining milk from your breasts. Take a warm shower or put warm, moist towels on your breast.

Can breastfeeding hurts even with good latch?

It may look like your baby is well latched from the outside but your nipple may still be getting pinched. If you have tried to improve the positioning and latch but you still feel intense pain, seek help. Some discomfort when latching in the early days is common as you and your baby are learning.

Can I stop breastfeeding if it hurts?

If you feel discomfort during nursing, stop nursing and reposition your baby to get a better latch.

How to correct a painful latch?

If breastfeeding hurts, your baby may be sucking on only the nipple, and not also on the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). Gently break your baby’s suction to your breast by placing a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth. Then try again to get your baby to latch on.

What does a blocked milk duct feel like?

A plugged milk duct feels like a tender, sore lump or knot in the breast. It happens when a milk duct does not drain properly. Pressure builds up behind the plugged duct, and the tissue around it gets irritated. This usually happens in one breast at a time.

What are the early warning signs of mastitis?

Symptoms of mastitis
a burning pain in your breast – you may feel this only when breastfeeding or it may be constant. nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood. a lump or hard area on your breast. feeling tired, run down and feverish – you may have flu-like symptoms.

Should you continue to breastfeed with sore nipples?

If you get sore nipples when breastfeeding, it’s usually because your baby is not positioned and attached properly at the breast. It’s important not to stop breastfeeding. With help, feeding should quickly become more comfortable again.

What does the beginning of mastitis feel like?

What are some symptoms of mastitis? You might have a red, sore area on your breast. Sometimes it feels like getting the flu. You might feel hot and cold with a fever, and have general body aches.