Why does it hurt when my baby breastfeeds on one side?

Understanding Breastfeeding Pain on One Side
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can also come with its share of discomforts. If you’re experiencing pain while your baby breastfeeds on one side, you’re not alone. Many mothers encounter this issue, and understanding the underlying causes can help alleviate the discomfort.
Common Causes of Pain During Breastfeeding
Nipple and Breast Pain: One of the most frequent reasons for pain during breastfeeding is related to the positioning and attachment of the baby. If the baby is not latched correctly, it can lead to sore nipples and breast pain. Ensuring that your baby is properly positioned can significantly reduce discomfort.
Blocked Milk Ducts and Mastitis: Another potential cause of pain is blocked milk ducts, which can occur when milk is not fully drained from the breast. This can lead to swelling and tenderness, and in some cases, it may develop into mastitis, an infection that requires medical attention. Symptoms of mastitis include localized pain, redness, and sometimes flu-like symptoms.
Breast Engorgement: If you are experiencing pain primarily on one side, it could also be due to breast engorgement. This happens when the breast becomes overly full of milk, leading to swelling and discomfort. Engorgement can make it difficult for the baby to latch properly, exacerbating the pain.
Why Babies Prefer One Side
It’s not uncommon for babies to show a preference for one breast over the other. This can be due to several factors, including the volume of milk available on each side or simply a developing preference as they grow. If a baby finds that one side provides a more satisfying feeding experience, they may consistently choose that side, which can lead to uneven milk production and potential discomfort for the mother.
Managing the Pain
To manage pain while breastfeeding on one side, consider the following strategies:
1. Check Positioning: Ensure that your baby is latched on correctly. A good latch can prevent nipple pain and ensure effective milk transfer.

2. Switch Sides: If your baby prefers one side, try to encourage them to feed from the other side as well. You can do this by starting each feeding on the less preferred side or using different positions to make the other side more appealing.
3. Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses before feeding can help relieve engorgement and make it easier for the baby to latch.
4. Consult a Professional: If pain persists, it may be beneficial to consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and check for any underlying issues such as mastitis or other infections.
Conclusion
Experiencing pain while breastfeeding on one side can be distressing, but understanding the causes and implementing strategies to address them can help. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby, and seeking support can make a significant difference in your experience. If discomfort continues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

Why does one side of my breast hurt while breastfeeding?

The most common causes of breast pain include: A plugged milk duct. Sometimes milk ducts get plugged. You may feel pain in an area of your breast or a lump may form under the skin where the duct is plugged.

How to fix a painful latch?

You’re in pain.
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. To find out if your baby is sucking only on your nipple, check what your nipple looks like when it comes out of your baby’s mouth.

Why does it hurt when my baby latches on one side?

They are often related to shallow latches and the baby not getting enough breast tissue in their mouth. This should improve as you practice your latching and positioning technique, but persistent pain is a sign that you could benefit from some additional support.

How long does a painful letdown last?

If it’s simply an adjustment period, most new mums report a reduction in painful let-down after the first few weeks. But, if there’s another cause, such as an infection or clogged milk ducts, the milk ejection reflex might continue to hurt.

Can breastfeeding hurt even with a 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.

How do you fix painful letdown?

Remedies: Bowers says applying heat to the breast can be very helpful with vasospasm and may relieve symptoms of painful letdown. Other remedies for vasospasm include making sure your baby is latching comfortably and wearing warm clothing during and after breastfeeding.

What does a clogged duct feel like vs mastitis?

Symptoms of plugged ducts, mastitis
Plugged duct symptoms progress gradually, and can include pain, a hard lump, a warm and painful localized spot or a wedge-shaped area of engorgement on the breast. Mastitis symptoms appear rapidly and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and body aches.

How to tell clogged duct vs mastitis?

Plugged duct symptoms progress gradually, and can include pain, a hard lump, a warm and painful localized spot or a wedge-shaped area of engorgement on the breast. Mastitis symptoms appear rapidly and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and body aches.

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.

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.