Why does my breast hurt underneath breastfeeding?

Understanding Breast Pain During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and rewarding experience for many mothers, but it can also come with its share of discomforts, particularly pain underneath the breast. This pain can stem from several factors, each with its own implications for both mother and baby.
Common Causes of Breast Pain
One of the most prevalent reasons for breast pain during breastfeeding is breast engorgement. This occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk, leading to swelling and tenderness. Engorgement can make it difficult for the baby to latch properly, which can exacerbate pain and discomfort.
Another significant cause is mastitis, an infection that can develop when milk is not adequately drained from the breast. Symptoms of mastitis include soreness, redness, and sometimes fever. If you notice red streaks or hard, painful areas on your breast, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Continuing to breastfeed or pump can help alleviate the condition by ensuring that milk is regularly removed from the breast.
Additionally, plugged ducts can lead to localized pain. This happens when milk does not flow freely, causing a section of the breast to become firm and tender. The best remedy for a plugged duct is to continue breastfeeding or pumping, often accompanied by warm compresses to encourage milk flow .
Positioning and Attachment Issues
Improper positioning and attachment of the baby during breastfeeding can also contribute to pain. If the baby is not latched on correctly, it can lead to nipple pain and discomfort in the surrounding breast tissue. Adjusting the baby’s position or seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can often resolve these issues.
Other Considerations
It’s also worth noting that what feels like breast pain might sometimes originate from the chest wall, which includes muscles and tissues surrounding the breast. This type of pain can be mistaken for breast pain but may require different management strategies.
Conclusion
Experiencing breast pain while breastfeeding is common, but understanding the underlying causes can help in managing and alleviating discomfort. Whether it’s due to engorgement, mastitis, plugged ducts, or positioning issues, there are effective strategies to address these problems. If pain persists or worsens, it’s always advisable to seek medical advice to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and comfortable during this important bonding experience.

What is mastalgia under-breast?

Cyclic mastalgia: a hormonal connection
The pain may be barely noticeable, or so severe that you can’t wear tight-fitting clothing or handle close contact of any kind. The pain may be felt in only one breast, or as a radiating feeling in the underarm area.

How do you tell if you have a clogged duct or 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.

What does it mean when it’s sore under your breast?

The main causes are sweat rash, ‘skin to skin’ rubbing and the growth of yeast, which appear as a rash in the skin fold, under the breast. This is commonly known as Intertrigo. If untreated, Intertrigo can spread to other parts of the body or worsen.

How do you get rid of soreness under your breast?

The most effective treatment for under-breast soreness is to: • Wash the affected area morning and night and pat dry, rather than rub dry. Wear good supportive bras. This will help stop the ‘skin to skin’ rubbing. Cotton is known to be effective.

Why am I having pain underneath my breast?

Chest wall muscles located below your breast may spasm when you’re anxious or stressed. That can cause pain that lasts for a few seconds or several days. You may also experience chest wall pain if you strain a muscle in your chest or you have a bruise or rib fracture.

What does it mean when the bottom of your breast hurts?

Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.

Why does it hurt so bad under my breast?

For example, pain under the left breast may be caused by a heart condition, while a digestive disorder may cause pain under the right breast. Other potential causes include chest trauma, an infection, or a muscle strain. It is essential to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the pain.

What does an under-boob yeast infection look like?

A yeast infection under your breasts looks like a bright red rash. The rash will appear under your breasts and at the top of your torso where your breast skin touches your chest. The breast rash may be: Raised, swollen or tender.

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.