Why does my other boob hurt when nursing?

Understanding Breast Pain During Nursing
Experiencing pain in one breast while nursing can be concerning for many new mothers. This discomfort can arise from a variety of factors, and understanding the underlying causes is essential for effective management and reassurance.
Common Causes of Breast Pain While Nursing
One of the most prevalent reasons for breast pain during breastfeeding is engorgement. This occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk, leading to swelling and discomfort. Engorgement can happen if the baby is not nursing frequently enough or if there is an oversupply of milk. When one breast is nursing, the other may feel the pressure of excess milk, resulting in pain.
Another significant cause of breast pain is blocked milk ducts. This happens when milk is not adequately drained from the breast, leading to a buildup that can cause localized pain and tenderness. Blocked ducts can occur if the baby is not latching properly or if there are long intervals between feedings.
Additionally, mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can lead to severe pain, swelling, and redness. This condition often arises from untreated blocked ducts and can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. If mastitis is suspected, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
Other Factors Contributing to Discomfort
Nipple pain can also radiate to the surrounding breast tissue, causing discomfort in the opposite breast during nursing. This can be due to improper latch techniques or issues such as nipple trauma or cracking, which can make the entire breastfeeding experience painful.
Hormonal changes during breastfeeding can also play a role in breast sensitivity. The body undergoes significant hormonal fluctuations postpartum, which can lead to increased sensitivity and discomfort in the breast tissue.
When to Seek Help
While some breast pain can be normal, especially in the early days of breastfeeding, it is essential to monitor the severity and duration of the pain. If the discomfort persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or chills, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques, assess for potential infections, and recommend appropriate treatments.
Conclusion
Breast pain during nursing, particularly when it affects one breast, can stem from various causes, including engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis. Understanding these factors can help mothers manage their discomfort effectively and ensure a more positive breastfeeding experience. If pain persists or is severe, seeking medical advice is crucial for both the mother’s and baby’s well-being.

Why does one side of my breast hurt while breastfeeding?

Blocked breast milk ducts
If one of the segments is not drained properly during a feed (perhaps because your baby is not attached properly), this can lead to a blocked duct. You may feel a small, tender lump in your breast. Avoid wearing tight clothes or bras so your milk can flow freely from every part of your breast.

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 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.

Is it normal for one breast to be sorer than the other?

One may be more tender than the other, it’s often both, but one may be much more tender. It can be tenderness around the nipple or mostly it’s about the rest of the breast tissue often in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.

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.

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.

Why does my other boob hurt when breastfeeding?

Plugged milk ducts, which may cause pain during letdown and a painful lump to form in the breast. Mastitis, or inflammation of breast tissue, which may cause breast soreness and a burning sensation during breastfeeding.

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.