Home Treatments for Sore Breasts After Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the preferred nutrition for babies by most medical professionals. However, for mom, especially in the beginning, breastfeeding may not come as naturally as she assumed that it would. Breastfeeding can cause sore breasts and nipples, but there are treatments that can help.

Continue Breastfeeding

When breasts are sore, continue to breastfeed or pump on a regular schedule. According to La Leche League International (LLLI), sore breasts after breastfeeding are most often due to plugged ducts or a breast infection. While a breast infection will likely require medical treatment, it is advisable for all mothers to continue breastfeeding to get relief. It is not dangerous to the baby to breastfeed even when an infection is present.

Change the way you hold your baby while breastfeeding. LLLI states that moms who use different style holds while breastfeeding will be able to drain the breast more effectively than those who stick with one particular hold. Moms should alternate between the cradle hold, football hold and breastfeeding while lying down.

Treatments

Apply heat in several different ways to the breast. This will provide relief as well as help to unclog a plugged duct. Heat can be applied with a low setting on a heating pad, by taking a hot bath or shower or by leaning over a bowl of warm water and placing the breasts directly into the water. Breastfeeding while the breasts are warm can help the milk to flow better. Massaging the affected breasts during these heat application sessions can also help with plugged ducts according to LLLI.

Rest well while breastfeeding. This is an enormous physical task on the body. It is important to rest well, eat well and hydrate continuously during the time you are breastfeeding. Being relaxed during breastfeeding sessions can also help to alleviate any pain or soreness that is associated with the task.

If the nipple or the surrounding area is sore or cracked, apply a thin layer of breast milk to the area after feeding. Allow the film to air dry for an all natural solution to these painful symptoms of breastfeeding.

Seek Help

Seek help from medical professionals if you believe you may have an infection. A breast infection, such as mastitis, is often treated with antibiotics that will need to be prescribed by a physician.

Schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant. This trained professional can check to ensure the baby is correctly latching onto the breast. If the latch is incorrect, this can cause pain to the nipple and surrounding area. Correction of the latch technique can make breastfeeding a more enjoyable and effective process for both mom and baby.