Breast massage
During pregnancy your breasts can feel tender due to hormonal changes. When you start breastfeeding, your breasts and nipples are very sensitive and a poor latch can lead to problems. That’s why it’s important to look after your breasts and have the latch checked by a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant if you have any concerns. A poor latch can lead to some of the most common breastfeeding problems including sore nipples and mastitis.
As your mature milk supply comes in between the fourth and sixth day after birth, your breasts might feel uncomfortably full and need to be drained often - this is perfectly normal and prevents engorgement.
There are various things you can do to relieve pain and discomfort, such as expressing (if you are already breastfeeding), using lanolin-based creams, applying a hot water bottle or a chilled pack on your breasts and/or ask your doctor for a suitable painkiller.
One natural approach that works well for many mums is breast massage. This is especially effective if combined with a warm bath or shower. Stroke the affected breast downwards toward the nipple with the palm of your hand. Use a gentle, circular motion, don’t squeeze the breast or compress it in any way.
Some lactation consultants advise sitting down in a warm bath and massaging the breasts gently with large-toothed comb, avoiding the nipple. The comb can be drawn through a bar of soap before you use it on the breast.
For a quicker fix you can repeat throughout the day, fill your sink with warm water and submerge the aching breast/s. While in the water, massage each breast downwards towards the nipple using a gentle kneading motion.
As your mature milk supply comes in between the fourth and sixth day after birth, your breasts might feel uncomfortably full and need to be drained often - this is perfectly normal and prevents engorgement.
There are various things you can do to relieve pain and discomfort, such as expressing (if you are already breastfeeding), using lanolin-based creams, applying a hot water bottle or a chilled pack on your breasts and/or ask your doctor for a suitable painkiller.
One natural approach that works well for many mums is breast massage. This is especially effective if combined with a warm bath or shower. Stroke the affected breast downwards toward the nipple with the palm of your hand. Use a gentle, circular motion, don’t squeeze the breast or compress it in any way.
Some lactation consultants advise sitting down in a warm bath and massaging the breasts gently with large-toothed comb, avoiding the nipple. The comb can be drawn through a bar of soap before you use it on the breast.
For a quicker fix you can repeat throughout the day, fill your sink with warm water and submerge the aching breast/s. While in the water, massage each breast downwards towards the nipple using a gentle kneading motion.
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