Natural Remedies For Relief From Breastfeeding Pain

Breastfeeding is a completely new experience for the first time mums. However, it’s also a learning process, both for the mother and for the baby. What rarely gets discussed is the fact that mums sometimes experience breast pain during breastfeeding, especially in the first few weeks.

Soreness and pain in the nipples during breastfeeding is a common condition for the new mums. The symptoms can range from a tingling sensation, piercing pain, to soreness due to dry skin.

Did you know that there are breastfeeding pain relief home remedies? Read on to know more.

Mastitis – What Is It?

Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue and can progress into a bacterial infection if not treated right away. It can affect only one breast at a time or both. Plus, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s called lactation mastitis.

Mastitis usually starts when milk gets backed up in a particular area of your breast (gets collected), and then becomes infected. This can happen if you are persistently engorged. The bacteria might enter the breast through cracked nipples and other skin irritation and worsen the condition.

Pressure on the breasts, weaning too quickly and oversupply can also cause mastitis. Some of its symptoms include:

• Pain, swelling and redness in the breasts

• Discharge from the nipples and a hard lump in the breast tissue

• Aches, chills, exhaustion, fever and other flu-like symptoms

• Reduced milk production in the affected breast

What Causes Breastfeeding Pain?

Here’s a list of reasons that might cause breast pain while breastfeeding:

• You might experience breast pain during breastfeeding due to sore nipples. One of the most common causes of sore nipples is the incorrect latching of the baby’s mouth onto your nipple. The friction due to this can cause dry and cracked nipples.

• Your baby might be too hungry by the time you feed them. This might result in aggressive sucking which in turn causes soreness and tenderness in the nipples.

• Your baby might have passed on a yeast infection (thrush) to your nipples through his/ her mouth.

• Eczema or dry skin can also cause pain.

• Breastfeeding with inverted and flat nipples can be painful and it is advisable to seek the advice of your gynaecologist for ways to reduce the pain.

• Your child might be tongue-tied, a condition that restricts proper movement of the tongue. This can make breastfeeding difficult and you can experience pain during breastfeeding.

Here Are 15 Home Remedies For Relief From Breastfeeding Pain

Mums, are you looking for breastfeeding pain relief? If yes, take a look.

Ice Cubes

Cold compresses can come in handy and help soothe the breast pain.

You can place some ice cubes in a cotton cloth and gently press it against your nipple for around ten minutes. It is perhaps the best remedy for breast pain during breastfeeding.

Olive Oil

You can mix one drop of tea tree oil and one tablespoon of olive oil in lukewarm water and soak the mixture into a cotton ball. Then, dab it on your nipples.

After letting it dry naturally, you can rinse off with water and pat dry. This will help relieve soreness of your nipples and reduce the pain.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is known for its soothing properties. You can cut open the leaf of an Aloe Vera plant and scoop out the gel inside. Gently apply it to your nipples.

Tea Bags

You can soak some chamomile tea bags in hot water. After some time, take them out of the water and allow them to cool to a comfortable temperature.

Try to wring the teabags to take out excess water and place them on your nipples. This will create a soothing effect for sure.

Alcohol

Applying alcohol on sore nipples can also reduce breast pain during feeding.

You can soak a small sponge in alcohol and rub it over your nipples. Ensure to wash it off before breastfeeding.

Calendula Flowers or Oil

Crush one or two calendula flowers well and make a paste. Apply it on your sore nipple and let it dry.

You can also mix equal amounts of olive and calendula oil or simply apply calendula ointment onto your nipples.

Hot Oil Compress

If you are looking for home remedies for breast pain after stopping breastfeeding, you must try hot oil compress. Oil moisturises your nipples and reduces dryness.

Take any oil of your choice and heat it. Massage it onto your nipples three to four times a day.

Tea Tree Oil

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with lukewarm water. Soak a cotton cloth into the mixture and apply on your nipples gently. Let them dry and then rinse with clean water.

Breast Milk

Sometimes breast milk itself can be the best remedy for sore nipples that lead to pain while breastfeeding.

Breast milk has antibacterial properties and natural antiseptic oils that will moisturise your nipples. Apply some breast milk on your nipples after feeding your baby about four to five times a day.

Cut Down on Your Salt Intake

Cut down on your salt intake as much as possible because salty foods could lead to breast pain because they cause bloating.

Magnesium

Try to incorporate magnesium-rich foods like bananas, beans, brown rice, oatmeal, and green leafy vegetables into your diet to heal breast soreness. This will reduce the pain.

Castor Oil

Saturate a clean cloth in castor oil and place it on your breasts. You can cover it with another clean, dry cloth and then place a heating pad on top of that.

Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it with water.

Milk Cream

Milk cream is commonly known as Malai in India. It is a good soothing agent and is one of the best home remedies for breast pain during breastfeeding.

You can take fresh milk cream in a bowl and apply it on your nipples.

Massage it well. Leave it on for some time. It should be washed before breastfeeding.

Basil Leaves

Take a cup of basil leaves and wash them with water properly. After grinding them into a paste, add one teaspoon of honey to it.

Apply the mixture to your nipples for 30 minutes and wash it off.

Use Breast Shells

If your bra or clothing irritates your nipples, you can try wearing breast shells.

These are small plastic or silicone cups that sit on your breasts and avoid clothes or bras directly touching your nipples.

Conclusion

While the breastfeeding journey might have some speed bumps along the way, the pain also has a solution. The good news is that there are home remedies to treat the pain.

Finding the right solution will let you enjoy breastfeeding as you’re helping your little one grow. 

After giving birth, it is inevitable that you will go through some changes. No matter what the new mum’s life throws your way, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Your munchkin will change a little everyday and you don’t want to miss that!

However, if you find yourself dreading each feed, it’s advisable to seek help from a lactation consultant.

FAQs

Why do my ribs hurt while breastfeeding?

The ribs and rib cartilages can become inflamed where they meet the breastbone. Thus, you might experience pain on the ribs while breastfeeding.

How long into breastfeeding does it stop hurting?

Pain while breastfeeding is common. However, it usually goes within two weeks after childbirth. But, if you are experiencing severe pain in the breasts, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.

Can breastfeeding cause pain in chest?

Incorrect latching of the baby’s mouth onto the mother’s nipples can cause pain in the nipples. It can also lead to tightening of blood vessels. When a constriction of blood vessels happens deeper in the breast, it can cause chest pain.