Common Breastfeeding Injuries
What to Expect
The term “injury” might be a bit strong, but then again, it’s worth noting that some babies are actually born with teeth. A newborn doesn’t know words, all they know is feeling, and they won’t likely be able to tell how uncomfortable they make you. A real injury could develop. Substantial breastfeeding injuries are rare, but at minimum, you may be uncomfortable.
Following we’ll briefly explore several common issues that mothers are likely to experience at some point while breastfeeding. Hopefully being more aware of these realities will help you get through the discomfort more quickly.
1. The Soreness From Engorged Breasts and Clogged Milk Ducts
Your body will produce milk, this milk will “inflate”, to use a crude but illustrative term, your breasts. They will become engorged. Engorged breasts can be quite uncomfortable. Your body should, to at least some degree, sync up to the baby’s hunger. When your breasts start to feel engorged, usually that will mean it’s time to feed.
However, there are situations where milk ducts become clogged for whatever reason, leaving you with sore, tight breasts and an inability to express your milk. This can be uncomfortable to say the least, you may want to consult the advice of a trusted lactation specialist.
2. Raw Paps Owing to the Friction of Nursing
You can, and likely will, sustain a nipple injury due to friction while nursing. Many mothers complain of sore paps as they begin to nurse their newborns. There are a number of solutions, you can use breast milk to soothe the pain, you might also want to try some petroleum jelly, and there are a variety of different lotions for the purpose.
Generally, your nipples will toughen up to the point where you won’t have to deal with the uncomfortable raw feeling for long. Some mothers resort to pumping their milk manually until the rawness goes away, some mothers “tough it out”. Regardless of which route is best for you, a little help from lactation experts like those in the link will save a lot of trouble.
3. A Very Likely Change in the Size of Your Breasts
Many women notice that their breasts enlarge after pregnancy, and stay that way even when nursing is complete. Now it’s not the same for all women, but this is definitely an outcome you should anticipate. Larger breasts mean more weight on your front, which can change how you walk. You might find you’re a bit clumsier than usual for a while.
Being Ready
Here’s the thing about that which is “natural” in the world: it’s seldom “ideal”. A naturally healthy body looks good but takes a lot of uncomfortable exercises to achieve. If you’re about to be a mom, you’ll soon know what it feels like to nurse. While it shouldn’t be terribly painful, it can be uncomfortable. Expect a change in breast size, irritated nipples, and periods of soreness. Click here for more breastfeeding and lactation tips.