Breastfeeding Pain Relief Home Remedies

Breastfeeding Pain Relief Home Remedies

Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to nourish your baby, but it can also cause some discomfort and pain for the mother. Some common causes of breastfeeding pain are sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis, thrush, and blocked ducts. These can affect your milk supply, your mood, and your bonding with your baby. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that can help you relieve the pain and enjoy breastfeeding more. Here are some of them: 

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Apply a warm or cold compress. A warm compress can help soothe sore nipples, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. A cold compress can help numb the pain, reduce swelling, and prevent leakage. You can use a washcloth, a towel, a heating pad, or a bag of frozen peas as a compress. Apply it to your breasts for 10 to 15 minutes before or after feeding, or as needed.

Massage your breasts. Massaging your breasts can help loosen any clogged ducts, improve milk flow, and relieve engorgement. Use your fingers or a soft brush to gently stroke your breasts from the armpit to the nipple, in a circular motion. You can also use some oil or lotion to lubricate your skin and reduce friction. Massage your breasts for a few minutes before or after feeding, or whenever you feel pain or fullness.

Use a nipple cream or ointment. A nipple cream or ointment can help heal cracked or bleeding nipples, prevent infection, and reduce friction. You can use a lanolin-based cream, a hydrogel pad, or a natural remedy like coconut oil, olive oil, or honey. Apply a thin layer of the cream or ointment to your nipples after each feeding, and wipe off any excess before the next feeding. You can also wear a nipple shield or a breast shell to protect your nipples from rubbing against your bra or clothing.

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Change your nursing position. Changing your nursing position can help distribute the pressure on your nipples, prevent clogged ducts, and improve your latch.

You can try different positions like the cradle hold, the football hold, the cross-cradle hold, or the side-lying position. Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open and covers most of your areola, not just the nipple. You can also use a pillow, a nursing stool, or a sling to support your baby and your arm.

Try red light therapy. Red light therapy is a painless and non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular healing, reduce inflammation, and increase blood circulation. It can help relieve breastfeeding pain by healing damaged tissue, reducing infection, and enhancing milk production. You can use a led red therapy wrap device at home, such as a red light therapy belt, that wraps around your chest and emits red light to your breasts. You can use it for 10 to 20 minutes a day, preferably before or after feeding, or as directed by your doctor. Red light therapy wraps has been proven by multiple studies to be effective for breastfeeding pain relief, such as this one and this one.

These are some of the home remedies that can help you with breastfeeding pain relief.

However, if your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, or pus, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. You may have a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Remember, breastfeeding should not be painful, but a joyful and rewarding experience for you and your baby.