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Breast feeding?

Jasen S - 2007-04-11 20:56:06 - Newborn Baby

My wife has pains in one breast while breast feeding. She says it hurts from the inside like needles trying to poke through. The doctor says our baby isnt latched on right but its only in the one breast and we have tried many positions. Any suggestions?

Best Answer:

Well, if the spot is warm and red, she could have mastitus. It's an infection of the milk ducts and it occurs when the baby doesn't empty the breast all the way. I would suggest that after the baby feeds on that side, pump the rest of the milk out. If you don't have a breast pump, you can hand express the milk. Start at the top where the breast meets the chest wall and squeeze gently as if kneading bread. Rotate your hand around the breast and gradually move down towards the nipple. At this point you can stay in the nipple, areola area. Squeeze firmly, but gently where the areola meets the skin and sort of roll your fingers towards your nipplle. Repeat this until there isn't any milk coming out. (or it's just a bit) Don't give up on the theory that the baby is latching on wrong. Sometimes the mother has a hard time getting comfortable with the baby on her non dominate side. Keep trying. If the nipple itself hurts while the baby is latched on, use your pinky finger to break the seal of the baby's lips on your breast and gently pull it out. Try again. Make sure your nipple is in the center of the baby's mouth and that it took most of your areola into it's mouth. Also make sure that the baby's ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line. If the baby's head is turned, it may be sucking unevenly. use pillows, blankets anything you can to make it more comfy. Try different chairs, even the floor. It may also work well if you lay on your side with the breast closest to the matress as the one you're nursing from. It's easier to get the baby aligned that way!! It also gives your arms and back a break! Good luck!!! Dont' give up yet...

Answers:

it's called let down it a sort of uncomfortable feeling just like you describe like little needles she probably feeds on the other side first i would try and switch it up so she feeds on one first then the other if shes already doing this one may just be fuller i seem to remember feeling it in the left breast more anyways it will go away on its own to help you can put a warm wash cloth on and be prepared for her to leak

Sounds like the let down sensation. As her milk supply regulates this should go away. I would always only feel it in the side I was not nursing on.

Well, if the spot is warm and red, she could have mastitus. It's an infection of the milk ducts and it occurs when the baby doesn't empty the breast all the way. I would suggest that after the baby feeds on that side, pump the rest of the milk out. If you don't have a breast pump, you can hand express the milk. Start at the top where the breast meets the chest wall and squeeze gently as if kneading bread. Rotate your hand around the breast and gradually move down towards the nipple. At this point you can stay in the nipple, areola area. Squeeze firmly, but gently where the areola meets the skin and sort of roll your fingers towards your nipplle. Repeat this until there isn't any milk coming out. (or it's just a bit) Don't give up on the theory that the baby is latching on wrong. Sometimes the mother has a hard time getting comfortable with the baby on her non dominate side. Keep trying. If the nipple itself hurts while the baby is latched on, use your pinky finger to break the seal of the baby's lips on your breast and gently pull it out. Try again. Make sure your nipple is in the center of the baby's mouth and that it took most of your areola into it's mouth. Also make sure that the baby's ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line. If the baby's head is turned, it may be sucking unevenly. use pillows, blankets anything you can to make it more comfy. Try different chairs, even the floor. It may also work well if you lay on your side with the breast closest to the matress as the one you're nursing from. It's easier to get the baby aligned that way!! It also gives your arms and back a break! Good luck!!! Dont' give up yet...

its called a let down when i breast feed my son as soon as i put him on my other breast is leaking and it does feel like needles but it goes away after about 10 seconds. it does hurt when they latch on but is the pain there through out breastfeeding? like the other comment it might be mastitus i had it 3 times it is very painful I've had fever,chills,and my body felt like a ton of bricks i couldn't do anything. as her if her breast is red in a certain area. get a breast pump it helps a lot