Studies in the United Kingdom showed that breast pain is the second most frequent cause of breastfeeding interruption during the first two weeks after delivery. One of the reasons for pain in the breasts, may be the breast engorgement.
There are different criteria on the reasons that cause engorgement, and therefore there are also different solutions for prevention and treatment.
These discomforts are due in part to the huge increase in blood flow required to start milk production. During the first week after birth, when colostrum changes to be milk, the breasts become full. This usually decreases between the third and fifth day, but if the baby does not take out the milk as it forms and accumulates in the mammary alveoli, it causes the breasts to become harder, hotter and cause pain. If your baby takes his shots correctly and empties the breasts, taking day and night on demand, there should be no risk of suffering breast congestion, but if you still notice the hard breasts, or the baby has a hard time holding on to how tense they are, try emptying them manually or with a breast pump. It is preferable to make the extraction or take it after taking a bath or putting warm water compresses on the breasts.
If after taking the discomfort persists, even if only in one breast, extract all the milk that is necessary to soften it and if you still do not notice relief, apply some cold compresses to reduce the inflammation. Occasionally, it may be necessary to use an analgesic such as paracetamol.
Remember that if you skip a shot, you should extract the milk and relaxation techniques and chest massage during breastfeeding, they will benefit you.
