Breastfeeding stimulates milk production resulting in regular fill up of milk in your breasts.
During the lactation period, breast engorgement, tenderness, soreness and the leaking of breast milk are observed as normal experiences.
Here are the five tips to help you care for your breasts and prevent common discomforts of breastfeeding:
1. Wearing a supportive bra that fits the size of your breast. The best choice is a cotton bra since it allows your skin to breath.
2. Regularly change your breast pads. Nursing mothers use breast pads to soak up leaking breast milk. The pads should be changed whenever they get wet. Clean, dry pads prevent sore nipples and mastitis.
3. Correctly remove the baby from your breast. This is done by placing your finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suckling process. This will prevent the baby from pulling or biting (in case the baby has teeth) your nipple which may eventually lead to sore nipples.
4. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands before touching your breasts. Wash your nipples and breasts with warm water on a daily basis to keep them clean. Avoid using soap as it may cause dry and cracked skin due to the removal of natural oils produced by the glands in the areola. The oils play a very vital role in moisturizing nipples and cleaning areola.
5. Treat breast engorgement. If your breasts become hard and swollen, use cold cabbage leaves to softly press the breasts to relieve the swelling and pain.