Tender Breasts from Breastfeeding

by Han Na
(Bakersfield,CA, US)

Visitor Question: My baby is almost 3 months old. She is my second child. I also breastfed my first child til 12 months old. I breastfeed her every 2-3 hours. I try to switch sides of breast for nursing. If my breast seemed to be hard or full I pump some out and (the other side that fed on I also pump that side).

I would say I pump an average of 2-4 times a day. My daughter really hates it if it is full, because the milk would quirt her in the face. So when I can I try to pump a little to make it easier for her to feed.

My problem is that my breasts are very tender. If I lay my baby on my chest, raise my arms, by gently touching them, they feel like they are swollen or the muscle is pulled. I try not to wear a bra from time to time.

My question is how do I know if I have an infection or is this normal to have this soreness from everyday nursing?

Breastfeeding Magazine Response: Nursing should not cause regular and consistent pain. This could be the sign of several issues related to breastfeeding such as a bad latch or too strong of a suction setting on your pump.

However, first check for signs of infection. Check the symptoms listed here: www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/breast-infection.html. If they apply, contact your doctor.

If you rule out an infection, you may want to contact a lactation consultant to watch you feed your daughter to determine if there are any adjustments that you can make in your positioning to help make your breasts less painful. She can also assist you in determining if the breast pump is the problem as well.

Good luck!