When Breast-feeding is Painful

Photo: Getty Images

Breast-feeding was not my favorite thing in the world. I couldn’t relate to the mothers that immersed themselves in the joy of the private time with their baby while nursing. I just didn’t feel that.

Many times, I felt isolated as I excused myself from company to retreat to my room for a feeding. I was not comfortable breast-feeding in public and didn’t always have the time to pump.

I found it very difficult in the beginning as we both tried to get the hang of it. It was uncomfortable, time-consuming and at times, left me feeling defeated, wondering if my baby was getting enough food.

But I stuck with it and realized that it got better and easier after about 6-8 weeks. My body adjusted to the change. Before long, my breasts didn’t feel so full that I feared they might explode with a fast turn down the hallway.

With all that being said, I was proud to provide the nourishment for my children. I was willing to do whatever it took, for my kids.

Then the day came when I had my first plugged milk duct. Once you have one, you don’t forget. A painful lump on your already swelling breast. A sensitive and tender area.

The spot had a quarter-sized red mark on the skin. I had such a tremendous pain on the outer side of my breast. I could feel the lump just under the surface of the skin.

I wasn’t sure what it was. I didn’t know what to do. And I was still sleep-deprived with a newborn.

I called my friend. She told me that it sounded like a plugged milk duct. Her advice was to call my doctor and she explained what she did when she got them. While taking a hot shower, let the water warm up the area and try to massage the lump.

My doctor suggested hot compresses and allowing the breast to empty during feedings or by pumping. It took a few days but did go away.

Boy, did I want to make sure THAT never happened again. The advice that I was given for prevention was to allow the milk to empty from the breast. It did happen a few more times with my other children but I was grateful that it seemed to go away quickly.

When breast-feeding is painful, stay strong and always call your doctor with any questions.

Edited by Jody Smith

More on This

Breast Tenderness and Pain—Is Your Coffee to Blame?

Combating Nipple Pain While Pregnant

Answers to 6 Questions New Moms Have About Breastfeeding

How One Woman Took on Breast Cancer Twice and Won

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Do you really want to post anonymously?

Are You a Member? Log InConnect your comment to your member profile. It only takes a second!

 

Not a Member? Join Now!You'lll be automatically notified when someone else comments on your post.

Tell us what you think Write your comment here *

Leave this field blank

Receive email notifications of new comments Email Addresss

Sign me up for EmpowHER Updates

What code is in the image? *

Enter the characters shown in the image.

By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

Tags:

• Breast Pain