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4 Essential Breastfeeding Tips for Healthy Breasts
Breastfeeding is a beautiful process, but it also asks a lot of your body. Good breast health is the key to preventing discomfort and continuing to enjoy this special time with your baby. Below you’ll find important “do’s and don'ts" for four crucial topics.
Breast milk: the golden medicine
Your own milk is not only the best nutrition for your baby, but also a powerful tool for your own breast care. It contains antibacterial and healing properties.
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Advice: After feeding, apply a few drops of breast milk to your nipples and let it air dry. This hydrates the skin and helps wounds heal faster.
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Don't: Do not use breast milk if you suspect a fungal infection (such as thrush); the sugars in the milk can actually feed the fungus.
Ice and cooling: relief from engorgement
When your breasts feel hard and painful due to engorgement or swelling, cold can bring huge relief.
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Advice: Place a cold pack or ice on your breasts very frequently to reduce engorgement and local inflammatory reactions. This can also be done before feeding!
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Don't: Never place ice directly on bare skin; always wrap it in a thin towel to prevent burns. Avoid all forms of heat and pressure on the breast(s) to get started with breast support.
Cracked nipples: prevention is better than cure
Cracked nipples usually result from an improper latch technique or incorrect pump use. Pay attention to hand hygiene and clean or replace tools regularly to prevent infections.
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Advice: Pay close attention to the latch; your baby should take a good mouthful of the breast. If needed, use breast milk, lanolin ointment, or organic coconut oil to keep the skin supple and restore its natural moisture balance.
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Don't: Do not reach for a nipple shield; instead, look at how the crack developed. Correct your baby’s latch (by breaking the vacuum with your pinky and trying again) or adjust your pumping use. Ask your midwife or lactation consultant for advice if needed.
Pumping: stimulate without forcing it
Pumping can help get or keep milk production going or build up a supply, but do it in moderation!
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Advice: Make sure you have a breast shield that is the right size for your nipple and set the pump suction to a comfortable level. Pump in a relaxing environment and preferably with your baby nearby (photo, video, sound clip) to encourage milk flow. To build up a supply, it is best to pump shortly after your morning feed (from 14 days). In the evening, your production may be a bit lower.
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Don't: Do not pump excessively between feeds if it is not necessary. This creates an imbalance between supply and demand and can lead to oversupply, which increases the risk of engorgement and mastitis.
- By An Hermans - Midwife and Lactation Consultant
