Ramkhamhaeng Hospital is devoted to supporting mothers with breastfeeding since breast milk contains an optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for babies to thrive; therefore, babies who are breastfed are healthy and smart with proper development. Yet, what would be the factor that ensures sufficient breastmilk for your baby and how do we handle breast engorgement?
A sore nipple or cracked nipple is usually because of an incorrect latch-on process or ineffective sucking. In addition, fibrosis under the tongue of the baby can also cause a cracked nipple.
Make sure the baby is in the correct position when latching onto the nipples.
Breast engorgement is caused by hyperlactation, which cannot be drained in time, thus causing the milk duct to be clogged. The breast will appear to be swollen, hot, and lumpy, and may result in a lot of pain and fever.
Apply a breast compress with very warm water for 5-10 minutes or warm rice compress (place 2 cups of raw rice in a piece of cloth and microwave for 2 minutes with medium heat). Take a pain reliever if necessary. When breastfeeding, make sure to hold the baby in the correct position and breastfeed more often. Excess milk should be drained by hand, squeezing, or a breast pump.
Mastitis is caused by hyperlactation or an oversupply of milk along with infection around the breast area. There may be partial redness, palpation, hard lump, severe pain, fever, and fatigue. This may be due to infrequent breastfeeding, incorrect positioning of breastfeeding, tight lingerie, or may happen when the mother presses the breast while breastfeeding.
Breast milk should be drained as soon as possible by frequent breastfeeding in the correct position. Take a pain reliever if necessary but if the symptom does not alleviate within 24 hours, please consult a doctor or breastfeeding department.
The experts at Ram Hospital are happy to assist with your breastfeeding.
