But colostrum also contains nutrients and helps to strengthen the immunity of the child. Nevertheless, somewhere on the fourth or fifth day, perhaps earlier, a young mother can suddenly wake up because her breasts have grown very much and become firm. For one night the breast can increase by two sizes. This means that milk has arrived and now the question is how to adapt to such unpleasant changes as pain and burning sensation in the chest. This phenomenon is called swelling of the mammary glands. In some women, this process is painful, but fast. And in others, the breast swells gradually - mainly in those whose babies after birth have eaten efficiently and often. In childbirth there are hormonal changes - in the first days after the birth of a child the level of progesterone and estrogen decreases, and the level of prolactin, which stimulates the formation of milk - is growing. As the breast glands begin the process of producing milk, the components of their tissues swell. Such uncomfortable breast changes, most likely do not coincide with that picture of serene breastfeeding, which many women themselves depicted during pregnancy. Especially since your newborn baby may not have learned to take the breast correctly. It is necessary to try to maintain patience and calmness - in fact all the most accepted moments are yet to come. As soon as the baby learns to take the breast correctly, and she, in turn, will establish the necessary balance of milk production - when the demand matches the offer, then you will begin to enjoy the process of feeding. It should be understood that discomfort is a widespread and temporary phenomenon (especially for those mothers who have this baby first-born), and it will soon pass, because this is the main reason why after the birth it hurts and burns
But it is possible to take some measures to reduce painful sensations, since prolonged swelling of the breast can increase the likelihood of infection and other various problems in feeding the baby.
Teach the baby to take the breast correctly - for this, he needs to learn how to open his mouth wide, so that his gum and lips are located behind the nipple, so that the baby will well grasp the breast. Do not let him suck only the nipple - it will very quickly cause you burning and painful sensations, and can subsequently lead to an inflammation of the nipple. Watch the lower lip of the child - it should be turned outward, and placed under a mug near the nipple. If the lip is turned inwards, gently correct it with your finger or take the baby from the chest and try again.
To a painfully swollen and firm chest, you can attach an ice bag or a cold compress.
If you take a warm shower, then it can reflexively cause the secretion of milk, which will help empty the swollen chest. When water flows down the chest, massage it and try to squeeze out a little milk.
During swelling of the breast, the halo near the nipple hardens, the nipple becomes more flat and the baby does not get a good grasp of the breast. In this case, the baby sucks only the nipple and receives a sufficient amount of milk, but there is a stimulation of milk production and this process increases the swelling of the mammary glands.
If the chest is too full and the baby can not properly take it, use a special breast pump or just a hand to discard a small amount of milk, so that the breast becomes softer and the baby is more comfortable to grasp her lips.
But the best cure for swelling of the breast is undoubtedly frequent feeding. Breasts are quickly released from milk, and frequent feeding systematizes the production of milk in accordance with the needs of the baby. If the child sleeps for a long time, wake it up in a couple of hours in order to feed, and encourage the child to eat more often.
Medications for stopping milk production and previously assigned to women whose children were not breastfed are no longer considered safe as previously thought. Expressing the breasts is still a necessity for minimizing swelling and preventing inflammation. The production of milk should be reduced after one or two weeks.
Cracked nipples. Basically, cracks occur when the child does not take the breast correctly. Nipples damaged by cracks - this is not the inevitable outcome of breastfeeding. If the nipples show signs of irritation, then you should analyze how correctly you carry out the process of feeding the baby. Be patient and stay calm and you and your baby will succeed.
A few tips for reducing irritation of the nipples.
Before you take the baby from the breast, you need to make sure that he stopped sucking - stick your finger between the baby's gums or touch the chest.
At the beginning of feeding, you need to give the breast, which is less irritated. Try to stimulate the milk reflex before you start feeding, using a massage, a warm compress or a gentle pumping.
Feed the baby more often - about every two hours during the day. After breastfeeding, wipe the nipples with a few drops of milk and allow them to air dry. Milk has bactericidal properties that will help to speed up the healing process.
In breaks between the feedings, apply to the nipples a preparation made of purified lanolin, to moisten the damaged skin of the nipples.
Pick up a well-seated cotton bra. Give up synthetics, which does not absorb moisture.
Breast pads made of plastic can also increase irritation. If the pad is stuck to the chest, wet it with water to remove it painlessly and without damage.
You may need to consult a qualified specialist - a doctor, a nurse or an experienced friend. Refer to them for help. The benefit of breastfeeding will justify all the effort expended.