Tips on Breast and Nipple Care during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Author: Nick Mutt
The size and shape of breast and nipples changes during pregnancy, so an extra care is require for both. Sometimes unusual things also happen like leaking of milk, oily discharge from the nipples, etc. Here in this article, you will find useful tips on breast and nipple care during pregnancy and lactation.
1. Oily discharge from the nipples - Sometimes, there is an oily discharge from the nipples during pregnancy and after childbirth for a few days. Around the areola of the breasts there are small glands (called Montgomery's Tubercles) which secrete small amounts of a greasy material which kills the germs on the skin in this area. The greasy material is also useful in keeping the nipples supple. Do not wash nipples with soap to clean the greasy material; otherwise there will be a possibility that the nipples might become sore when the baby suckles them. All that need to be done is to splash the nipples with plain water to keep them clean.
2. Flat or inverted nipples - In case the nipples appear flat or inverted, it is advised to press the areola between the thumb and the finger to encourage the nipple to stand out. If the nipple sticks out, the baby will not have any difficulty in suckling. During the pregnancy period the shape of the nipple may be abnormal, but it improves as the pregnancy advances. This is because of the effect of hormones during pregnancy. Do not apply any ointment or a cream to the nipples. Clean the nipples by splashing water on them. Do not try to remove any secretions, since these are protective and prevent infection.
3. Leaking of Milk From Breasts - Oozing of milk from the breast is common during the first few weeks after the baby is born. This indicates that the breast is full and the mother is ready to breastfeed the baby. Keep a soft napkin or a hanky or a piece of soft cloth or a pad against the nipple in the cup of the brassiere. This will soak up the milk and prevent the blouse, bra and sheet from getting spoiled. Make sure to change this pad quite often to prevent the nipples from remaining wet. Otherwise these will become sore. Try to keep the nipples dry and clean. The secretion of milk can be stopped by pressing the nipple with the heel of your hand against the breast for about one minute. In case the milk drips from the other breast while feeding the baby, just leave the breast exposed and let the milk drip on a hanky or a clear diaper.
Hope this article will help you to find some easy solution of problem discussed above.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.
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How do you prevent cracked nipples while breastfeeding?
i bought nipple cream for when i start breastfeeding, should i put the cream on even when they are not cracked to prevent them form becoming cracked?
You may have read this, but if so I will say it again. When the baby is nursing, you put the nipple in when his mouth is open wide, your nipple should be well into his mouth and it should be painless. If it hurts, slide your pinky carefully into his mouth to break the latch. NEVER EVER just pull it out, their jaws can be like an iron grip, you absolutley have to break the suction to take the baby off.
It is sometimes tempting in the beginning to keep going even if it is hurting, because well, whew, he’s finally nursing, but if you put up with the pain you are just buying more pain and possible bfing failure because the pain can get pretty severe.
In the event that you do get a crack, definitly put the cream on before nursing, it has kind of a water proofing effect, you should still be able to nurse with a crack, but ultimately you have to teach the baby to latch correctly. Since the dark areola is like a target to the baby, when you bring them to the breast they will start searching with their mouth, you just have to bring the baby onto the breast when his mouth is wide open.
Also, a very important note it to keep his tummy on your tummy. That way his neck isn’t turned and he isn’t sliding down your nipple, OUCH! His spine should be strait.
Google for pictures of correct latch.
If you have large breasts you may want to learn about the c hold. In short you have to support your breast with your fingers on the bottom of the breast, thumb on top, behind the areola and sometimes, especially in the beginning you might have to smash it down kinda like a large sandwich to get it in his mouth. You of course want to smash in the same direction as his mouth. You don’t keep it smashed or the milk wouldn’t flow, but once he is well latched you can raise your thumb. If you are anything like me with the large breasts you may want to keep your hand under your breast to support it, at least as long as he is small.
whats the best nipple cream for breastfeeding?
what kind of cream will releve the dry cracked nipple from breast feeding and where can i get it?
Lansinoh is the world’s purest lanolin and has been specifically developed for the treatment of sore and cracked nipples alongside help with positioning and attachment (often the underlying cause of sore nipples).
If you have sore nipples, Lansinoh can provide soothing relief, protection and healing. Apply over the whole area of sore or damaged skin after every feed and as needed. Cracked nipples need a thick layer of Lansinoh for maximum benefit from moist wound healing. You may wish to wear nursing pads to protect your clothes. Some mothers like to spread a drop of hind milk on the nipple and allow it to soak in before applying the Lansinoh. As it is well absorbed and ultra pure, Lansinoh does not need to be removed before breastfeeding. To protect your nipples, you can also apply Lansinoh before showering. If the problem persists, consult a breastfeeding specialist. During pregnancy, Lansinoh may also be used to condition the nipples by applying twice daily to ease dryness and promote healthy, supple skin. Lansinoh is naturally viscous. In colder conditions knead the tube a little, or warm it in your hands for easier dispensing.
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I also recommend that after your baby has breastfed, hand-express a little milk and gently massage it all around the nipple area.
Another note: I was advised by my midwife that I could breastfeed my baby without wiping off the Lansinoh! Definitely a HUGE plus for me!!
Enjoy that special bond….
breastfeeding problem?
Hi, im breastfeeding my 8 month baby, and for 2 days now i have had a sore nipple, and delevoped a blister on it!
Ive still been breastfeeding with it but im so much pain, its rubbing off on baby. Ive got some nipple cream but it isnt really helping.
Ive tried warm flannels etc,
Any advice…….
Thank youx
baby has nearly 8 teeth, has happened a few times now and i grin and bear it!
Baby will not take a bottle, i’ve tried with breast milk and formula, and those teats that are like the breast.
i dont want to stop yet anyway, why dont people know that breast is best!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had that problem when my daughter was a few weeks old. The blister was REALLY painful when it burst! Here’s what my lactation specialist told me to do:
1) Nurse on the “good” breast for 10 minutes to take the edge off the baby’s hunger. While doing this, have a warm cloth or flannel on the sore boob.
2) Switch to the sore nipple and breast feed for at least 10 minutes, or as long as you can stand it (this will keep that breast producing).
3) Switch back to the “good” breast to finish the feeding, if baby is still hungry.
4) If at all possible, leave the nipple exposed to the air after nursing and as much as you can. I went completely topless while at home.
In a few days, it should be much better.
Several people have reccommended Lansinoh nipple cream. It’s good stuff, but my daughter hated the taste. I used an all-vegetable herbal cream called Nipple Butter, which worked fine (and tasted yummy).
breastfeeding is making my nipples so sore please answer…?
hi i had my baby girl last week friday and i started breastfeeding i was so happy as i know this is the healthiest choice for her however about 2 days ago i had to bottle feed her as my nipples have gotten so sore its unbearable to feed her, i have had a breastfeeding specialist see me and i have been doing everything right where latching on is concerned and i have used nipple cream, my breasts are quit large i was a 34 f before i was pregnant and i am now like a 36 gg is it because my breasts are so big why i am finding it so painful, do you think i should try her on my breast again, anyone been in a similar situation please share thanks
Yes, unfortunately it is going to hurt for a while (at least it did with me). It hurt SO bad the first 3-4 weeks then I guess they got use to it and not it doesn’t hurt at all. But I did pump more often and bottle feed for a while until they healed. But don’t stop completely because they will just get sensitive all over again. I bottle fed during the day and BFed at night. It will still hurt but it doesn’t hurt forever. It’s just a period you have to get through. But it won’t hurt forever.
Don’t give up!
Breastfeeding moms – can you give me some advice? ?
I’ll soon be breastfeeding for the first time with my first baby. I will be mostly exclusively breastfeeding. My plan is to pump only when I will not be able to be with the baby for a feeding or to let my husband feed every now and then. I will not be working outside the home, so he’ll have access to me whenever he’s hungry.
What I need advice on is – what accessories do I need to buy? No one I know (friends or family) has been successful with breastfeeding, so I really need someone with firsthand experience.
I plan on getting a single electric pump, probably the Medela one.
What else do I need as far as bottles, breast pads, nursing accessories, nipple cream, etc?
Also, is there anything I can be doing now with my body to help the process?
I’m 37 weeks pregnant.
Thanks so much!
I have been breastfeeding for 2 weeks now. I agree with the other two answers in regards to the most important equipment is your breasts. Other helpful things as mentioned are pads, lanolin (use it before you deliver and consistently after every feeding) and a glider. I didn’t crack until I stopped using it last week. I also cracked because I got really engorged… avoid this by waiting to pump until your milk is established. I started pumping around the same time the baby had a growth spurt and I became so sore that I HAD to stop pumping or I wouldn’t be able to deal with the pain from breastfeeding.
My advice especially since no one you knew has been successful- expect it to hurt. I think so many people give up because it is so hard and painful for the first 3-4 weeks. I am still having pain but the LC says the latch is good and to wait it out. It also doesn’t help that I do not have a good nursing bra (going to buy a few today).
Other things that are nice to have to get throughengorgementt-
*Hot/cold reusable gel packs (the heat helps with milk let down, a hot steamy shower can help too).
*Mittens for the baby (their nails are sharp and at about 10 days old my girl started grabbing my nipples (ouch!)
*I also used cabbage leaves after nursing a few times (takes away the hot feeling).
*I read that tea bags help but essentially they dry you out so that is up to you.
Another tip about engorgement that worked well for me… feed off one breast for about 10 minutes and then take them off and switch to the other one (stick a pinky finger in the corner of their mouth to break the suction). I couldn’t go more than 2-3 hours without releasing some milk from both breasts. Rotate the starting breast each time. Also when you are engorged if you don’t express a little milk manually before a feeding you may find that the baby can’t get anything and will be biting down… express a little first if possible.
Hopefully I can stick this through. Please feel free to email me once you have started breastfeeding if you have any questions- everyone is different and you might not find my advice useful but the biggest thing I have learned from successful breastfeeding moms and my own experience is that it will hurt for a while and you have to be very determined to stick with it. (aeschmidt2@yahoo.com)
breastfeeding frustrations?
i cant even pump, i only yield an ounce or two
im super worried i will no longer be able to breastfeed my son. he is 3 1/2 wks old and has developed thrush. hes had it for about a week now and it seems better in him but my nipples are killing me. they were sensitive and pink when he got diagnosed but they’re worse now, the skin is peeling etc. I’ve been using nipple cream for cracked dry nipples and canesten cream for the yeast infection, but it is SOOOOO painful feeding him. literally, i did not even experience anything close to this pain even when i began breastfeeding him. it’s like a sharp pain, and the friction from his sucking on my raw skin stings like crazy. i feel so bad because i want to breastfeed him sooo badly its the healthiest thing i can provide him with but im scared that if this continues, my milk will dry up or he’ll refuse my nipple because i can’t feed him longer than 40 min-1 hr each feeding and he’s still hungry so we’ve been supplementing with formula
and its not enough to feed him, he eats upwards of 5-6 oz each time i bottle feed him. my breasts are now frequently engorged because hes not feeding off them as much anymore and im just so worried i wont be able to provide the best thing for him. any similar experiences with advice or tips?? i really feel like by not being able to provide breastmilk for him, im sort of letting him down…….. not a good feeling
I’ve had problems with my first and started her on the bottle which ended up being the only way of feeding her and made me feel very sad. My third, a boy, also had a very difficult time. My nipples were so sore I wanted to cry. I called a lactation consultant to come to my home. It cost me about 150 dollars, but was so worth it. She spent the entire morning with me, showed me different ways of latching him on and it worked. After 4 weeks of tearing out my hair and crying, she solved my problem. Of course, your situation seems a bit worse because of the infection. Once your son realizes how easy the bottle is, he might not want to breastfeed anymore. I would seek a consultant right away. See what you can do about the sore nipples and his thrush. I wish you well. Hang in there. It is so worth it to breastfeed.
The following is lengthy, but worth reading:
Is thrush causing my sore nipples?
Persistent nipple pain in the early weeks of breastfeeding, or nipple pain that appears after several weeks or months of pain-free nursing, may be caused by thrush which is a yeast infection of the nipples. Additional symptoms can include
Itchy or burning nipples that appear pink or red, shiny, flaky, and/or have a rash with tiny blisters.
Cracked nipples.
Shooting pains in the breast during or after feedings.
Intense nipple or breast pain that is not improved with better latch-on and positioning.
Deep breast pain.
You may be at higher risk for developing thrush if you or your baby has had a recent course of antibiotics, your nipples are cracked or damaged or you are taking oral contraceptives or steroids (such as for asthma).
Be sure to examine other causes of nipple and breast pain. (There is a thorough list at the end of this article.) Positioning and latch-on problems are the most common causes of pain. Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to hurt! Check out the LLLI Sore Nipples FAQ for additional information.
Thrush can be very difficult to treat. It is essential for both you and your baby to be treated for thrush as not only is it easily spread but it also thrives in warm moist environments such as your baby’s mouth and your nipples. According to the BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, Nystatin is considered to be less effective than other treatment options. There are other medication options, including gentian violet and the over-the-counter treatment Miconazole. There is also an oral medication that can be given for resistant cases. Check with your health care professional about these options. Treatment should continue for 2 weeks beyond the end of the symptoms and may be given 4 times a day or after every feeding (if using Miconazole, apply to nipples and areolae 2 to 4 times a day for 7 days).
After treatment for thrush begins, the symptoms may appear to get worse for a couple of days before improving. While the pain continues, offer your baby short, frequent feedings, beginning of the least painful side. Be sure to rinse your nipples and let them air dry after each feeding.
If your baby uses a pacifier or bottle nipple, they should be boiled for 20 minutes a day and replaced every week. Don’t forget to boil all breast pump parts that come in contact with milk, if you are pumping. (The milk you pump during a thrush outbreak can be fed to your baby but not frozen. Freezing breastmilk does not kill the yeast in it.) Toys that go in your baby’s mouth should be washed with hot, soapy water.
In addition to the medical treatment, there are other steps you can take.
Wash all bras, bra pads, nightgowns, etc (anything that comes in contact with your nipples) in HOT water with bleach and dry on hot in the dryer or in the sun.
Rinsing your nipples with a vinegar and water solution (1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup water) after every feeding is helpful. Use a fresh cotton ball for each application and mix a new solution every day.
Some women add acidophilus supplements (40 million units per day) to their diet.
Some women find that reducing yeast and sugar in their diet helps.
These home remedies can be effective but they should be in addition to the medication, not instead of it.
Be careful with hand washing, especially after diaper changes. Babies can get yeasty diaper rashes very easily. If you use cloth diapers or nursing pads, the yeast can be passed through the laundry.
Attend a La Leche League Group meeting in your area for additional information and support. To find a Leader of a local Group, visit the section of our Web site entitled “Finding a Local LLL Group.”
Breastfeeding moms..sore,cracked nipples..can I pump & give the baby a bottle for a few days while they heal?
I have a 3 week old and one very sore and cracked nipple that doesn’t seem to be healing. Almost positive that it is not thrush or an infection, just needs time to heal properly. I have corrected the latch and am using a doctor prescibed nipple cream but to no avail. Should I stop feeding from this breast for a few days and just pump to give the nipple a chance to heal? I’m afraid if I did this that the other breast will not supply enough milk on its own. Other option may be to pump and use a bottle at every feeding for a few days? Any thoughts are appreciated!!
I had the same proble, i would actually cry becuase it hurt so bad. I put lanolin on it and whew it made it feel so much better! then i just started pumping and my son refused my breast when i tried to give it back to him. So hes 8.5 months old and im still pumping (very time consuming considering now i have to feed him then pump and wash bottles) but its so worth it. A friend of mine actually stopped breastfeeding and got her son to start suckling again then built her supply back up. If you do pump put lots of lanolin on it and start off at the slowest speed your pump will do and bear with it for a few minutes, you should then be alright even thou you may get a sharp pain every once in a while dont let this discourage you to stop becuase the benefits of giving breastmilk are so worth it! Good luck and use lots of cream
sore nipples during pregnancy. help!?
ever since i am pregnant, my nipples become extremely sore, sometimes painful and itch. i thought the soreness would go away in time, but i’m now 38 weeks and the nipples are just as sore and sensitive as before. ( i could hardly shower or wear cloth) is this normal? should i use lasinoh nipple cream to prepare for breastfeeding? will the soreness go away eventually?
Thats how my wife knows when she is pregnant. It can get worse. Hopefully not and hopefully you build a tolerance somewhat once you begin breastfeeding.
Congratulations on the pregnancy.
what is a good nipple cream for when your breastfeeding?
Lansinoh or whatever that is seemed to be the best for me.
will the Lansinoh nipples cream work for sore and cracked nipples from breastfeeding?
i’ve been breastfeeding my 2 week old son and i cannot stand it anymore. My nipples are soooo sore and cracked that i cry everytime i breastfeed. I read some good comments about the Lansinoh cream and i was wondering, will it really work? I really want to continue breastfeeding and i’ve talked to a breastfeeding consultant and she said my son’s latched properly now but before he wasn’t that’s how i got sore and cracked nipples.
Yes definately, I see someone said to use a lot of it but a lactation consultant told me once that ‘more is Not better’ when using lanolin and to use sparingly. I would also tell you to really watch your baby’s latch…I had a consultant tell me that my latch was fine, finally after 4 weeks of pain I went to another consultant and I did have bad latch. THe baby was taking too much of the top of the nipple and instead of coming under it.
It will take time and lots of patience but keep at it…once you get past the first month it will become super easy!! Try to find bfeeding support groups in your area and visit websites like kellymom.com for support. Good luck
important question for breastfeeding moms?
my six and a half month old daughter just cut her first tooth the other day. it is really hurting me to breastfeed her now. i fully intend to try and breastfeed her till she is at least a year old. but i am considering pumping and bottle feeding her during the day and actually breastfeeding her at night so she will go to sleep. i am also going to attempt formula supplementing. she hates formula so i can only wait and see what happens. is there any nipple cream i can use?
I agree with Lanolin. You may be feeling pain because she isn’t quite used to the tooth yet. Also make sure she is putting her tongue out before she latches, you should be able to see it somewhat over her bottom lip when she’s latched.
Purelan 100?? Nipple Cream?
Is it safe for baby to eat or do i have to wash it off my nipple before breastfeeding??
I am not familiar with that brand; I use Lansinoh, which is medical-grade purity, and it says on the tube that it’s OK for consumption.
For breastfeeding moms…?
What “nipple cream” worked best for you? Any advise on breastfeeding? Out little guy is due in August and I am planning on breastfeeding. Thanks
The best nipple cream is not having to use one at all. Prevention, prevention, prevention. If you get an uncomfortable latch, remove the latch immediately. Start over as many times as you have to. If you let her suck and it’s uncomfortable it will become sore and sometimes the pain can be unbearable. You can make it through it, but it’s better not to have to, Commit yourself to breastfeed no matter what and don’t give in. Find out as much as you can and maybe even join a breasfeeding group like Le leche league. You know it’s what’s best for your baby and you’ll do what you have to to do it. Good luck!
Breastfeeding moms, what type of nipple cream do you use?
I have lasinoh but it’s too guwey for me… what type do you use?
Breastmilk is the best form of medicine!!! Express some and rub it on your nipple every time you pump and/or nurse. Don’t buy those expensive creams or ointments, they are a waste of money!
Nipple Numbing Creams….?
My friend is pregnant and nursing and her nipples are terribly sore. I have heard there are creams for numbing the nipples but I can’t find any information on them.
Has anyone used them? Which ones? Do they work?
And no the pain isn’t due to latching issues, it is just normal sensitivity from being pregnant. This is her 5th baby so she is pretty good at breastfeeding.
I have found some second hand references to creams and I remember reading about them before. I know they are not advised for new moms because you have to fix the problem, but this problem obviously isn’t fixable.
“Some girls even use numbing creams designed for breastfeeding mothers. However, ask your surgeon if you may use these items first.”
http://65.218.28.50/breast_augmentation_recovery.htm
Nursed 4 babies, and nothing really works. Her nipples will toughen up with time and be fine. She just needs to ride it out until then.
failed breastfeeding once, needing tips for success this time round ?
hiya there, Im just wondering if the girls can share their breastfeeding tips with me please, i was only 16 when i had my first son and although i tried to breastfeed him, he was a hungry baby weighing 9lb 5oz when he was born, so the midwives at the hospital suggested topping up with formula in between breastfeeds but i still ended up with really sore cracked nipples and only managed to keep the feeds up for 4days after birth before totally switching to formula. I’m due baby no 2 soon and it is really important to me that I breastfeed successfully this time as well as it being best for baby I really enjoyed the bond when feeding my first son and almost felt like a failure for throwing the towel in so early.
Im also about to pack my hospital bag next week and am looking to buy some nipple cream to have on hand to help me persevere so has anybody got any good or bad experiences with any particular brand cos i haven’t got a clue which one to buy ? thanks in advance x x
What supplies do you need for breastfeeding?
I am hoping to be able to breastfeed my baby when he makes his appearance. What do i need to get for this? So far I am thinking breast pads, some nursing bras/tops, some nipple cream and maybe a breast pump. What else do I need? Also are this nipple shield things any good or are they only needed in certain cases? baby shops sell so many things nowadays it’s hard to know what you actually need.
Honestly? You don’t really need anything to start out with, other than some nursing pads to help soak up the leaks–just your boobs! I used the Lansinoh pads, and I thought they were great.
I never had a nursing bra–I just wore a regular bra and pulled down the cup when it was feeding time. Same thing with nursing tops/blouses–just wear shirts that button down the front of loose-fitting tops that you can stick the baby under.
Nipple shields really aren’t necessary, unless the baby is having latching problems. And if the baby is latching properly, your nipples won’t crack or get dry, so you won’t need cream, either.
You may want to eventually look into getting a pump and some storage containers for your milk, but since you should really nurse for at least four weeks without pumping, you may want to hold off on that purchase to see if it’s something you really need or not. If you are a stay at home mother, you may not need to pump and store, although it is nice to have a supply stockpiled so that Daddy can help out with the feedings after the first month, you have an emergency supply if you are ever away or on medication (and can’t nurse), or to leave with a sitter if you go out one night.
Don’t go nuts buying all the things baby companies will convince you that you “need.” A lot of it is just a waste of money, and you can figure out as you go along what you really need and what you don’t.
Does anyone know of a really good nipple cream for sore nipples?
I have been breastfeeding for 9 days now and am really sore. I was wondering what you would recommend for a cream..
Lansinoh brand. During breastfeeding with my son I would cry it hurt so bad, then I got that stuff at Walmart and the next day I had no pain at all. I couldn’t believe it. It’s a little on the expensive side, but so worth it.
Breastfeeding moms or anyone who’s ever breastfed?
Im 36 weeks pregnant and plan on breastfeeding my baby Im very determined to do this. Only thing is that I dont know anything about breastfeeding. Im a stay at home mom and only plan on breastfeeding until baby is old enough to eat baby food. Although im a stay at home mom I visit family alot, and my husband would also like to feed the baby too. So i need to invest in a breast pump. Im thinking about going with a simple, manuel breast pump just for pumping out a bottel now and then for hubby to feed to baby, and a few for when I visit my family and dont want to just “pull it out” and feed baby, considering theres LOTS of young kids around @ my moms house all the time. So does it sound like I should get a manuel one? Or should I just go ahead with an expensive one that isnt manuel? Im really confused about this & would like any help and information you’d know from EXPERIENCE. Also, if theres anything that would be useful/helpful when breast feeding? Ive already purchased a Boppy pillow. And some breast pads for the leaking. But ive heard people talk about nipple cream, and ice packs that go into your bra? And other things that im not sure about.. Also, ive already purchased nursing bras too… If anyone could help me out a bit? This is my first baby & im only 19 years old, so dont know much but i do LOTS of research and just want to be the best mom I can be to my little girl. No mean answers, please. I know breast feeding should come “natural” to women but some of us need insight.. and its always nice to hear other peoples “been there, done that” opinions.. Thanks!!!
36 weeks pregnant w/ a little girl named Sadie.
Get an electric one, much much easier. I’d recommend the electric Medela swing, it’s expensive but really quick and gentle. My friend had a manual one, she gave it away and bought the electric one, two days later!!
Only other thing I could recommend is a couple of breastfeeding access tops, I only had dresses that fit me after I gave birth, not the best thing when you’re breastfeeding in a room full of people!!
Good luck, don’t stress too much, maybe hold off on buying too many things until you need it
You’ll be fine!
Lumps on my nipple?
I am breastfeeding my 3 month old son and on one nipple i have had 2 small lumps come up in the last couple of days. When he feeds they swell up and it is quite painful while he is feeding and then for about 1/2 hour afterwards before they go back down. I have tried expressing on that side but that also hurts. Has anyone had anything similar. I have been using a nipple cream to stop them from drying out and cracking.
I agree that it could be a blocked duct. Try hot compresses and massaging it while baby is nursing on that side.
Here are the symptoms:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
You do need to make sure you take care of it so that it doesn’t lead to mastisis.