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Breast Care Basics
Paying Attention Is Important to Breastfeeding Success
By Teri Brown
Other breast care tips include these:
- Be alert for possible allergic reactions to breast shields, creams or other ointments applied to the breast.
- Don't allow your breast pads to remain against the skin when damp, because breakdown and cracking of the nipple may occur. Should this happen, opening the nursing bra – permitting the breasts to air dry – may correct the situation. Some women may use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to dry the nipples, but care must be taken not to burn the breasts.
Inspect your breasts daily, looking for red areas, small white cysts and basically any abnormality. - If using a breast pump, take care that the directions are followed exactly and avoid excessive pressure or using the pump for long periods of time without stopping.
- Wash breasts with water only. Using soap can dry your nipples and cause them to crack.
- Express some milk on your breasts after breastfeeding and let your nipples air dry.
- Make sure you begin nursing on the side that you finished with during the last nursing session. This alternates the increased pressure of a hungry baby and may prevent soreness. If you can't remember which side you ended on, use a reminder like Fresh Baby's Mama Jewels.
- A good, supportive nursing bra will make you feel much more comfortable.
Remember, making sure the equipment is in proper running order ensures that the equipment is there when you need it to be! Taking care of your breasts while breastfeeding can avoid many possible problems and help keep breastfeeding an enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.
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