Breast care during lactation

Causes of wounds

You can suspect the presence of small cracks if:

the woman is in pain throughout the feeding;
between applications, a burning sensation is felt in the nipple area;
When you blot the nipple with a clean napkin, traces of blood remain on it.

Large cracks look like deep, even scratches and are very painful. Cracks in the nipples during feeding occur for the following reasons:

improper latching on the breast by the baby;
feeding technique is impaired;
incorrect pumping tactics;
improperly organized breast care;
sensitive nipples;
fungal and bacterial diseases of the skin of the nipple;
problems with the vessels of the areola.

Let's talk in more detail about why nipple cracks appear.

Incorrect chest grip

Cracks appear if:

when feeding, the baby grasps only the nipple;
asymmetrical grip, when the child takes the nipple and areola from only one side of the breast;
the latch may be initially correct, but during feeding, only the nipple ends up in the baby’s mouth;
The baby cannot breastfeed effectively due to a short frenulum or neurological problems.

Violation of feeding technique

A nursing mother makes the following mistakes:

Uncomfortable position for feeding. The baby's mouth should be directly at the nipple, the baby should not reach for the breast or turn his head. In this case, the woman puts the baby to her chest, and does not reach for him with her breasts. In other cases, the nipple rubs and cracks appear.
Incorrect completion of feeding. The World Health Association recommends keeping your baby at the breast for as long as he needs. The mother must wait until the baby is full and lets go of the breast. If it becomes necessary to remove the breast, you need to insert a clean finger into the corner of the mouth of the sucking baby and turn it, the vacuum will be broken, and the nipple can be removed without injury.
Use of pacifiers and pacifiers. The baby suckles on these devices in a completely different way than the breast. When alternating between nipple, bottle and pacifier, the baby gets confused and takes the breast incorrectly, resulting in abrasions and cracks.

Incorrect pumping

Typically, nipple problems when expressing occur when using a breast pump. A nozzle that is too large or too small will cause cracks. It is also necessary to regulate the intensity of operation of the device and promptly and thoroughly disinfect it to avoid infection. When manually expressing your breasts, it is difficult to develop cracks, because in this case the woman is guided by her sensations.

Breast skin care

Sensitive nipples

If the sensitive skin of the areola is the only reason for the appearance of cracks during feeding, then they go away on their own after the epidermis of the nipple is renewed. The skin becomes rougher, “gets used” to constant stress and the wounds heal.

Nipple skin diseases

Common pathogens that cause cracked nipples during breastfeeding are candida (a fungus that causes thrush) and staphylococcus (a bacteria). If such a problem occurs, treatment is prescribed by a doctor.

Vascular problems (vasospasm)

This is a spasm of the nipple vessels, which usually occurs after feeding. The woman feels a burning pain, both or one nipple turns white and becomes tense. This state lasts about a minute. Dry warmth on the chest - an ironed diaper, a heating pad wrapped in a towel - helps to alleviate suffering.

Feed your baby correctly

Remember! The lion's share of all problems with the skin of the nipples is the result of improper attachment of the child.

To prevent the appearance of cracks already in the maternity hospital, even before giving birth, try to learn more about breastfeeding. This can be done by visiting our section.

Choose several comfortable positions for feeding. When sucking, the baby's head, neck, and back should be in one line. Avoid tilting or turning your head. The positions should also be comfortable for the mother, because in the first few months feeding can last about an hour.

The first breastfeeding is very important. At the beginning of feeding, tickle the baby's cheek with your finger; the baby will instinctively open his mouth wide. Quickly place the nipple in your mouth so that the baby captures as much of the areola as possible. If you don't succeed the first time, pick up the breast (by inserting your finger into the corner of your mouth) and try again. If a mother immediately teaches her child to latch on to the breast correctly, this will save her from many problems in the future.

To avoid cracks, always monitor how feeding is going. Signs that your baby is breastfeeding correctly:

The areola and nipple are in the baby's mouth. If the baby does not capture the entire areola, then its main part should be visible above the upper lip.
The baby's mouth is wide open, lips turned outward. If the child turns his lips inward, but at the same time grabs the areola, and not just the nipple, you can gently straighten the tucked lip with your finger.
Sometimes a tongue can be seen between the chest and lower lip.
During feeding, the baby's chin is pressed against the mother's chest.
When sucking, only gulps are heard. If you hear smacking during feeding, this means that the sucking vacuum has been broken. Take the breast and insert the nipple into the baby's mouth correctly.
The chest empties well.
It is normal to experience pain when starting to feed in the first few weeks. The discomfort goes away after a couple of minutes. If the pain accompanies the entire feeding and intensifies, it is possible that cracks have already appeared on the nipple.

If the latch becomes incorrect during feeding, remove the breast from the baby and reattach it. The baby will soon learn to take the nipple properly.

If a mother is not confident in her breastfeeding technique, it makes sense to consult a doctor or invite a competent breastfeeding consultant. If it is not possible to urgently call help at home, consultants can give preliminary advice in absentia on eliminating the causes of cracked nipples during feeding; they will take photos of the pose and grip on the Internet.

Why is lactostasis dangerous?

Many breastfeeding women do not pay any attention to the appearance of painful areas in the mammary glands, believing that the baby will be able to “dissolve” the problematic part of the mammary gland, ridding it of milk. This is only true to some extent. Colostrum, like transitional milk, has a fairly thick consistency; if the outflow of milk is difficult for some reason, it becomes even thicker, making it much more difficult for the baby to suck. The baby sucks out more liquid milk from neighboring areas, and the problem area remains practically untouched. Milk is pyrogenic, meaning that the accumulation of milk can cause a high fever. With lactostasis, this temperature can reach significant numbers ( in some cases, up to 40 degrees Celsius

).
This is exactly the condition that is described by the popular expression “ the milk in the breast is burning
.” Typically, such an increase in temperature is very difficult to correct with medication. Here the only and effective method of treatment is to free the problematic mammary gland from milk - “drain the breast.”

How to prevent the formation of cracks?

Feeding a baby with a cracked nipple is painful, and treatment takes some time. It is much easier to pay attention to the prevention of this unpleasant problem. Contrary to popular belief, no amount of “preparing” your nipples for breastfeeding during pregnancy will reduce your chances of developing cracks. Rubbing with a rough towel can damage the delicate skin of the breast and contribute to injury.

If a woman has flat or inverted nipples, it is useless to “stretch” them yourself. A properly attached baby will give them the desired shape within a few feedings. Women with problem nipples need to pay special attention to the correct grip of the breast, as they are at risk of injury to the skin of the areola.

You need to monitor your latch from the very first feeding.

Properly organized care for the skin of the breast and nipple also helps to avoid cracks. There is no need to wash your breasts before each feeding, just rinse them once a day. Use soaps and gels less often so as not to dry out the nipple skin.

The underwear should provide good support for the breasts between feedings. Give preference to models made of natural fabric, without wires, and with wide straps. If your milk leaks between feedings, use special breast pads in your bra cups.

After feeding, squeeze a drop of milk from each gland, spread over the nipples and allow to air dry. This helps prevent various infections and prevents the appearance of cracks. Dry nipple skin can be lubricated with vegetable oil, such as olive oil, after feeding.

Rules for caring for the mammary glands

Signs of normal development of a child from 7 to 12 months
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Breast care
At the beginning of pregnancy, the mammary glands and nipples can be very sensitive, but this soon goes away, just wash the nipples with warm water during your daily shower or bath, but without soap or other drying substances, because when the baby begins to feed, dry skin provokes the appearance of cracks and sore nipples. The softer and more elastic the nipples, the simpler and easier the initial period of breastfeeding will be.
Read also: Feeding infants with yogurt
During the last three months of pregnancy, it is helpful to make some simple preparations for breastfeeding. After washing, gently rub your nipples with a terry towel, then grab the base of the nipple with your thumb and forefinger and gently squeeze it.
Gently pull the nipple forward, then up and down. This exercise needs to be done several times with each nipple. If your nipples are inverted and do not protrude properly, bring this to the attention of your doctor.
In addition to these exercises, your doctor may recommend wearing a special bra during pregnancy that will help develop the correct nipple shape. Some women like to lubricate their breasts with cream.
Well, such a procedure will not hurt - any cream is suitable for this, as long as it is not flavored. You can use vegetable oil - it is inexpensive and quite satisfactory.
During the last ten to twelve weeks of pregnancy, the nipples begin to secrete a very thick, yellow liquid called colostrum.
If it hardens, then simply rinse it off with warm water, and if it thickens too much, you can squeeze it out by squeezing the base of the nipples with your thumb and forefinger, cleaning their openings.
This must be done very carefully. Under no circumstances should you handle the mammary glands roughly!
Massage of the mammary glands is done as follows. Take the mammary gland in your hand so that your thumb is opposite the rest. Now make a slow circular motion with your hand, lightly pressing the gland towards the chest.
Repeat the same with the other gland.
If spouses continue sexual activity during pregnancy, then the husband can purposefully caress his wife’s mammary glands, pulling out the nipples with kisses. This is a natural way to prepare the mammary glands for feeding your baby.
It is very important that the mammary glands are supported by a comfortable bra with round cups that does not squeeze both the glands themselves and the nipples. The straps should be tightened so that the mammary glands are kept at the desired level.
During pregnancy and lactation, the mammary glands enlarge, but proper care will prevent them from sagging. After giving birth, it is very important to hold the baby during feeding so that the mammary gland does not stretch.
The child must be kept at the level of the glands.
The following exercise helps keep the mammary glands firm, increases blood circulation in the tissues and ensures sufficient milk for feeding. It should be performed during lactation and after weaning the baby in order to maintain the elasticity of the glands until old age.
Wrap one hand around the other above the wrist and raise your arms to shoulder level.
While squeezing the skin, slide your hand up your forearm while contracting the muscles of your arm and chest. If you do everything correctly, you can feel the mammary gland rise. Relax and repeat again.
Now take a deep breath and hold your breath while you repeat this exercise ten times – which takes about ten seconds. Relax. This exercise must be repeated several times every day.
Breast and nipple care
A woman's milk is the only food for a child in the first months of his life. It remains the most important component of a child’s nutrition in the future - until the 9th and 10th month. Breastfeeding largely determines the development of the child and primarily depends on the general condition of the mother and the condition of the mammary glands.
Of exceptional importance in the development of the mammary glands during pregnancy and in the secretion of milk after childbirth is the rational nutrition of the pregnant woman, her observance of a hygienic regime, sufficient rest and special care for the mammary glands.
This care is associated with those changes
in the mammary glands, which occurs in them during pregnancy. as well as with the upcoming function - feeding the child.
Interesting: How to calculate the sex of an unborn child based on blood renewal
During pregnancy, the glandular lobules of the mammary glands increase in volume and increase in number. The blood supply to the glands increases, they become tense.
Clothes and underwear during this period should not tighten the mammary glands and interfere with their normal development. At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that the mammary glands do not droop, that the blood flow to them is not delayed and that there are no signs of stagnation.
This is achieved by wearing a bra with sufficiently wide and deep cups that match the shape and volume of the mammary glands. Therefore, it is impossible to use the same bras that a woman wore before pregnancy, especially towards the end of pregnancy.
Read also: What kind of crackers can you use during guarding?
The bra should have a wide belt, as well as wide straps that do not injure the skin of the shoulders. It is recommended to sew a bra from thick fabric.
The basic rule for caring for the mammary glands during pregnancy is to keep them immaculately clean. Failure to comply with this rule leads to diaper rash and irritation of the skin under the mammary glands and around the nipple.
Caring for the mammary glands is of great importance in preventing cracked nipples, which can make feeding the baby painful and sometimes difficult in the future. Through cracks in the nipples, pathogenic microbes can enter the mother's body and cause inflammation of the mammary gland - a disease. called breastfeeding (mastitis).
The occurrence of breastfeeding disrupts the normal feeding of the child and has a serious impact on the general condition of the mother.
Sometimes pregnant women, without consulting a doctor, use various home remedies to prevent cracked nipples. This should not be done. The nipples should be prepared in the manner recommended by the doctor.
It is advisable to wash the mammary glands and nipples daily with warm water and soap, and then wipe them dry with a shaggy towel. Of the different types of soap, it is best to use baby soap. You must wash and dry your nipples carefully so as not to damage the skin.
It is very useful to expose your chest to fresh air 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes - undressed to the waist in a warm but well-ventilated room.
Droplets of colostrum formed during pregnancy sometimes involuntarily flow out and, lingering on the nipple, can form a crust at its top or base, under which small cracks easily appear. Under no circumstances should such crusts be peeled off. You need to consult a doctor and, if necessary, remove the crusts according to the method prescribed by the doctor.
For proper breastfeeding of a child, the shape of the nipple is essential. The nipples usually rise above the surface of the breast and have a cylindrical or conical shape. Their size varies.
While the baby is feeding, the muscle elements of the nipple contract, causing it to enlarge and become more elastic, which facilitates the baby's mouth to grasp the nipple.
Some women have flat or even inverted nipples. With this shape of the nipple, the baby cannot latch on to it. During pregnancy, such women need to prepare their nipples for the upcoming feeding of the child. In these cases, massage the nipples.
It consists of the fact that a woman, having previously washed her hands with warm water and soap, carefully grabs the nipple with her index finger and thumb and pulls it outward. This procedure is carried out within a few minutes 2
-3 times a day.
This should only be done as directed by a doctor and after the pregnant woman has been trained in this by a doctor or midwife.
Breast care after childbirth
Proper breast care will help a woman avoid significant deterioration in the condition of the mammary glands after lactation ends. It is necessary to follow the rules for putting a baby to the breast, monitor the hygiene of the mammary glands, and then it will be possible to avoid problematic situations that often overtake women after childbirth.
According to expert research, the lactation process does not affect the appearance of the mammary glands in any way.
Why does breast condition worsen after childbirth?

Source: https://rojaismelo.ru/retsepty-dlya-detej/pravila-uhoda-za-molochnymi-zhelezami

Treatment of cracked nipples

If you notice cracks in your nipples during feeding, what should you do first? First you need to determine the cause of the cracks. Evaluate the appearance of the nipple (with thrush a white coating appears on it), the correctness of the latch. Think about how feedings are organized. When the causes are established, begin to eliminate them and remember: nipple cracks will not heal until all negative factors are corrected.

See also my video tutorial about cracks on the chest:

Moms are often given advice that they really don’t need to implement when dealing with cracked nipples:

Stop breastfeeding. If it is unbearably painful for a woman to feed, you can take a break of no more than 12 hours for each breast. During this time, you need to heal the cracks and actively take on correcting the incorrect organization of feeding.
Feed your baby less often. At the next feeding, the baby will be hungry and will suck much more intensely, which means the process will be more painful and the nipples will be more injured. Best to continue.
Feed the baby expressed milk. Expressing can make cracks worse.
Feeding in pads. The exception is cases when the pain is unbearable. You can feed in the pad for one day until the wounds heal a little. In the breastplate, the breasts are difficult to empty. Read about this method of feeding in the article:.
Lubricate the nipple cracks with iodine, brilliant green, and alcohol. These products will dry out the skin even more and make the problem worse.

Treatment of cracks involves the use of ointments, decoctions and creams. When the skin dries out or the first micro-wounds appear, your own milk will help you. After finishing feeding, lubricate the surface of the nipple with a drop and let it dry.

Important!

If there is noticeable pus in the wounds, redness, pain in the breast itself, or a rise in temperature, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If cracks appear on the nipples during feeding, it is better not to use traditional methods of treatment. Various decoctions and homemade ointments can cause more harm than good.

To treat cracks, purchase Solcoseryl gel at the pharmacy. Be careful: there are ointments and creams on sale, but you need the gel.

Small cracks can be treated independently, but deep wounds require an in-person consultation with a lactation consultant.

So, blow the nipple of the damaged breast with a hairdryer, the wound should be dry. Then, using a match or a toothpick, apply a small amount of gel inside the wound. The gel glues the wound and helps it heal faster. It is best to feed the damaged breast no more than once every 3 hours. This is a temporary measure. As soon as the wound heals, start feeding at your usual rhythm.

If, when putting the baby to the breast, the crack opens again and does not heal, you need to seek in-person help. If the baby is not applied correctly to the breast, the crack cannot be completely eliminated.

Purified Lanolin can be used to treat noticeable cracks. It seals the wound, preventing microorganisms from penetrating inside, and has a healing effect.

In addition, the substance blocks the nerve endings, and feeding will no longer be so painful.

Lanolin is a natural material and can remain on the breast during breastfeeding. Pharmacies offer a large number of creams and ointments for cracked nipples based on this active ingredient.

It is advisable to purchase pure lanolin, as additional components can cause allergies. The nipple should be constantly covered with the chosen product throughout the entire treatment period, even during feedings.

Solcoseryl ointment has a good healing effect, but it must be washed off before feeding.

Cracked nipples are an unpleasant problem that often leads to refusal of breastfeeding. There is no reason to deprive your baby of mother's milk and endure the inconvenience associated with switching to formula feeding. With a little effort, any woman can cope with this condition and continue to breastfeed her baby.

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Various types of fungi constantly live on the human body, and only when the body’s defenses are reduced can they cause diseases. Thrush on the nipples is much more common than many people think. It does not always have a clear clinical picture; it is difficult to diagnose it in a timely and unambiguous manner. Most often, such conditions are interpreted as cracks associated with improper application.

Thrush of the areola and nipple does not go away without a trace even for the child. How to detect and treat the disease in time?

Breasts during lactation

Major changes in the mammary gland occur during pregnancy. At this time, the number of glandular cells in it increases sharply. Thanks to this, a woman’s breasts increase significantly in size. After cessation of lactation, the breasts return to their previous parameters that were before pregnancy. This is due to the fact that glandular tissue undergoes reverse development.

How to maintain a beautiful breast shape

Experts advise feeding your baby on demand, not according to time. This is important not only for the proper development of the child, but also for maintaining the shape of the breast. During lactation, the breasts fill with milk and swell. As a result, the gland tissue and skin are stretched. If the baby is often applied to the breast, milk will be sucked out in a timely manner, which will prevent severe stretching of the skin.

It is important not to forget about alternately applying the baby to the breast. This change of breast promotes equal accumulation of milk in each mammary gland and, as a result, equal stretching. This will help maintain the symmetry of the left and right glands.

You shouldn't constantly pump your breasts. Excessive removal of milk provokes its excessive formation. As a result, the breast tissue swells excessively, the skin over it stretches, and the shape of the breast deteriorates.

Abrupt cessation of breastfeeding greatly spoils the shape of the breast. During lactation, a large amount of milk is produced in the breast. If the baby does not suckle it, the mammary glands greatly increase in size, after which they sharply decrease, which negatively affects the shape of the breast. This is another argument for long-term breastfeeding. The baby grows, his need for breast milk decreases, as complementary foods are gradually introduced. Thanks to this process, less and less breast milk is produced, and the mammary glands gradually decrease in size.

Another important condition for maintaining breast shape during lactation is the correct choice of bra. It is best to purchase a special nursing bra. It is put on in the maternity hospital before the milk comes in and is worn all the time until the end of feeding. Such a breast bra during lactation should have a good shape, wide straps and support the mammary glands on all sides.

Some breastfeeding women use special creams against breast stretch marks during this period. But before using such cosmetics, you should definitely consult your doctor. Most creams and gels contain chemicals that are incompatible with breastfeeding.

Signs of thrush

All women are familiar with a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa with unpleasant discharge, itching and discomfort. The same kind of fungi can cause an infectious process on the surface of the areola and nipple.

Mom

Candidal lesions cannot always be clearly differentiated from other diseases and conditions. The main signs of what thrush on the nipples looks like can be described as follows:

Also, signs of thrush on a woman’s nipples can be combined with candidiasis of the vaginal mucosa, corners and oral cavity. This indicates a serious immunodeficiency condition.

The child has

You have to deal with diagnosing thrush in a baby more often. This is primarily due to a more vivid clinical picture. The main features are as follows:

In most cases, the oral mucosa is affected. The mother immediately notices the appearance of a white coating on the baby’s tongue. It can be of varying degrees of severity - from minor spots to quite dense, covering the entire surface. When removing plaque from the tongue with a cotton-gauze swab, which is done without much difficulty, a bright red mucous membrane appears underneath it. The gums, palate, etc. can be affected in a similar way.
Depending on the severity of thrush, the child may either not change his general condition or become whiny and refuse to eat (due to painful sucking).
Another common localization of candidal lesions is the inguinal and axillary folds. In this case, most often the pathology appears in the form of small non-healing ulcers with a bright red surface. To prevent fold candidiasis, it is necessary to provide air baths to the baby.

Watch the video about thrush in the mouth of a baby:

Possible reasons for the appearance

During pregnancy and after childbirth, all women experience. This is due to many reasons - from carrying half-alien genetic material to stress and blood loss.

All this leads to new mothers having problems and diseases that have never bothered her before. It is important to know and understand what is happening and how it can be prevented.

As a rule, nipple thrush occurs only during lactation. Along with this, damage to the vaginal mucosa or oral cavity is possible. This is due to the following factors:

immunodeficiency, especially against the background of anemia or exacerbation of chronic diseases;
increased humidity due to constant sucking;
frequent cracks, especially in the first months of feeding;
milk is a nutritional basis for the reproduction of pathogens.

The fact that women can take (for example, after a cesarean section or complicated childbirth) hormonal and some others, which reduce the body’s protective properties, also plays a role. Also, thrush on the nipples during breastfeeding often appears in girls with various metabolic disorders - obesity, diabetes, etc.

The effect of thrush on breastfeeding

The degree of influence of thrush on the intensity of breastfeeding depends on its clinical manifestations in the mother and baby. We have to talk about changes in lactation when the oral mucosa is damaged in a child.

So, if thrush causes pain to the baby, he will refuse breastfeeding or even artificial feeding for obvious reasons. At the same time, the rest of the time he will also behave restlessly, as he will be hungry.

If the severity of thrush is insignificant, and it does not bring any unpleasant sensations to the baby, then you may not notice any changes in the intensity of sucking.

If the mother has thrush and her nipples hurt, the woman will try to reduce the feeding time. This will also negatively affect the child’s mood, causing him to ask for food more often.

As a result, thrush can lead to either a slight decrease in lactation or its complete cessation. Therefore, it is important to promptly identify and treat the pathology.

Methods to combat thrush

To effectively combat thrush, in addition to basic treatment, it is necessary to follow some hygiene and lifestyle recommendations. These include:

It is important to remember that warmth and moisture are the best conditions for fungal growth. Therefore, it is better to replace all synthetic underwear with cotton. If a woman uses special inserts to prevent milk leakage, they must be changed regularly, at least once an hour. But during treatment it is better not to use them at all.
When using breast pumps, they must be thoroughly washed and boiled.
Before each feeding, you should wash your hands, preferably using disposable towels.
If a woman has other foci of candidal infection, it is also necessary to sanitize them. After all, their constant presence indicates immunodeficiency, and in such conditions it is impossible to cure the fungus.
It is useful to additionally take bifidobacteria orally. They will gradually colonize the intestines, vagina and other mucous membranes, preventing the proliferation of pathogens.
It is better to exclude thrush provoking foods from all foods. And this is sweet, salty, smoked, pickled, alcohol and plenty of spices.
It is necessary to treat both mother and baby at the same time. Even despite the absence of manifestations in one person.
If a woman practices freezing or expressing milk, then it is better to postpone this procedure during thrush.

Medicines

Treatment of nipple thrush is in many cases ineffective without the use of etiotropic therapy.

But it is better to select a remedy with a doctor, since many drugs are prohibited during breastfeeding.

Main medications used:

Candida cream, based on the active ingredient clotrimazole, has multiple antifungal effects.
Monistat or others similar. Here the active substance, miconazole, penetrates systemically in small quantities when used cutaneously.
Nystatin ointment is a classic treatment option for thrush in children and adults, but it is less effective than other drugs.
Pimafucin in the form of a cream can also be used to treat nipple thrush.

All formulations should be applied after feeding to prevent them from reaching the baby. To treat it, it is better to use traditional methods, and if significant changes occur, you should consult a doctor. Depending on the clinical picture, he will prescribe either topical or oral medications. “Candide” is a popular solution for treating the oral cavity, as well as nystatin drops orally.

Traditional methods

One of the well-known folk methods of combating thrush is treating the nipples and oral mucosa with a soda solution. To prepare it, you need to mix a teaspoon of soda in 150 - 200 ml of warm water. After that, frequently wipe the nipples and the child’s oral cavity with a cotton-gauze swab.

Thrush of any localization is the main sign of immunodeficiency. Therefore, candidal colpitis never appears in healthy women without any chronic diseases. In any case, it is easier and safer to prevent pathology than to treat it. Basic recommendations:

Wet cleaning and ventilation of residential premises should be carried out regularly.
It is useful to harden yourself and spend time in the “safe” sun.
Linen should be washed at a temperature not lower than 60 degrees.
It is advisable, especially for children, to wear all clothes made from natural fabrics.
Proper nutrition, including a sufficient amount of fermented milk products, and regular physical activity are important for maintaining the health of mother and baby.

Many women doubt whether there can be thrush on the nipples. Even doctors do not always diagnose this condition on time and correctly. Therefore, candidiasis should be prevented before pregnancy.

And if any complaints arise from the mother or baby, you can always use safe folk methods. If the situation worsens, the child becomes restless and refuses to eat, you should seek medical help.

A small child, due to an incompletely formed immune system and reduced protective function of the mucous membranes, is very susceptible to the effects of pathogenic bacteria. They enter the baby's body mainly through the mouth. Therefore, any infection that occurs on the nipples during feeding immediately reaches the baby and can cause various diseases. In this regard, the mammary glands must be kept clean during breastfeeding.

In breast care, much attention should be paid to three factors:

the right bra for nursing mothers,
proper breast hygiene,
use of breastfeeding accessories.

Breast care: choosing underwear for nursing mothers

During lactation, the mammary glands fill with milk, increase in size and become heavy. To prevent the vessels from being squeezed and the outflow of milk being disrupted, breast support is necessary. Therefore, during breastfeeding, nursing women are advised to wear a special nursing bra.

What to look for when choosing nursing underwear?

A nursing bra should be made from natural fabrics. In this case, it will not cause allergies, will absorb moisture well and is easy to wash.
Pay attention to the sensations. A nursing bra should provide good support. A small model will put pressure on the breast during milk flow and interfere with blood circulation. A bra that is too large can cause stretch marks and sagging breasts.
For breastfeeding, it is recommended to choose a “wireless” bra, since when the breasts are full, they can put pressure on the breasts and cause stagnation of milk.
The straps should be wide, which will evenly support the mammary glands.
It is recommended to choose nursing bra models made from seamless material. If there are seams on the product, they should not pass through the area of the areola and nipple, so as not to rub them and cause irritation. During feeding, you will have to give up lace models: they can rub the sensitive skin around the nipple.
Bras for nursing mothers with a detachable upper part of the cup are very comfortable (you don’t have to remove it every time during feeding).

How many bras will you need?

After childbirth, a nursing mother's breasts are vulnerable to pathogens, so clean underwear is of particular importance. It is recommended to have at least two nursing bras and wash them regularly. At first (during the formation of lactation), due to possible leakage of milk, it is recommended to change them every day.

Breast care: clean and dry!

The basic rule of hygiene that every nursing mother should know is this: the breasts should always be clean and dry.

More recently, medical staff at maternity hospitals insisted that a nursing mother must wash her breasts before and after each feeding of the baby. However, this rule is outdated. Breastfeeding experts say that it is enough to wash your breasts 1-2 times a day while taking a shower. The fact is that when washing the breast, especially with soap, a protective layer of fat is removed from the skin of the areola and nipple, which contains special substances that prevent “harmful” microbes from penetrating the skin of the breast. In addition, frequent breast washing leads to dry skin and cracked nipples.

After a shower, your breasts should be gently blotted with a soft cloth. It is not recommended to rub it with a towel so as not to irritate the nipples during feeding.

After feeding, it is advisable to lubricate the nipples with drops of hind milk (the portion that is released at the end of feeding), as it has protective and healing properties, protecting the skin from dryness.

If the mother’s skin is very sensitive, then to prevent cracks you can use a special nipple cream during breastfeeding. Immediately after feeding, it should be applied to the nipple and areola in a thin layer. There are creams that do not need to be washed off before the next feeding; they are completely safe for the baby. It is clear that they are much more convenient to use.

After feeding and between them, it is necessary to arrange air baths for the breast, i.e. keep it open for about 10 minutes. After each feeding, the nipple should be allowed to air dry on its own.

Under no circumstances should you use various disinfectants (brilliant, vodka, chlorophyllipt, alcohol, etc.) to treat the nipple and areola. They dry out the skin of the nipple and areola, which causes cracks to form.

Breast accessories that will make your life easier:

Breast pads

Breast pads are disposable and reusable

. It is important that the nursing pad has a breathable surface and is waterproof. In addition, such inserts should absorb milk well, be soft, thin and pleasant when touching the breast.

Reusable nursing pads are made from natural cotton. They have less absorbency than disposable pads, so they have to be changed more often. These pads can be washed and reused. You can wash them by hand with baby soap or baby laundry detergent, or in the washing machine by selecting the gentle wash program. After washing, they must be rinsed well.

Disposable bra pads have 4 layers. The outer surface is breathable and waterproof. Inside the liner there is a soft absorbent pad and a dense layer of adsorbent. This way, the inner layer in contact with the skin remains dry, which reduces the risk of nipple inflammation.

Most disposable bra pads have a non-slip tape to prevent them from shifting around in the bra. It is important to change the inserts regularly (when they get wet), since, filled with milk, they become a good breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, their ability to absorb milk has its limit, after which they do not guarantee dryness. If the breast remains wet for a long time, this can cause cracks and infection of the mammary gland.

Pads for collecting leaking milk

There are also special pads to collect leaking breast milk. They are convenient for nursing mothers to use during hyperlactation, when there is too much milk in the breast. Externally, this device looks like a plastic “cup” that is inserted into the bra. One part of it is made of plastic, the other of silicone with a hole for the nipple. The nipple itself does not touch the surface of the pad due to the presence of a double bottom. To prevent nipple problems due to increased humidity, it is recommended to remove the shields every 2-3 hours and provide air baths for the breasts. After use, they must be washed and stored in a clean, closed container.

IMPORTANT!

Breastfeeding should not be accompanied by feelings of pain and discomfort. If these or other signs of trouble appear, the woman should carefully examine the mammary glands for swelling, redness, cracks and irritation. If any changes are detected, you should consult a doctor in order to eliminate the cause that is interfering with breastfeeding as quickly as possible.

Massage and exercise

In order for the pectoral muscles to be strong and elastic, and the skin to be elastic and taut, it is necessary to perform simple physical exercises and massage daily.

With daily massage of the mammary glands, you can improve blood circulation, which will make the skin more elastic and avoid the appearance of stretch marks.
A contrast shower and hydromassage, which is carried out with a stream of water in a circular motion clockwise, is very useful for the skin of the glands.
In order to strengthen the muscles that support the chest, you should perform a set of special exercises daily. These include push-ups, overhead expander stretches, forceful squeezing of the palms of the hands in front of the chest, and others.
After each feeding, a woman needs to examine the mammary glands for compacted areas and, if any are detected, gently (gently) massage the corresponding segment until it becomes soft.

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