Feeding Time FAQs

Feeding Time FAQs

When can I start breastfeeding my baby?

So long as both you and baby are well, you will be able to hold him or her straight away, and babies are often delivered onto their mum's tummy as skin-to-skin contact is reassuring for both. As soon as the placenta has been dealt with, you can start breastfeeding straight away. Ask your midwife to help you to put baby to the breast.

Does breastfeeding hurt? and can I avoid the pain?

If breastfeeding hurts then your baby's position may be wrong. If you can't get the position right, ask for help. Pain in your nipple when your baby first latches on indicates your nipple is not at the back of your baby's mouth.

My nipples are cracked and painful, what can I do?

When you start breastfeeding your nipples may become dry, cracked and sore. This is common in the first few days but it may be worth asking your midwife or health visitor to check your baby is positioned correctly as this may be a cause of discomfort.
Sore nipples can be further eased by:
keeping nipples clean and dry, but try not to use soap which dries out the skin;
change breast pads frequently, and try to use cotton rather than plastic-backed disposables;
wear natural fabrics which are breatheable such as cotton, and let the air get to your nipples as much as possible;
after a feed, rub a couple of drops of breast milk into your nipples;
try a nipple cream. Choose one which doesn't need to be wiped off before you feed such as Lancinol.

Could anything else be causing sore nipples?

Thrush in your baby's mouth can sometimes cause sore nipples. Thrush is an infection that creates small white patches in the baby's mouth which don't wipe away (not to be confused with milk left on the tongue). If your baby has thrush both of you will need medical treatment.

What is breast engorgement?

Breast engorgement is when breasts become swollen, hard and painful. It occurs when the a milk duct in the breast becomes blocked and often occurs if there has been a delay in starting breastfeeding, or a limit to the amount of time or frequency of your baby's feeds. It rarely happens if you feed on demand although may also occur if your baby is ill and not feeding as frequently as usual.

I have a hard, painful lump in my breast. What is it?

It is probably milk which has built up because a duct is blocked and isn't emtying properly. Make sure your bra is not too tight and nothing is pressing into your breast as you feed.
Try massaging the lump towards the nipple whilst giving a good feed on that breast. It may help to alternate pressing hot and cold flannels onto the lump. If left untreated, blocked ducts can lead to mastitis.

I have flu symptoms and there is a painful, red, hot patch on my breast. Why?

You may have mistitis. Do not stop breastfeeding as you need to maintain milk flow to clear the blocked duct. Try different positions and the suggestions above for relieving blocked ducts. Rest well and try not to wear a bra or restrictive clothing, especially at night. A health visitor can provide further information, help and support.
If you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics. Your GP can prescribe something suitable while breastfeeding.