Breast Care for the Breastfeeding Woman

. Colostrum is thick and yellow in color and lasts for the first few days after your baby is born.

Transitional milk: This milk takes the place of colostrum, about 2 to 4 days after your baby is born, and is thin and white. Your breasts may leak milk for a few weeks after your baby is born.

Engorgement: Your breasts overfill with milk which causes pain. Engorgement is most often short-term and goes away in 2 to 3 days.

What care is needed at home?

You need to take good care of your breasts while you are breastfeeding. By caring for your breasts, breastfeeding will be more enjoyable for both you and your baby. ‚

Feed your baby 8 to 12 times per day. Try to empty your breasts fully with each feeding.
Use more than one position to breastfeed. Changing positions when feeding your baby helps to empty your breasts evenly.
Massage your breasts to make them softer. Start from your armpit and massage toward your nipple.
Your breasts may become swollen or painful as your milk comes in. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over your breasts. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Wash your breasts with warm water and a soft, clean washcloth. Soap can cause drying and cracking as it washes away the natural oils that are on your breasts and nipples.
Use a breast cream, like lanolin, after you nurse your baby if your nipples are dry and cracked. Do not wash the cream off after using on your breasts.
Eat healthy foods and drink lots of liquids. Stay away from caffeine drinks and beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
Get lots of rest.
Wear a nursing bra that fits well and offers good support.
Some women like to wear a nursing bra all the time, even during sleep. Nursing bras give good support for your breasts.
You may want to wear nursing pads if milk is leaking from your breasts. Buy pads that are made with cotton to help avoid infection. Always change your pad as soon as it becomes damp.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
If you are having a problem breastfeeding your baby, ask your doctor about seeing a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant has special training in helping mothers and babies with breastfeeding. Lactation consultants may work at a hospital or in a doctors office. ‚

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
Very painful breasts or a lump in your breast that hurts
Feeling like you have the flu, including muscle aches, feeling tired, or having less energy
Your breast is red, hot, or there is a red streak from your breast going to your underarm
Red, dry, cracked, or bleeding nipples
No milk within 5 days of having your baby
Trouble nursing or you feel like you have too little milk to feed your baby
If you start taking a new drug

Where can I learn more?

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq029.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130321T1613146264 ‚
La Leche League ‚
http://www.llli.org/nb.html ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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