5 Practical Ways to Ease the Pain of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding, although one of the best things that you can do for your baby’s health can be challenging and extremely painful. The pain of breastfeeding often comes from the physical and emotional toll it can often take on you as a mother. Also, the guilt of feeling like breastfeeding is too difficult, and often making the decision to formula feed can be a stressful and guilt-ridden decision.
If you are struggling with breastfeeding, there are a few things that you can do to ease the pain.
Here are five practical ways to ease the pain that is often associated with breastfeeding.1. Nipple Ointment
The physical pain of breastfeeding is often the main factor that deters some women from breastfeeding their babies. There are creams, ointments and gels that can help with this. Some natural remedies include cold cucumber and aloe vera gel pads. Often simply holding a cold compress on your nipples can help to ease the physical pain.
2. Bottle Feeding
Bottle feeding is often the last resort for many mothers however, you don’t have to stop giving your child breast milk, expressing your milk might be the best option if you are struggling with the natural process of breastfeeding. Expressing your milk is often less painful and much easier than directly breastfeeding your baby. There are electrical and hand pumps available that can instantly reduce the pain of breastfeeding naturally.
If expressing is still causing pain, you might want to try formulas. Healthcare experts do say that breast is best but if breastfeeding is causing physical and emotional distress for you and your baby, it might be time to try a specially formulated baby milk such as S-26 Alula Gold. Most formula milk is specially made with all the essential minerals and nutrients to facilitate the growth and development of your baby.
3. Latching Classes
If bottle-feeding is not an option, ask your healthcare professional about latching classes. Sometimes pain associated with breastfeeding stems from your baby’s inability to latch on properly. Often it requires a special technique to make it easier for you and your baby.
4. Alternate Between Breast and Bottle
If you still want to breastfeed but want to ease the pain, alternate between breast and bottle. Express your milk and bottle feed for one or two sessions in a day. This way, you can give yourself a break by allowing your partner to take over the night feeding duties.
5. Nipple Shields
Nipple shields can help to reduce the pain of breastfeeding. They are special silicon shields that are placed over the nipple to allow milk to flow through. Nipple shields can be used as an alternative to bottle feeding. Proper care and attention should be taken when using nipple shields though because they can reduce your milk flow if used incorrectly.
Using a nipple shield instead of bottle feeding might help to reduce the guilt that often comes along with giving up on breastfeeding in favour of bottle feeding. You can get the best of both worlds here by utilising a tool that can help to reduce the pain, your baby still gets breast milk and some of the nurturing and bonding that is associated with breastfeeding.
Utilise some or all of these tips to help to ease the pain that some mothers feel when breastfeeding their little ones.
