My breasts hurt: what to do?

Breast pain outside pregnancy

Apart from pregnancy, there can be many reasons for breast pain.

This can last from a few hours to a few days as the excess estrogen passes. “If it lasts, we must check what is happening because certain breast abnormalities, adenofibroma, for example, benign pathology in young women, are also fueled by estrogen,” warns Nicolas Dutriaux. If there is a hormonal problem, a doctor may possibly prescribe progesterone cream to be put on the breasts to counter estrogen and reduce blood pressure. This obviously cannot be done during pregnancy.

My breasts hurt: early in pregnancy

Along with the small veins that appear on the breast, breast tension is among the first signs of pregnancy. Often, in future mothers, the breasts are strained, even painful. Some women’s breasts become so sensitive that even the touch of their nightgowns seems unbearable to them.

You experience the same symptoms as before you had your period, but more intense. Another problem as mentioned previously: “During pregnancy, the woman producing milk, can have surges and one or more engorgement, even if the placenta is supposed to prevent the overproduction of milk. Indeed, the baby is not there to empty, specifies Nicolas Dutriaux. These engorgements will cause pain, redness, heat with possibly a peak of fever as after childbirth. At that time, we cannot empty the breast since this will cause contractions… ”

What to do to relieve breast tension in early pregnancy?

If this happens to you, wearing a soft cotton bra or crop top is ideal for sleeping. Also, plan to be able to change the size quickly because often there is an additional cup size. “Hot or cold water compresses can be helpful in relieving tension,” advises Nicolas Dutriaux. Finally, on the pharmacy side, you can rely on analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs if you are less than 4-5 months pregnant (beyond that, it is formally contraindicated locally and systemically: it is is a vital risk for the baby). “The sensitivity of your breasts will decrease significantly after the first trimester, once your exploding hormone levels have stabilized and your body will get used to it,” reassures the specialist. 

After pregnancy: nipple pain

Nipples can hurt during breastfeeding.

So what is this pain due to? This unpleasant feeling is mainly related to your nursing baby! You are just not used to it. On the other hand, “if the pain is extremely strong from the outset, bilateral (on both nipples) and does not go away, there is something wrong”, continues Carole Hervé. Among the most common causes are crevices. They are mainly caused by a positional defect of the baby. It is too far from your body or it does not open its mouth wide enough. Another possibility: “there may be specificities in his anatomical structures which will cause him to not manage to stretch the nipple far enough in his mouth so as not to injure it,” explains the lactation consultant. The solution to get everything back to normal? Reposition your baby. His body should be facing yours, chin against breast, which will allow him to flex his head, open his mouth wide, put his tongue out and that way, he shouldn’t hurt you anymore.

Breastfeeding: what to do to soothe nipple pain?

These should allow the lesions to cauterize quickly. And if the nipple is irritated, apply a little breast milk, ointments (lanolin, coconut oil, virgin, organic and deodorized, olive oil, medicinal honey (sterilized)…). Another tip: some mothers use accessories so that the nipples are not in direct contact with the bra: nursing shells, silverettes (small silver cups), beeswax shells … After these treatments, everything must be back to normal and you are ready to resume breastfeeding!

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