It’s not unusual for breastfeeding mothers to experience breast pain and swelling, especially in the early weeks after delivery.
Sometimes it’s just a normal part of milk production, but other times it can indicate issues such as blocked ducts, infection, or problems with your baby’s latch.
The key is knowing what’s normal and what needs attention.
So, what exactly causes breast pain and swelling while breastfeeding? Let’s look at the most common reasons.
Common Causes of Painful and Swollen Breasts
This occurs when the breasts are overly full of milk, typically in the first week after delivery, when feeds are skipped, or when a baby is not latching on well.
The breasts feel hard, heavy, and painful, and the skin may look shiny.
Milk flow slows down in one part of the breast, leading to a tender lump or swelling.
This often happens after wearing very tight bras or wrappers that press on the breasts, or when a baby is not draining the breast fully.
c. Mastitis (Breast Infection or Inflammation)
Starts with pain, warmth, and redness in part of the breast. May be inflammatory (without bacteria) or bacterial (with fever, chills, and body aches).
It is more likely if engorgement or blocked ducts are not treated quickly.
A collection of pus that develops when severe mastitis is not treated on time. The pain is intense, and a hard, painful lump may be felt. This needs urgent hospital care for drainage.
Less common but very painful. Nipples change color (from white to bluish/red) and feel as though they are burning or experiencing pain, especially after feeds or when exposed to cold.
Contributing Factors
-
Poor Latch or Positioning: When a baby is not attached well to the breast, milk will not come out well. This leads to engorgement, blocked ducts, and pain.
-
Missed or Infrequent Feeds: Skipping feeds, whether due to a busy schedule, going out without expressing milk, or the baby sleeping longer than usual, can quickly cause breast fullness and discomfort.
-
Oversupply or Excessive Pumping: Pumping too frequently or attempting to “empty” the breast every time can overstimulate milk production, leading to swelling.
-
Tight Clothing or Wrappers: Wearing very tight bras, wrappers, or even carrying a baby with pressure across the chest can block milk flow in certain areas of the breast.
-
Stress and Fatigue: Physical stress, common among new mothers managing household responsibilities without much support, may also contribute to breastfeeding challenges and slower healing.
What You Can Do
-
Breastfeed Often: Put your baby to the breast regularly (8–12 times in 24 hours). Ensure a deep latch so milk flows well.
-
Express Milk When Needed: If your breasts feel too full and your baby cannot feed immediately, hand express or pump just enough milk to ease the discomfort.
-
Use Cold Compresses After Feeds: Applying a clean cold towel or ice pack wrapped in cloth for 10–15 minutes after breastfeeding helps reduce swelling and pain.
-
Take Safe Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen) are safe to use while breastfeeding and can help with pain and inflammation.
-
Avoid Aggressive Massage: Gentle breast massage towards the nipple can help milk flow, but hard or deep massage can worsen swelling and pain.
-
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose well-fitting bras and avoid clothing that is too tight or presses directly against the breasts.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help immediately if you notice any of these:
-
Fever of 38.5°C or higher, with chills or body aches.
-
Breast pain and swelling that does not improve within 24–48 hours despite home care.
-
A hard, painful lump that feels like it may contain pus (possible abscess).
-
Severe redness or swelling that continues to spread.
-
Repeated breast infections or pain are always on one side.
-
Early treatment can prevent complications and help you continue breastfeeding comfortably.
Other Helpful Options
Final Thoughts
Breast pain and swelling can be uncomfortable, but they’re often a normal part of breastfeeding and usually improve with small adjustments.
And when they don’t, getting help early makes a big difference. How has this shown up for you? I’d love to hear.
Please share below!
Researched by Victoria Odueso
Login