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Breastfeeding Pain - Causes and Solution
Mothers learn to breastfeed as they progress through their journey of motherhood. Breastfeeding is enjoyable when it’s coupled with love, patience, and the right methodology. While mothers have challenges that include pain and discomfort, babies also experience discomfort as they are also learning how to establish a good latch.
Common Reasons for Breast Pain during Breastfeeding and Their Remedies
There are various reasons for pain in your breasts during the nursing phase. Let us look at some of the common causes of breast pain during breastfeeding and how to handle it.
1. Breast Engorgement
Breast fullness is a normal condition and your body’s way to ensure that your baby has sufficient quantity of milk. However, this fullness due to milk and increased blood flow makes the tissues swell. Your breasts become hard, heavy, tight, lumpy and painful. This is known as breast engorgement. Babies find it difficult to latch on to engorged breasts as the nipples can become flat.
What You Can Do
Expressing a little milk by hand; using hand expression softens the areola and helps the baby to latch-on easily.
Feeding the baby at appropriate intervals, maybe around 8 to 12 times in 24 hours can relieve pain.
Applying cold compresses to the breasts between feedings helps the swelling decrease and makes you feel good. Equivalents to cold compresses include bags of frozen peas or cold cabbage leaves.
Applying warm compresses, taking warm showers, or leaning your breasts over warm water before you feed the baby can be very helpful.
Massaging your breasts helps in milk flow.
Wearing a correct-fitting breastfeeding bra and avoiding underwire bras minimizes discomfort.
Although paracetamol or ibuprofen are safe and can help in easing pains, please consult your doctor before taking them.
2. Blocked Breast Milk Ducts
There are various milk ducts, which are narrow tubes that transport milk from the milk glands to your nipple. If one of these ducts is not completely drained, it might create a blocked duct. These blocked ducts can cause lumps in your breast. The skin can turn red in that area. Sometimes, the openings at the nipple can be blocked and appear like a white dot.
What You Can Do
Frequent feeding from the breast that has a blocked duct.
Warm compresses, warm showers, or using warm flannels help in the free flow of milk from the duct.
Massaging the breastfeeding pain lumps towards the nipple when the baby is feeding can help in draining the duct.
Placing the chin of your baby in a position pointing towards the lump can help it feed on that part of your breast.
3. Mastitis
When a blocked duct is not dealt appropriately and on time, it leads to inflammation of the breasts and makes it painful. You might feel unwell with a high temperature and can have flu-related symptoms.
What You Can Do
Continue breastfeeding and make the baby feed on the affected breast. Continuous feeding on the infected breast will be painful and challenging, but it can help in clearing off the infection.
If the baby can’t feed, express your milk.
Check the baby’s position during feeding. Proper positioning and latching are important and helpful.
Ensure that you get enough rest.
4. Sore or Cracked Nipples
Some mothers can experience severe pain while breastfeeding due to sore or cracked nipples. It can occur when the baby doesn’t latch well, or the baby is not positioned correctly during feeding.
What You Can Do
Sometimes, sore nipples can disappear after a few days. Following are some remedies that can help you when you have sore nipples:
Ensure that the baby is positioned properly during a feed. Also, ensure that the baby latches correctly. Experiment with different positions so that the baby learns to latch well.
Lubricate the nipple by expressing milk.
After a feed, ensure that the nipples are dry.
If your nipple is bleeding, you can use nipple shields, if required.
However, if sore or cracked nipples do not heal, consult your doctor to get the required solutions.
5. Breast Abscess
In some cases, which are usually rare, if the infection caused by mastitis is not treated, it can lead to a condition known as the breast abscess. In this condition, you can find a boil with pus formation. It is painful and can cause discomfort. One precautionary measure to prevent abscess is treating mastitis without delay.
What You Can Do
In such conditions, you must consult a doctor. Sometimes, the boil might break off by itself, and the pus drains out. However, in some severe conditions, surgical drainage is required. You can continue breastfeeding after the abscess is drained out and have the green signal from your doctor.
6. Thrush
Unbearable pain during breastfeeding can be caused by a thrush or candida infection in the breast. Babies can also develop this infection in their mouth. This infection might occur when you have had a cracked nipple, and the candida fungus enters your nipple or breast. One of the key symptoms is excruciating pain that lasts for a longer period after a feed. You must check for thrush infections in the baby, as well. Following are some conditions that indicate thrush in babies:
White spots or patches on the tongue, lips, and gums
Nappy rash not clearing up easily
What You Can Do
Following are some pointers that are helpful while getting treated for thrush:
Maintaining cleanliness is very important. Wash your hands appropriately, especially after nappy changes and use separate towels to prevent the infection from spreading.
Wash breastfeeding bras with hot water or at a high temperature.
If you are expressing milk, do not freeze it.
Your doctor may prescribe a cream to apply around your nipples after feeding the baby.
7. Let down Reflex
You might experience tingling sensations, pin pricking sensations, or pain in the breast while breastfeeding when the milk is let down. Let down means a release of milk. Let down reflex occurs when the baby sucks your breast, cries, or you think about your baby. These actions activate the hormone, oxytocin, which stimulates your breasts. This stimulation causes leaking or release of milk.
What You Can Do
If you experience severe pain, it is advisable to consult your doctor and check whether it’s an infection. However, if it’s not an infection, it can be due to excess milk. So, it is advisable to feed the baby for a longer duration on one breast before feeding with the other breast.
Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it is always advisable to consult your doctor to understand the various causes of pain while breastfeeding and its suitable remedies. While your body knows how to cope with the various problems, ensure that you are cautious and take appropriate care so that you enjoy building that unique bond with your baby during breastfeeding.
Also Read: Breastfeeding Problems & Their Solutions Read more
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Top 10 Natural Ways to Improve Your Digestive System
Problems related to digestion are probably the most neglected of all health issues. Bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, gas, heartburn, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are some of the most common types of digestive disorders. Not only are they uncomfortable and unsettling, but they can also be rather embarrassing.
Poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy eating habits and erratic routines are the major reasons that lead to digestion-related issues. There are numerous medicines and treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, but they can be totally avoided and are only for severe cases. You can naturally boost your digestive system and lead a completely healthy life. All you need to do is to ditch some unhealthy habits and start concentrating on your body.
How to Improve Digestive System Naturally
The key to a healthy body and a healthy digestive system is to make some conscious lifestyle choices that can be beneficial in the longer run. Listen to your body and pay close attention to what it needs. Here are some tips on how to improve the digestive system with simple home remedies:
1. Get some 'real' food to the table.
The first step to a healthy gut is to end your toxic relationship with junk food. Processed foods and other types of canned and fast foods are dangerously loaded with saturated fats, refined sugar and other harmful trans fats.
Artificial sweeteners and additives such as glucose and other chemicals aggravate the inflammation of the gut and can cause what is called the leaky gut syndrome. As a result, toxins and bacteria start permeating through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. This leads to bloating, skin problems and other digestive problems.
Switch to fresh and whole foods for a healthy and robust digestive system. Have cooked foods to improve digestion; they help to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent inflammation and other gastrointestinal problems. Add foods rich in glutamine and zinc. Glutamine is an amino acid that is necessary for a healthy gut, and zinc helps to treat gastric issues like diarrhoea, leaky gut and colitis. Eggs, soybean and almonds are rich in glutamine and should be consumed regularly. You can have shellfish, sunflower seeds and beef for your daily dose of zinc.
2. Stock up on probiotics.
Probiotics are live bacteria that have many health benefits, especially for the digestive system. They are commonly found in yoghurt, kombucha, kimchi, etc. Probiotics are the gut-supporting nutrients that must be included in every meal. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso are also sources of probiotics. So next time, grab a cup of yoghurt or any other probiotic-rich food and you can kiss digestive problems goodbye forever.
3. Fibre is the boon; sugar and fats are not.
Contrary to popular fads, you must consume both, soluble and insoluble fibre regularly. While the former draws out extra water content to prevent runny stools, the latter helps to add bulk to stools. Whole grains, wheat bran and vegetables are rich sources of insoluble fibre, and legumes, seeds, oat bran and nuts help to meet the dietary requirements of soluble fibres.
Cut down the sugar content and fatty foods in your meals. Artificial sweeteners are known to escalate bad bacteria in the intestines and fatty foods can cause constipation and bloating. Instead, you should include foods that contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids like mackerel, salmon and sardines.
4. Make mindful eating your mantra.
Your work routine and lifestyle may not permit you to even notice what is going into your tummy. This does more harm than you can ever realise. Indigestion, bloating and gas can make you feel awkward in public. On the other hand, mindful eating helps avoid those embarrassing digestive problems.
So, begin by concentrating on each meal. Eat slowly and pay attention to the colour, temperature, texture and taste of the food. Ditch your mobile phone, tabs and other gadgets while eating. Mindful eating strengthens the connection between your mental health and the simple physical act of having a meal.
5. Chew slowly.
The process of digestion begins right at the mouth when you chew your food. We tend to forget this and pay no attention to the function of the teeth in grinding the food. Breaking down the food into smaller bits helps for it to move smoothly in the digestive tract.
Chewing food also produces saliva in the mouth, which in turn releases digestive enzymes that help in digestion. The more you chew, the more saliva is produced. This will prevent common issues like heartburn and indigestion.
6. Remember to stay hydrated.
Water is vital for digestion and for the body. It prevents constipation and other digestion-related issues. You must have at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water every day. Keep up your fluid intake with other options like soups, fresh juices, coconut water, herbal teas, etc. Steer clear of aerated and caffeinated drinks as they are overloaded with sugar content.
Incorporate fruits and vegetables like grapes, strawberries, cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini, melons, peaches and grapefruit into your daily diet. They are nutritious, no doubt; they are also high on water content.
7. Eat on time.
Irregular eating habits are the worst you can do for your gut. Instead of eating 2 or 3 heavy meals, you must start having small meals or portions at regular intervals throughout the day. Follow a schedule for meals regularly and keep your digestive system in top shape.
8. Nothing works better than exercise.
Exercises like jogging and cycling are obviously beneficial for the body. They are also good for the digestive system. Regular exercise of any kind ensures proper digestion and prevents constipation and bloating. You can even try deep breathing and maintain a good posture. This will reduce the chances of heartburn.
Choose a workout of your choice for a healthy gut and a healthy body.
9. Bad habits must go.
Bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol are detrimental to the health of your digestive system as well as your overall health, especially if it not under control. If you must, exercise caution and do it in moderation.
Smoking causes frequent acid reflux and ulcers. It can even cause gastrointestinal cancer. Alcohol consumption is not far behind. Being high on acidic content, alcohol also increases the risk of heartburn. Excessive drinking may cause inflammation and severe bleeding in the digestive tract.
Also, stay away from late-night snacking and binges. They play no part in keeping the digestive system healthy.
10. Shun the stress.
Stress management is of utmost importance for a healthy gut and proper digestion. Anxiety and depression or stress of any kind can disturb the digestive system. Adopt healthy practices like yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises to fight stress and tension. Get proper rest and allow your body to relax and unwind from time-to-time.
If you want to know how to improve the digestive system, the Ayurvedic way, then you must commit yourself to your body. Eat natural produce and avoid over-stuffing yourself. Be positive and drive away negative feelings and thoughts. Regular meditation and yoga will keep not only your gut happy, but also your body.
So, the crux of the issue is to make healthy choices like eating on time, eating healthy and exercising regularly. A healthy body and a healthy mind will ensure a happy gut. Take responsibility of your body and bid adieu to gastric issues and problems.
Also Read:
Effective Home Remedies for Food Poisoning
Natural Remedies to Lower Your Cholesterol Level
Working Home Remedies for Acidity Read more
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5 Sing Along Songs With Lyrics Your Toddler Will Love
Most children find it easier to memories things when they're in the form of a song or rhyme. Sing along songs for toddlers should have easy words and should not be lengthy. If it's a funny song that incorporates a lot of actions, your child will enjoy it even more.
Songs and nursery rhymes also have wonderful benefits as well as being entertaining.Children love listening to them because of the simple lyrics and catchy tunes. Repetition of rhymes also helps build memory capabilities in smaller children. If you’re looking for an excellent way to teach your child phonic skills and expand his imagination, look to music.
Some Fun Songs to Sing with Toddlers
1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star - Lyrics
This all time favourite has a soothing, lilting melody that comforts kids. It is, undoubtedly,one of the most popular and best toddlers’ songs.
Twinkle twinkle little star,
how I wonder what you are?
Up above the world so high,
like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
when he nothing shines upon
Then you show your little light,
twinkle, twinkle, all the night!
2. Old McDonald Had a farm - Lyrics
Out of all the songs for 2-year-olds, this is a big hit. You’ll rarely come across a child who doesn’t love animals. The lively nursery rhyme with a lot of animal sounds is a good song to teach your toddler about different animals and the sounds they make.
Old MACDONALD had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a cow
E-I-E-I-O
With a moo moo here, and a moo moo there, everywhere a moo moo
Old MacDonald had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
3. Wheels of the Bus - Lyrics
Another popular song for toddlers is this wonderful nursery rhyme about a bus.
The wheels on the bus go round and round.
round and round.
round and round.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
all through the town!
The people on the bus go up and down, up and down, up and down.
The people on the bus go up and down,
all through the town!
4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes - Lyrics
If you want to give your toddler a head-start on being able to name body parts, then out of the entire list of toddler songs, this is the one you ought to teach him. It’s also a good song to encourage exercise and movement.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
And eyes, and ears, and mouth,
And nose.
5. If You’re Happy and You Know It - Lyrics
A cute song to sing with toddlers, it’s ideal for the development of gross motor skills as children clap their hands, snap their fingers, nod their heads, and so much more. It’s also suitable for getting kids to listen and follow instructions.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)
Songs and rhymes for toddlers are a very good way to teach your tot language skills and encourage speech. In school they can sing together and do actions in a group. ‘Incy Wincy Spider’, ‘ Humpty Dumpty’, and ‘5 Little Monkeys’ are a few other songs that can teach actions and movement. They’re easy, repetitive and short, just what a tot needs to memorise easily, and be able to sing with you. Read more
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11 hours ago
Q. Mera Mera 7th month end pe hai ab scan Karate doctor please tell me
Manali K Mehta
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45 mins ago
A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist and follow their instructions
please maintain hygiene properly with Babyhug instant sanitizer
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Q. what types of clothes are good for a new born baby during summers
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A. Cotton, Muslin clothes can be used. Prefer white or light coloured clothes since it absorb less heat.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts please suggest diet plan for wait gain of my 2 years old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. normal traditional food rich in protein ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
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Q. My due date is 5/5/24 but doctor was saying that baby head didn't get down.is it possible normal delivery for me
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A. depends on many factors your doctor can explain you after ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
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Q. hi sir/mam i had taken nerothrestrone prevent-N one tablet of 5mg when i was unaware of my pregnancy to delay my periods only one dosage was taken by me and i scanned fewdays and heartbeat came but there is the gap of 2weeks in my edd according to lmp and esg is there any problem please reply i am so tensed
Read morePOOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
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A. In clinical practice, the gestational age and EDD are often determined using the LMP, except when the discrepancy between the LMP-derived gestational age or EDD and that of early pregnancy ultrasound scan exceeds 1 week; in this situation, the ultrasound scan estimates are more reliable and should be used.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
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Q. #asktheexperts advice some parenting hack.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
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A. Can u please elaborate your questions so that I know what’s can I help u with in detail so that u can help u as parenting is a very vast thing so till the time I do not now that is the detail I’ll not b able to help u with it ..
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