Common Breast/Feeding Concerns

This can occur in breastfeeding and formula-feeding mothers after birth

Signs & Symptoms

• Breasts look and feel full
• Breasts may be painful to touch
• Usually occurs 3-6 days after birth when
  “milk comes in”
• Difficulty latching

Treatment

• Frequent breastfeeding (at least eight times in 24 hours) without restrictions
• Before breastfeeding, hold baby skin-to-skin, apply warm, moist compresses (hot showers work well), and gently massage the breast.
• After breastfeeding, apply a cool compress to the breasts
• Use hand expression if needed to remove milk for comfort
• Analgesics as needed
• Seek lactation support as needed

Signs & Symptoms

• One-sided breast pain
• The breast looks red, swollen and/or shiny and may have red streaks.
• Breast feels hot
• You may have flu-like symptoms (ie. chills,
  aches, fatigue or fever)

Treatment

• Always breastfeed from the affected side first
• Before breastfeeding, apply heat to the affected breast (hot showers work well), and gently massage the area.
• After breastfeeding, apply a cool compress to the breasts
• Use hand expression if needed to remove milk for comfort
• Get plenty of rest and maintain good hydration and nutrition
• Analgesics as needed
• Seek lactation support as needed
• If symptoms persist for over 12-24 hours, seek medical attention for an antibiotic prescription.

Signs & Symptoms

• One-sided or localized tenderness in one
• area of the breast
• There may be a lump

Treatment

• Frequent breastfeeding (at least eight times in 24 hours) and hand
• expression, starting on the affected side
• Before breastfeeding, gently massage toward the area and apply warm, moist compresses to the area.
• After breastfeeding, avoid pressure on the breast (i.e. tight bra, underwire)
• Analgesics as needed
• Seek lactation support as required.

Signs & Symptoms

• Nipple pain
• White or yellow dot on the nipple
• It may be painful, but not always
• Looks like a “milk blister.”

Treatment

• Frequent breastfeeding (at least 8 times in 24 hours) and hand expression from both sides
• Before breastfeeding, apply warm compresses and gently massage
  affected breast
• Analgesics as needed
• Seek lactation support for further treatment (lancing)

Signs & Symptoms

• History of recurrent mastitis
• One-sided breast pain
• Swelling and redness
• Possible lump
• Fever and feeling unwell
• Antibiotic treatment not enough

Treatment

• Breastfeed from non-affected side
• Seek medical attention for treatment (ie. drainage)
• Should only resume breastfeeding on affected side after medical assessment and treatment

This can occur in breastfeeding and formula-fed babies

This can occur in breastfeeding and formula-fed babies

Signs & Symptoms (Breastfeeding mother)

• Sharp shooting pain or burning pain in the breast
  that develops suddenly
• Persistent cracked or painful nipples
• Severe nipple pain that lasts throughout the feeding and immediately after feeding
• Nipples may look red or cracked
• Nipples may feel sore, itchy, burning or painful
• Areola may look red, swollen, flaky or shiny
• History of recurrent mastitis

Signs & Symptoms (Infants)

• White patches on the tongue, cheeks or soft
• palate that cannot be wiped off
• Diaper rash that has raised, red, and/or sore-looking bumps and does not go away when treated with zinc-based ointment

Treatment

• Seek medical attention for treatment of mother and baby (ie. topical or
• oral prescription)
• Frequent hand-washing
• Sterilize all objects that come in contact with baby’s mouth (i.e. toys, bottles, soothers)
• Breastfeed on the pain-free side first, then offer the affected side
• After breastfeeding, wash breasts and nipples and air dry
• Apply a cool compress for comfort.
• Express milk from both breasts if the baby is unable to breastfeed effectively
• Avoid using breast pads when possible.