Caring for Your Breast

General breast care

Rinse breasts with water only and air dry. Do not to use soap on your nipples. Soap may dry your nipples and cause them to crack.

Wear a bra that fits well and is not too tight. Do not wear a bra with underwires.

After breastfeeding, express some breast milk onto your nipples and the dark area around them to help protect your skin. Let the milk dry before putting on your bra.

Caring for breasts that are hard

If your breasts become hard your baby may have trouble breastfeeding.

1.
warm shower
Have a warm shower until breast milk starts to flow OR... 		2.
massage your breast
...place a warm towel on your breasts for a few minutes until breast milk starts to flow. 		3. Gently massage your breasts towards your nipple.
4.
express some milk
...then express some breast milk until the area around your nipple feels soft (see section on "Expressing breast milk"). 		5.
breastfeed your baby
Breastfeed your baby every 1½-3 hours until your breasts are no longer hard. 		6. After feeding if your breasts are still feeling full or uncomfortable you can apply cold, covered in a cloth, on your breasts for a few minutes. This can help to decrease swelling.

Get help right away if you:

  • cannot soften your breasts or are having problems breastfeeding.
  • have a red and painful area on your breast.
  • have a fever.
  • are feeling sick.

Where to get breastfeeding help

Caring for nipples that are sore

  • There may be some nipple tenderness in the first week after birth. This should get better each day.
  • Breastfeeding should not be painful when your baby is latched and positioned properly.
1.
baby is lathed on the breast
Your baby is latched on the breast properly when:
  • his mouth is opened wide.
  • his lips are curled out.
  • his chin is pressed into your breast.
  • he is suckling and swallowing milk.
2.
baby position
Your baby is positioned properly when:
  • his head and body are raised up to your breast.
  • his head is at the level of your breast.
  • his chest is facing your chest.
  • his mouth is facing your nipple.
3. If you want to take your baby off your breast break the suction first.
You can:
  • slip your finger into your baby's mouth OR
  • pull down on your baby's chin.

 
4.
after feeding_2
After breastfeeding:
  • express some breast milk onto your nipple and the dark area around it.
  • let the milk dry before putting on your bra.
5.
breast shell
You can wear a breast shell under your bra to help protect your sore nipple from rubbing against your bra. 		 

Get help right away if:

  • your nipples are still painful after checking that your baby is latched and positioned on the breast properly.

Where to get breastfeeding help

Last updated on October 2011