Breastfeeding Medical Information Breastfeeding should be pain-free and enjoyable! However, some women are affected by medical problems that can make breastfeeding difficult or painful. The majority of conditions can be quickly and effectively treated and no condition requires that the mother gives up breastfeeding. If you have any of the symptoms below, or any other problems with breastfeeding, we would urge you to continue to feed your baby and contact your midwife, health visitor or G.P immediately. For advice on common conditions please see the information below:

Mastitis

Symptoms:

• A red area on part of the breast often the outer, upper area, which is painful to touch

• A lumpy breast which feels hot to touch

• The whole breast aches and becomes red

• Flu-like symptoms- cold, shivery and aching bodily

If you have the above symptoms please contact your own GP if you are concerned.

Treatment:

For further advice on medication please contact your pharmacist or GP./

• Ibuprofen (400 mg) will reduce the inflammation, relieve pain and reduce temperature. Take 400mg three times a day after food. ( If you are asthmatic please consult your G.P)

• Paracetamol will relieve pain and reduce temperature but has no anti inflammatory action. Take two 500mg tablets four times a day.

• Continue feeding even on the affected side, this will help your recovery.

• Antibiotics may be needed, if no improvement in 24 hours please contact your G.P.

• Do not stop breastfeeding during mastitis. This can make Mastitis much worse; continuing to breastfeed will help recovery and will not harm the baby.

For more information about mastitis, including preventative measures, please click here.

Thrush of the Breast

Symptoms of Thrush:

• Sudden start of breast and or nipple pain after some days or weeks of pain free breastfeeding

• The nipple may be itchy or extra sensitive, pale or reddened

• Shooting pains deep within the breast AFTER feeding. Pain can be SEVERE and can last up to an hour

• Cracked nipples which don’t heal

• Permanent (not transient) loss of colour in the nipple or areola

• Pain occurs in both breasts because baby transfers infection

• History of recent antibiotic use

• Baby with oral symptoms of thrush     

• Maternal symptoms of vaginal thrush at delivery

• Nappy rash which does not clear with simple treatment

Note – There may be no obvious signs of infection on the breast but this does not necessarily mean that you don’t need to be treated

Treatment:

The treatment of both mother and baby is essential even if only one shows symptoms of thrush as thrush can be passed between mum and baby.

Treatment of mother:

For further advice on medication please contact your pharmacist or GP.

• A smear of Miconazole 2% to the nipple and areola area after each feed. Any cream that can be seen should be gently wiped off before the next feed, but there is no need to wash the residue off

• For inflamed/red nipples, a mild steroid cream can be used to help healing, such as Miconozole 2% plus Hydrocortisone 1%

• The mother may need additional analgesia until symptoms improve to enable her to cope with the pain caused by thrush

• If there is no improvement or deep breast pain develops, oral treatment of Fluconizole can be given alongside topical treatment of mother and baby which is on prescription from your G.P, please contact them

• If pain/symptoms have been present for some time a longer course or higher dose of Fluconizole may be required

Treatment of baby:

• For babies over 4 months old: Oral Miconazole gel applied to baby’s oral mucosa and tongue four times a day. The gel should be applied gently in small amounts with a clean finger until all mucosal surfaces have been coated

• For babies under 4 months old: Nystatin oral suspension

Please note that there are other causes of nipple pain, including:

• Poor attachment

• Eczema

• Tongue Tie

• Reynaud’s Syndrome

• White Spot

• Bacterial Infection
  

If you have nipple pain and you aren’t sure what the cause might be, contact your midwife, health visitor or GP who can advise you.

For more information about thrush of the breast, including preventative measures click here.

Fequently Asked Questions

Question: I am being sick, is it safe to carry on breastfeeding?

Answer: Yes when you breast feed you pass antibodies onto the baby through your milk, these antibodies fight off many infections therefore these antibodies may prevent your baby contracting the same illness, however if your baby does it will be a mild form. If you are vomiting or have diarrhoea try and keep your fluid levels up by drinking clear fluids, however you don’t need to eat food to keep making milk in fact as long as the stimulation is regular your body will automatically make milk. If it is possible rest as much as you can and contact your G.P. if you are still feeling unwell after a couple of days.

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Question: My baby is being sick, can I still carry on breastfeeding?

Answer: Yes, your breast milk will help your baby to recover quicker and baby will also be able to easily digest and absorb calories from the milk compared to other fluids. However if you are concerned and the baby shows other signs of illness then contact your G.P. Breastfeeding is also very comforting for your baby especially when the illness occurs.

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