Early Days
NCT supports all parents, however they feed their child. If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk.
Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions.
Discomfort in both breasts soon after beginning of a feed - can be accompanied by leakage of milk but breasts are not inflamed, damaged or sore. Caused by strong let-down reflex as the oxytocin rush causes squeezing of the milk ducts. Try breathing slowly as the pain peaks and subsides and be assured that it generally lessons as time goes on.
If you’re finding feeding your baby challenging, please don't suffer in silence, and do seek skilled breastfeeding support.
Severe pain, usually in one breast during feed and between feeds - hard, red area on breast, often accompanying flu-like symptoms, inflammation of breast (called “mastitis”) which can also be infective if there is also nipple damage. If not resolved, mastitis can lead to breast abscess. Check attachment, often requires antibiotics and in cases of abscess, drainage. baby or express.
Pain in Breastfeeding cont...