What should I do if my breast is red, swollen, and painful during lactation?
Feb 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
Women should stop breastfeeding on the affected side to prevent further injury and switch to breastfeeding on the opposite breast. Frequently clean the breasts with warm water to maintain breast hygiene. Maintain a light diet—avoid spicy foods such as garlic and chili peppers—and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples and tomatoes. It is recommended that women use medications such as erythromycin ointment or iodophor under the guidance of a physician for treatment.
Redness, swelling, and pain in a woman's breasts during lactation may be caused by infant biting or acute mastitis. It is recommended that women alleviate these symptoms through daily self-care, medication, and other approaches.
1. Daily Self-Care
During lactation, breast redness, swelling, and pain may result from the baby accidentally biting the mother's nipple while breastfeeding, or from conditions such as nipple fissures, blocked milk ducts, bacterial invasion, or milk accumulation leading to acute mastitis. Women should stop breastfeeding on the affected side to prevent further injury and switch to feeding from the opposite breast. Wash the breasts frequently with warm water to maintain good breast hygiene. Maintain a light diet—avoid spicy foods such as garlic and chili peppers—and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples and tomatoes.
2. Medication
If symptoms are severe and daily self-care measures are ineffective, medication can be used for relief. Women are advised to use medications such as erythromycin ointment or iodophor under medical guidance, or take oral medications such as cefradine tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or erythromycin tablets. During medication, breastfeeding should be discontinued.
In addition, women should practice scientific infant feeding, provide a comfortable sleep environment, and pay attention to their baby's dietary intake.
