Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health
Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health
Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health
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Participant document<br />
Sore or Cracked Nipples<br />
COMMON PROBLEMS DURING BREASTFEEDING<br />
Sore or cracked nipples develop when the baby sucks only the nipple <strong>in</strong>stead <strong>of</strong> tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the nipple and part <strong>of</strong> the breast when he is breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Recommendations:<br />
It is important to keep breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g the baby even if it hurts. To avoid sore nipples,<br />
breast feed <strong>of</strong>ten, for as long as the baby wants to suck, and be sure the baby is tak<strong>in</strong>g as<br />
much <strong>of</strong> the breast <strong>in</strong>to his mouth as he can. It also helps to change the baby's position<br />
each time he nurses.<br />
If only one nipple is sore, let the baby suck on the other side first, then let the baby suck<br />
from the sore nipple. After the baby is f<strong>in</strong>ished, squeeze out a little milk and rub the milk<br />
over the sore nipple. Let the milk dry before cover<strong>in</strong>g the nipple. The milk will help the<br />
nipple heal. If the nipple oozes a lot <strong>of</strong> blood or pus, milk the breast by hand until the<br />
nipple is healed.<br />
Breast Engorgement<br />
Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts are overfull, partly with milk and partly with<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased tissue fluid and blood, which <strong>in</strong>terferes with the flow <strong>of</strong> milk. Engorged breasts<br />
are very pa<strong>in</strong>ful, edematous, tight (especially the nipple), sh<strong>in</strong>y, and may look red; milk is<br />
NOT flow<strong>in</strong>g; and the woman may have a fever for 24 hours.<br />
Recommendations:<br />
• It is essential to remove milk from the breasts, otherwise mastitis will develop, an<br />
abscess may form, and milk production will decrease. Do NOT “rest” the breast.<br />
• If the baby is able to suckle, feed frequently, help<strong>in</strong>g the baby with position<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• If the baby is not able to suckle, express milk by hand or by pump. Sometimes<br />
express<strong>in</strong>g a little milk will s<strong>of</strong>ten the breast enough so that baby can suckle.<br />
• Before feed<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
- Put warm compresses on the breast or take a warm shower<br />
- Massage the neck and back<br />
- Lightly massage the breast<br />
- Stimulate the nipple sk<strong>in</strong><br />
- Relax<br />
• To reduce edema after breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g, put cold compress on the breasts.<br />
Pa<strong>in</strong>ful Breasts<br />
Pa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the breast can be caused by a sore nipple or by breasts that get very full and hard.<br />
The pa<strong>in</strong> will <strong>of</strong>ten go away <strong>in</strong> a day or two if the baby breastfeeds frequently and the<br />
mother rests <strong>in</strong> bed and dr<strong>in</strong>ks lots <strong>of</strong> liquids. Usually, no medication is needed but it is<br />
recommended for the woman to see the doctor.<br />
157<br />
RFHI/JSI <strong>Roma</strong>nia <strong>Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>of</strong> RHMs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Reproductive</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Session 9: Breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g
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