Have you noticed that your ribcage starts expanding, and your underbust increases in size during your first trimester? What’s more, your nipples become darker, and your breasts become heavier. Don’t worry! These changes are absolutely normal when you’re growing a baby. You just need more breast care tips!
Breast Care During Pregnancy
When pregnant, mums face problems such as swelling in the breasts and sensitive, tender nipples. Here are some suggestions you can follow:
- Get the right bra
You may find that the bands of your bras are too tight, sometimes causing red marks on your skin. Typically, most women’s breasts undergo the most significant changes during the first to second trimester. Consider switching from your tight pre-pregnancy bra to a wire-free or flexi-wire style. This allows it to grow with you, avoiding suffocation and discomfort throughout pregnancy and beyond. The nursing clip design can be a plus point for breastfeeding after labour. - Maintain hygiene
Clean colostrum from your breasts using warm water. Also, you can use quick-absorbent breast pads. - Moisture your nipples
It is a good idea to apply moisturizing cream to the nipples if they feel too dry after a shower. However, be mindful of the ingredients in areola whitening creams. Ingredients like hydroquinone are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding moms.
Postnatal Breast Care
Breast care plays an important role for breastfeeding moms. Below are some tips you should take note of:
- Comfortable feeding position
Make sure your baby is positioned and latched onto the breast well to avoid cracked nipples. Point your nipple at the baby’s nose, not directly at their mouth, so they’ll lift their head, open their mouth wide, and latch on deeply. Good lactation can help prevent problems such as sore nipples, breast engorgement, plugged milk ducts, and mastitis. - Protect your breasts with day and sleeping bras
When you wear a bra, both during the day and at night, it supports the structure of your breasts, especially the Cooper’s ligaments. If not, your nipples will be in direct contact with your pyjamas and may cause discomfort. - Tips to take care of your cracked nipples
Moisturize your nipples with breast milk if you have cracked nipples. Some moms also find that applying lanolin after feeding helps. If you feel pain while breastfeeding, consider hand expression, but continue expressing milk to maintain your milk supply. If your nipples do not recover and begin to swell, seek medical attention, as they may be infected and increase the risk of mastitis.
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