Breast care for moms

Some doctors, nurses, family members, friends, and others encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies because of the benefits to both. One of the benefits of breastfeeding is that milk is readily available and at the right temperature. However, with this accessibility, we can forget, or overlook, that part of caring for mothers includes the important task of caring for the breasts. Therefore, here are some suggestions to help care for them.

Wash hands before and after handling the chest.

With Covid-19 upon us, handwashing has been heavily emphasized and publicized. Yes, as part of proper hygiene, children are often told to “wash your hands before eating”, and as a general rule, before and after handling any food. This rule also applies to adults. Therefore, one can think of the breast as a cup or a bottle with food, so the same hygienic rules apply. This will help prevent bacteria from being transferred to the baby and remove any milk that may have gotten on hands during feeding.

Breast milk on the nipples and air dry

Immediately after feeding the baby, it is a good idea to express some milk into the palm of your hand and apply it to the nipples. The breasts had just undergone several minutes of work, so to speak, and now they need to rest and heal. In some cases, the nipples can be bruised during feeding. Therefore, putting a little milk on it will help heal visible and invisible bruises. Also, after applying the milk, let it air dry, so that the milk works on the bruises. Then give them a chance to rest before feeding the baby again.

Changing wet nursing pads

Compresses, that is, nursing pads, are often used to absorb milk that leaks from the breast and thus prevent it from soiling clothes. If they are used, change them periodically. Do not continue to use them when they are wet. This can help sores to develop in the breast.

Proper fit arms

It is always best to wear bras or bras that fit well and this is even more pressing when you are breastfeeding. Whenever possible, it’s best to wear nursing bras during this time. They are large enough to accommodate the new breast size, large enough to hold nursing pads, and are made in such a way that the breast is easy to access when baby is hungry.

Express milk if the breasts are too sore

If the breasts are too sore to nurse the baby, expressing the milk is the next best option. This will not only give the breasts a chance to heal, but the baby will still be able to drink the milk.