How Long After Pregnancy Does The Breasts Hurt? Expert Shares Management Tips

After childbirth, breast pain is one of the most common yet unseen problems of new mothers. The question is whether you breastfeed or not, hormones, milk secretion, and swelling can make the breasts tender or painful. This often makes a new mom to think; how long will the pain last and how to manage it properly? 

So, to have our answers we reached out to our expert, So, we decided to reach out to our expert, Dr Suma Varsha, IVF Specialist, Ferty9 Fertility Centre - Vijayawada, and here is what she has to say.

How Long Does Breast Pain Last After Pregnancy?

According to Dr Varsha, the leading breast pain is sporadic and may extend from a few days to several weeks after giving birth. “Breastfeeding mothers generally experience the most severe discomfort about the first three to five days postpartum, which is when milk comes in and the breasts get engorged,” she explained regarding the topic.

“The pain may last until milk production ceases naturally, which is usually within seven to 10 days if you are not a breastfeeding mother. Some women, however, can have tenderness for a few months, especially when they have mastitis, clogged ducts, or hormonal imbalance,” she added.

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Common Causes of Postpartum Breast Pain

According to Dr Varsha, some common causes of postpartum breast pain include:

• Milk Engorgement: This is one of the leading causes of milk engorgement, where the breasts become swollen, hard, and painful due to milk that builds up faster than it is released.
• Hormonal Changes: Dr Varsha highlighted that decrease in oestrogen and progesterone after childbirth can make the breasts sensitive.
• Blocked Milk Ducts: When milk flow is blocked, lumps, soreness, or localized pain can accompany it.
• Infection (Mastitis): Medical help is necessary if the pain is associated with fever, redness, or flu-like symptoms.
• Weaning Discomfort: The cessation of breastfeeding causes the breast to be sore as the milk supply adapts.

Expert Tips to Manage Breast Pain

Here is what Dr Varsha recommended to ease and manage breast pain:

• Warm Compresses: Warm compresses are used before feeding or expressing to relieve engorgement and increase milk flow.
• Cold Therapy After Feeding: The application of ice packs brings down swelling and pain.
• Supportive Bras: A comfortable, well-fitted bra can help you to avoid the extra strain on the tissue that is sore.
• Gentle Massage: Light breast massage can relieve discomfort and lower the chances of having clogged ducts.
• Frequent Feeding or Pumping: Regular milk withdrawal makes sure that supply is maintained and that there is no accumulation.
• Water Intake and Rest: Lack of water and stress can make the pain worse and prolong healing.

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When to Seek the Help of a Medical Professional

“If pain continues, is localised, and is accompanied by redness, warmth, or fever, it might be an indication of mastitis or abscess formation, situations that need immediate treatment. By not dealing with these signs, you run the risk of problems or that breastfeeding gets interrupted,” she concluded.

Bottomline

Generally, post-pregnancy breast pain fades away in time but knowing its reasons and taking the correct measures will make your postpartum journey easier. Your body will bounce back, the pain will relent with gentle care, patience, and expert guidance.