Engorings, crevices, mastitis: natural remedies against breastfeeding pain
Pain is the first cause of breastfeeding, according to Céline Dalla Lana, midwife, ibclc lactation consultant and author of "the secrets of successful breastfeeding", by Frison Roche Éditions.The first 3 to 10 days, the hormonal impregnation of the end of pregnancy causes breast hypersensitivity.But, generally, it is not normal to suffer beyond this period.In any case, some principles are in order:
The positions of the inverted Madonna or Biological Nurturing (BN) are then particularly recommended.Some natural remedies can also relieve you depending on the difficulties encountered.
Care the crevices naturally
If crevices, small cuts, appear on the nipple, nothing like breast milk."This is the most effective remedy according to studies.A few drops can be placed on the breast after each feed or impregnate a compress.It is then applied, well wet, in the injured area and we cover with cling film to make it hold and keep humidity.We start again after each feeding, "explains the midwife.Another interesting remedy: medicinal honey.It is sterilized honey, sold in parapharmacy.He is antibacterial, antifungal and helps heal.Just apply the equivalent of a pea on the painful area after each feeding.Céline Dalla Lana believes that with a good position and this remedy, in 48 hours the crevasse disappeared.But it all depends on the degree of it.Charlotte Régnier-Vigouroux, naturopath in Marseille, offers to apply a small dose of lavender honey, particularly sweet, on the breast and rinse well before feeding to remove the sweet residues."It helps to heal and it is a very good antiseptic," she said.If the crevices are too painful, it is sometimes necessary to interrupt breastfeeding and express the milk manually during the healing.
Limit the risk of engorgement
If the baby is not breastfed for a while, there may be vascular congestion, edema in the breasts.It is possible to prevent this engorgement by adopting some good gestures from the start of breastfeeding."The ideal is to put the baby within the first two hours after childbirth and then manually express the colostrum every 90 minutes.Then, it is recommended to make between 8 and 12 feedings per 24h the first three days, "explains the lactation consultant.To express milk manually, she recommends massaging the breast to warm it up, then place the thumb pulp and index 2 to 4 cm around the nipple.The fingers are getting closer to express breast milk, at a sustained pace.Massage reduces engorgement as well as taking a hot shower, or applying a small hot hot water bottle on the breasts.Another tip for treating engorgeing and mastitis: organic cabbage."It is very good as soon as there is inflammation.It’s scientifically validated.We remove the central rib, we crush the sheet with a rolling pin and apply it to the breast.We start again every 2 hours, "suggests Céline Dalla-Lana.Charlotte Régnier-Vigouroux offers a variant to this poultice."Cook green cabbage leaves to obtain a soft paste.We roll them up in a clean cloth and we wait for it to cool.We put the linen for 10 minutes on the chest.This will suck toxins and calms inflammation ".Finally, in order to reduce congestion, experts also advise to mix green clay (or white for very sensitive skin) with water, apply it on the breasts and rinse it when it starts to dry.
Salle mastitis with natural remedies
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast.To relieve it, and according to the nature of it, the midwife advises rest, the remedies based on cabbage or clay as well as frequent feedings.If there is no improvement within 24-48 hours, there may be an infection and it is better to consult.To prevent the risks of infectious mastitis, probiotics are good allies.They can be taken upon pregnancy or to avoid recurrence.Their action time is quite long, about three weeks."All inflammations start in the intestines.It is therefore important to pay attention to your transit.Probiotics allow it to be regulated.Choose them with as few additives as possible and without titanium dioxide.They are also effective in the event of breast candidiasis or lily of the valley, "adds the naturopath.In addition, it recommends limiting its consumption of sugar and animal dairy products in order to preserve its intestinal flora and avoid candidiasis.On the contrary, you can consume omega 3: a C.at S.nut oil, rapeseed oil, or chia seed oil per day or salmon or organic mackerel, which are anti-inflammatory drugs.
Eczema and mycosis in case of breastfeeding
Do you have eczema at the breast level?The midwife proposes to apply olive oil after each feed to avoid dryers.As for mycoses, if you feel itching, pain and see a few redness appear, Céline Dalla Lana advises to apply a few drops of grapefruit seed extract, a powerful antifungal, diluted in Vichy water, andApply it on the breasts.Remember to change the breastfeeding pads at each feed and avoid the ends of breasts that can be vectors of infection.There too, probiotics can be useful for the mother and the baby.If pain persists, talk to a lactation consultant who will guide you to the most appropriate treatment.
