Breast Symptoms, Post Partum
Breast Symptoms, Post Partum (any irregularity of the breast(s) or nipple(s) after the birth of a baby)
|
Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
| Yes |
No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
|
 |
|
Women's Health - Did You Know?
|
| breastfeeding is a healthy, convenient and economical way to feed a baby
make sure the nipple and areola (dark area surrounding the nipple) is in the baby's mouth when nursing
a yellow fluid called colostrum is released from the breast either before delivery or during the first couple of days after delivery
milk comes in on the 2nd or 3rd day after delivery
make sure the breast is emptied at each feeding, either by the baby's sucking or hand/pump expression
allow approximately 10-15 minutes of nursing on each side |
|
Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- cracked nipples, fatigue, fever (100.6 or above)
- redness, burning nipple(s) with white patches in the baby's mouth
- tenderness, redness and hard breast(s)
- new mass or lump felt that can not be massaged away after nursing
- bleeding and cracked nipples continue after self-management
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
|
 |
|
Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- wear a well fitting bra with wide straps 24 hours a day
- feed baby on demand and around the clock
- air dry nipples after feeding for several minutes
- alternate the baby's position when breastfeeding
- change bra pads when they become moist
- apply heat and massage toward nipple if a tender lump is felt after nursing
- break the suction of the baby's mouth when finished nursing; do not pull baby off the breast
- avoid soap, alcohol or moisture creams on the nipples
- apply lanolin to soothe sore nipples
- apply ice packs or cool compresses to the breast(s) as needed to provide relief
- take OTC acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve discomfort, if not previously told to the contrary
|
Go Back
Call Your Health Care Provider If: |
| You do not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions. |
