Postpartum Breast Health: What to Expect and How to Thrive

Photo by Ivan Stern on Unsplash

What to Expect in The First Few Days Postpartum

Your breasts have been changing throughout the nine months of your pregnancy. You may have noticed them getting larger or firmer. The areola may become darker. They may leak fluid. All of this is completely normal and part of your body’s natural preparation for breastfeeding your baby. 

When your placenta is delivered after birth, it triggers your body to stimulate a hormone called prolactin which signals your body to start producing milk. It’s normal for your milk to come in at two to three days postpartum. Until then, you’ll be feeding your baby colostrum, a complete first food containing protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats, and antibodies that will defend your baby from bacteria and viruses, while preparing the gut to build a healthy microbiome.

Throughout the first week postpartum, you may notice other changes. There will be more surface veins, your breasts will become heavier, and may even feel hot. Around 48 hours after birth, you may experience a “milk fever,” a low-grade fever some women get as their milk comes in. Your temperature may go up to 100 degrees during this time. This is normal and should only last for 24 hours. 

When your milk supply develops, your breasts will be firm, hard and a whole new shape. This is known as engorgement and can be uncomfortable, as your breasts may feel painfully full. They may even leak milk when the baby is not eating. All of this is a signal that you are ready to adequately feed your baby.

One of the most intense adjustments is the new role your nipples must play in feeding your baby. This adjustment period coupled with the extended period of time that babies spend nursing initially will cause your nipples to become sore, dry or cracked.

You’ve likely heard and read plenty about breastfeeding. For some women it’s the most amazing experience, for others it’s one of the most frustrating parts of motherhood. That said, low-grade fever, engorged breasts, sore nipples, all are temporary discomfort. Let’s look at how you can relieve these issues while maintain optimal, long-term breast health.

Postpartum Breast Health Tips

Healing Sore Nipples

We created Nurse Well Breast Salve to heal and nourish your nipples during breastfeeding. But, the salve is also crafted to nourish the blood, shrink inflammation and repair the entire breast tissue. Ideally, you’ll have it ready to use after your first feeding, before any significant discomfort arises. Nurse Well is best applied after feedings, so it has time to penetrate the tissue and promote healing. For more info on Nurse Well, check out the product page.  

Warm Compress for Engorged Breasts

You or your partner can prepare warm to hot wash cloths to wrap around your breasts. After the breasts are warm, massage them with our Nurse Well Salve, which will increase circulation, relax tissue and release milk. In addition to healing sore nipples, ingredients like Burdock Root and Partridge Berry cleanse the lymph, increase circulation and purify the blood – all beneficial during this time of significant change.

Self-Massage for Engorged Breasts

A light massage can be surprisingly effective at relieving pressure and tenderness. When you are in the bath or shower, gently massage each breast from the sides and the top towards the nipples. You only need to express a small amount of milk from each breast to create relief. Use Nurse Well as a massage lotion, while taking your time and relaxing. If you have hard areas on your breasts give those areas an extra massage. 

What to Wear

There’s countless companies out there selling nursing-friendly bras. Obviously, you have to find what works for you. Comfort is key, but as it pertains to breast health you’re looking for bras that allow your breast tissue to breathe. Cotton bras or cotton nursing undershirts with cotton or bamboo nursing pads are the most breathable, and therefore ideal. Underwire bras are often the most painful. If you have larger breasts, and need more support, cotton sports bras may be a good option.

Nursing Pads

There’s a lot of leaking from the breast in the first month. This is a normal occurrence until your breasts adjust to your baby’s feeding patterns. It’s important to change out your nursing pads when they are damp so your nipples can dry between feedings. Wearing soaked nursing pads for extended periods of time can cause an overgrowth of candida which can create complications in feeding.

Breastfeeding can be the most wonderful and yet challenging parts of early motherhood. Trust that good or bad, you will get through this, that you are not alone, and if you need support it’s out there.