During a woman's life their breasts will change a number of times. They will develop during puberty, then produce milk after child birth.
Changes are normal, so they are nothing to worry about in most cases. Here are a few things to expect once you've given birth.
When breast feeding begins the milk produced will be slightly thicker. This is due to the presence of colostrum which provides the baby with their first dose of nutrients and antibodies.
However, this will change within the first few days of breastfeeding. Your milk will slowly become diluted and lighter in color as your hormone levels lower.
Obviously the first big change if the ability to produce milk. There is also a hormonal response that your body releases when your child suckles so your breasts can express milk.
Other things, such as your baby's cry, your emotions, and your mood, may also trigger this reflex. What does this mean? Your milk can leak out even when your baby isn't suckling.
You may want to invest in a few pads for your nursing bras; pads can absorb leaking milk before the milk soaks your shirt.
Obviously leaking milk can cause some embarrassment, but it isn't a problem. Engorgement on the other hand may be a problem that you get checked out.
This is when your breasts produce milk faster than you express it (i.e. you produce more than your baby eats). Over-full breasts can be very sore and painful, as well as tight.
If you can't empty your breasts for whatever reason - your child has a problem breastfeeding, for instance - then you may want to invest in a breast pump so that you can do it yourself. Releasing the milk from your breasts will help relieve the discomfort.
Another problem could be milk ducts that are blocked. A large painful lump can appear if your breasts aren't fully emptied.
Applying pressure through massage can help remove this blockage. You can also place a warm wash cloth over the area.
You can also try changing positions while feeding to ensure the breast is emptied; this will help eliminate the problem.
Mastitis is an infection that can result from engorgement or blocked ducts. If this happens, you may experience symptoms similar to the flu. Talk to your doctor about getting antibiotics if this happens.
Thankfully, these problems aren't serious most of the time. They may cause discomfort, but often you can relieve that. Talk to your doctor if you are worried or can't seem to ease the pain.
Author Resource:-
Jared Wright is a dad who works from home writing and sharing his knowledge and interests online. His latest website offers a range of useful reviews on products like ameda purely yours breast pump and medela breast pump accessories.
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