What to do if I have a breast pain?

Pain-free living is priceless, so let’s talk breast/chest pain.

• If you’re not breastfeeding/lactating and have breast/chest pain – see your doctor.

• If you stopped breastfeeding/lactation months ago – see your doctor.

• Lactation Consultants handle breastfeeding/lactation-related issues only.

If you’re currently breastfeeding/chestfeeding or pumping:

Check your breasts/chest at every feed – look for lumps, pain, redness, swelling, or local warmth. Don’t forget your armpits – glandular tissue can extend there.

Pain/discomfort doesn’t always mean mastitis, but it can lead there or to an abscess if ignored. Act early.

Action Plan:

1. Check nipples for white spots (blebs) or blisters – these block milk ducts. Soak just the nipple in warm water with Epsom or table salt, then feed or pump immediately. Between sessions, cover the nipple with a nursing pad generously coated in olive or coconut oil. If it doesn’t improve within 1–2 days, see a Lactation Consultant 
2. Loosen breasts/chest with gentle movement or “breast gymnastics” to reduce engorgement.
3. Massage lightly from the areola toward the armpit using oil – surface only, no deep pressure.
4. If applicable, breastfeed/chestfeed immediately, aiming the baby’s chin at the blockage.
5. Pump or hand express carefully – no hard pressing, only gentle areola pressure.
6. Apply cold compresses after feeding or pumping.
   For ice packs: Use for 5–10 minutes, rest for 5 minutes, then reapply for another 5–10 minutes. Repeat as often as needed.
   For cold packs (like gel or chilled pads, cold wet diaper/towel): Keep on as long as they stay cold, and reapply as often as needed.
7. Feed/pump often from the affected side – efficient milk removal is key.
8. Take painkillers if needed – Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil) or Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol). Both are safe during breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
9. Monitor temperature – fever ≥38.5°C (101.3°F) for 24+ hours = see your doctor.

If you’re 2–7 days postpartum with firm, painful, swollen breasts/chest, it may be engorgement. Follow steps #2–4 and #6. Focus on even milk removal from both sides until you feel some relief (do not try to “empty” them). Use cold packs and avoid overstimulating your milk supply.

If nothing helps, contact us. We’re trained to deal with pain, lumps, plugs, and blebs – and yes, we use hands-on techniques to help.