{"id":30267,"date":"2026-03-04T08:00:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T08:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=30267"},"modified":"2026-03-04T09:18:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T09:18:55","slug":"pain-and-breastfeeding-how-avoid-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/newborn\/pain-and-breastfeeding-how-avoid-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Pain and Breastfeeding: How to Avoid Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although breastfeeding is often described as a natural and instinctive act, it can sometimes be accompanied by pain, especially at the beginning, while you and your baby are still finding your rhythm. How can you relieve nipple pain and pain inside the breasts? Which breastfeeding positions should you favor? When should you be concerned about pain during breastfeeding?<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Pain and breastfeeding<\/strong>: let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and breastfeeding: the importance of a good breastfeeding position<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Newborns are born with all the psychomotor and neurobehavioral reflexes needed to suck effectively<\/strong>. However, the intergenerational transmission of breastfeeding culture has largely faded over time. Today, many young mothers have rarely seen another woman breastfeed before experiencing it themselves. They therefore have not had the opportunity to become familiar with the gestures, mechanisms, and techniques specific to breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to research conducted in Denmark in 2009 by Professor H. Kronborg, improper positioning of the baby at the breast is involved in 61% of cases where mothers experience breastfeeding difficulties.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is not just one correct breastfeeding position, but a wide variety of possibilities depending on your needs. Breastfeeding can be done sitting, lying down, standing\u2026 <strong>The most important thing is that you and your baby are comfortably positioned<\/strong>. Here are a few examples of breastfeeding positions:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Biological Nurturing (BN)<\/strong>: also called the physiological position, it consists of reclining in a semi-leaning position with your back slightly tilted backward, with your baby resting against you, tummy to tummy. This posture encourages the expression of your newborn\u2019s innate reflexes thanks to the many sensory stimulations they perceive through contact with you.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The cradle hold<\/strong>: this is the most common position. You are seated, ideally with support under your feet to flex your hips and relieve your lower back. Your baby rests on your forearm, their head near the crook of your elbow and their body turned toward you. A pillow can be placed under your forearm to adjust the height and align your baby with your nipple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The football hold<\/strong>: your baby is positioned at your side along your waist, with their legs pointing toward your back. They are supported by the forearm on the same side as the breast being used, always tummy to tummy. This breastfeeding position is particularly suitable if you have large breasts or after a cesarean section.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The side-lying position<\/strong>: you lie on your side facing your baby, who is also lying down and turned toward you. Very practical for nighttime feeds, this position is also suitable for mothers who have had a cesarean section or who experience perineal pain when sitting.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A baby who frequently cries at the breast may sometimes signal poor latch or a sucking difficulty that should be identified quickly.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding also places significant strain on your back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor posture can cause <strong>persistent muscle pain<\/strong>. Remember to support your arms with pillows, keep your shoulders relaxed, and bring your baby toward you rather than leaning toward them.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Good to know<\/strong>: skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps initiate breastfeeding and helps your baby spontaneously find the breast.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to learn more? Feel free to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.com\/1pblulz8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">download the May app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you&#8217;ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.<\/span> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/breastfeeding-and-bonding-go-hand-in-hand-2026-01-09-09-27-46-utc.webp\" alt=\"Pain and breastfeeding: how to avoid pain? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/breastfeeding-and-bonding-go-hand-in-hand-2026-01-09-09-27-46-utc.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/breastfeeding-and-bonding-go-hand-in-hand-2026-01-09-09-27-46-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/breastfeeding-and-bonding-go-hand-in-hand-2026-01-09-09-27-46-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Nipple pain during breastfeeding: pinching and cracks<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>The nipple is both a very sensitive area and one that is heavily used during breastfeeding<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is not uncommon for mothers to experience <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nipple pain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while breastfeeding, especially during the first few days. When identified and treated quickly, this pain usually fades within a few days.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Pain and breastfeeding: pinching during feeds<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the beginning of breastfeeding, you and your baby need to find the right position(s) so that feeds are <strong>effective and comfortable<\/strong>. If your baby is not positioned correctly or has difficulty sucking, they may <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pinch your nipple<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and cause pain. Unintentionally, of course!<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h4><b>What to do if pinching occurs during feeds?<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your baby pinches your nipple during feeds, we encourage you to check the following points:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Their head should not be tilted too far back or to the side, which could pull on the nipple<\/strong>. When at the breast, your baby\u2019s ears, shoulders, and hips should be aligned. To help with this, place your hand behind their shoulder blades during feeds.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>They open their mouth wide to latch onto the nipple<\/strong>. To help with this, offer your breast above their upper lip or even under their nose and watch how they open their mouth wide. They will approach the breast chin first and guide your nipple toward their palate with their tongue. To make latching easier, you can gently compress your breast between your thumb and the rest of your hand (forming a C shape) or lightly press the base of your nipple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>You are comfortably positioned<\/strong>. Your own position is also essential during feeds. You will spend a large portion of your time breastfeeding, so it is important that you are comfortable and free from muscle tension. Do not hesitate to use plenty of pillows and elevate your legs on a small footstool.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>Pain and breastfeeding: cracked nipples<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A crack is a small fissure on the nipple. <strong>Cracked nipples generally appear during the first weeks of breastfeeding<\/strong>. In most cases, they are caused by an improper position during feeds or a sucking problem.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h4><b>What to do if you have cracked nipples?<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step is to ensure that your baby\u2019s position during feeds is correct and that they do not have difficulty latching (they open their mouth wide and do not pinch the breast).<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To care for your nipple, you can apply breast milk compresses or a healing cream suitable for breastfeeding. <strong>Some ointments are available at pharmacies<\/strong>. To prevent cracks from appearing, you can massage your nipple with a few drops of breast milk after each feed. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your milk will moisturize your nipple and help heal any micro-cracks, which will gradually disappear.<\/span> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30254\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/there-are-some-things-only-a-mother-can-do-2026-01-09-08-16-18-utc-1.webp\" alt=\"Pain and breastfeeding: how to avoid pain? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/there-are-some-things-only-a-mother-can-do-2026-01-09-08-16-18-utc-1.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/there-are-some-things-only-a-mother-can-do-2026-01-09-08-16-18-utc-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/there-are-some-things-only-a-mother-can-do-2026-01-09-08-16-18-utc-1-768x513.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Pain inside the breasts during breastfeeding: engorgement, mastitis, blocked ducts, thrush<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During breastfeeding, you may experience pain in your breasts that can have different causes. Here are the main possible causes of this pain and how to relieve it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Pain and breastfeeding: engorgement<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast engorgement most often occurs when milk comes in or when breastfeeding stops. The most typical symptoms of engorgement are:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hard, swollen breasts,<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">redness,<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a feeling of warmth,<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the formation of a hard lump in the breast,<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for some women, a mild fever may also occur.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the name suggests, <strong>engorgement is caused by too much milk in your breasts<\/strong>. Because you produce more milk than your baby drinks, your breasts become overfilled. This is why engorgement is common at the beginning of breastfeeding (your baby drinks little) or at the end (your baby no longer feeds as often).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the pain, prolonged engorgement during breastfeeding can have consequences for both you and your baby. Because of the swelling (the hard lump inside the breast), your baby may have difficulty latching onto your nipple and therefore feeding, which worsens the situation. For you, <strong>untreated engorgement can become complicated and progress to mastitis<\/strong>, an inflammation of breast tissue that we describe below.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h4><b>What to do in case of engorgement?<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see, engorgement is mainly an imbalance between your milk production and your baby\u2019s \u201cconsumption.\u201d <strong>The solution is therefore to drain the breast as much as possible<\/strong>. To correct this imbalance and avoid engorgement, start by ensuring your baby does not have difficulty feeding.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If that is not enough, we encourage you to express your milk yourself (using a breast pump or manually). Be careful not to express too much milk, as this could stimulate lactation and have the opposite effect.<\/span> <strong>If you suffer from engorgement, here are our tips to relieve the pain:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Apply heat to your breasts<\/strong>: you can easily do this by placing a washcloth soaked in warm water on your chest. Heat helps relax the breast and facilitates drainage.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Apply cold to your breasts<\/strong>: as with a sprain, cold helps reduce swelling. For example, you can wet a diaper with water and place it in the freezer. It is very effective and easy to have on hand.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Place a cabbage leaf on your breasts between each feeding<\/strong>. The effectiveness of this traditional remedy has actually been scientifically demonstrated by an American study. Remember to wash the cabbage leaf well, crush it beforehand to release the juices, and replace it as soon as it wilts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and breastfeeding: mastitis<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mastitis is a localized inflammation of an area of the breast affecting the mammary gland. <strong>It is sometimes nicknamed \u201cbreast flu\u201d because its symptoms are very similar to those of the flu<\/strong>: fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and a general feeling of illness.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The affected breast becomes warm, tender, painful, and shows redness usually located in one area and asymmetrical.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In cases of mastitis, the taste of milk may change and become saltier. Your baby may temporarily refuse to feed from the affected breast.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to do in case of mastitis?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with engorgement, <strong>the priority is to ensure effective drainage of the affected breast<\/strong>. Frequent feeds should continue and the same measures used for engorgement can be applied, including cabbage leaves if they bring relief.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, <strong>avoid strong massages<\/strong>, intensive use of a breast pump, or vibrations (for example with an electric toothbrush), as these practices can increase inflammation. <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, use gentle and light massage.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain and reduce fever.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice no improvement within 24 hours, it is important to consult a doctor quickly. Mastitis may require treatment with antibiotics and\/or anti-inflammatory medication, most of which are compatible with breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Pain and breastfeeding: blocked milk ducts<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk ducts, which carry milk to the nipple, can become blocked and cause pain inside your breast and nipple during breastfeeding. <strong>A blocked milk duct usually affects only one breast.<\/strong> It is characterized by the appearance of a hard, warm, painful lump near the blocked duct. In some cases, you may also notice a \u201cmilk blister\u201d on the nipple. This is a small swelling of the skin containing milk.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A blocked milk duct is usually caused by engorgement, inflammation, or excessive pressure on the duct (for example due to a bra or tight clothing).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h4><b>What to do in case of blocked milk ducts?<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though it may resolve naturally and quickly, <strong>it is recommended to treat it<\/strong>. This limits pain and prevents your baby from being bothered during feeds throughout breastfeeding.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To do this, we recommend draining your breasts, placing them in a bowl of warm water, or gently massaging them under warm water with the back of an electric toothbrush. It may sound unusual, but the vibrations from the toothbrush can help unblock the duct.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and breastfeeding: thrush (candidiasis)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidiasis is a skin infection caused by a fungus that develops mainly <strong>in warm and humid environments<\/strong>. It can affect different areas of the body: the nipples and breasts in breastfeeding mothers, but also the vagina, mouth, or a baby\u2019s diaper area. It is often referred to as \u201cthrush.\u201d<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The nipple and areola may appear pink, shiny, and sometimes slightly flaky.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of sensations, <strong>the pain is often described as deep, present during and after feeds<\/strong>. It may be accompanied by burning or itching. <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some mothers describe very intense sensations similar to stabbing pain or crushed glass, making even clothing contact difficult to tolerate.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help guide the diagnosis toward possible candidiasis, you can try mixing either one tablespoon of white vinegar or one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water. Soak a compress in this solution and apply it to your breast. <strong>If a feeling of relief appears, this may suggest the presence of candidiasis.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to do in case of candidiasis?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At first, it is possible to try <strong>natural treatments to limit fungal growth<\/strong>. Baking soda, for example, helps modify the skin\u2019s pH, which can slow its development. Coconut oil or grapefruit seed extract are also sometimes used for their antifungal properties.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, hygiene remains essential. It is recommended to:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change bras frequently.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use disposable nursing pads and replace them regularly.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash nipple shields, bottle nipples, pacifiers, or any objects your baby puts in their mouth thoroughly and often.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the fungus develops in warm, humid, poorly ventilated environments, it is recommended to expose your breasts to the air whenever possible.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid occlusive situations as much as possible (thick creams, nursing shells, compresses left in place for long periods).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If these measures do not improve the situation, it is best to consult your healthcare professional. <strong>An antifungal treatment may then be prescribed if necessary.<\/strong><\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes the baby also develops candidiasis. <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It often appears as a persistent white coating on the tongue that does not disappear with gentle cleaning and may be associated with discomfort during feeds. Bright, unusual redness in the diaper area may also point to this diagnosis.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, an antifungal treatment suitable for the baby, usually in the form of syrup or oral gel, may be prescribed.<\/span> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30258\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/a-loving-mother-comforts-her-baby-while-sitting-on-2026-01-05-06-30-56-utc.webp\" alt=\"Pain and breastfeeding: how to avoid pain? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/a-loving-mother-comforts-her-baby-while-sitting-on-2026-01-05-06-30-56-utc.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/a-loving-mother-comforts-her-baby-while-sitting-on-2026-01-05-06-30-56-utc-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/a-loving-mother-comforts-her-baby-while-sitting-on-2026-01-05-06-30-56-utc-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How to get support during breastfeeding to avoid pain?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding should be a pleasure for both you and your baby. To fully enjoy this special moment, you can seek help from breastfeeding professionals who can guide you from the first days through to weaning.<\/span> <strong>IBCLC lactation consultants<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) are breastfeeding experts trained to support you at every stage of breastfeeding. Their certification is renewed every five years, allowing them to stay up to date with the latest knowledge about breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and breastfeeding: taking care of your mental health postpartum<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Breastfeeding is often presented as a natural and instinctive act<\/strong>. However, the reality can be very different from what you imagined. When the experience does not match your expectations, you may feel disappointment or even deep guilt. Some women minimize their journey, blame themselves for their \u201cfailures,\u201d or feel they did not \u201creally\u201d breastfeed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and breastfeeding: constant pressure<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From pregnancy onward, <strong>the question of how to feed your baby brings many opinions and recommendations<\/strong>. Between medical advice, input from relatives, and social expectations, there are many pressures. Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, every choice seems subject to others\u2019 opinions.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>This external pressure is often combined with internal expectations<\/strong>: wanting to be a perfect mother, efficient at work, and flawless at home. Yet the postpartum period is a time of major physical and emotional change. Remember that perfection does not exist.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and breastfeeding: matrescence<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The birth of a child is also the birth of a mother<\/strong>. This profound transformation, called \u201cmatrescence,\u201d refers to the physical and psychological changes linked to motherhood. It is a sensitive and sometimes destabilizing period that deserves gentleness and kindness toward yourself.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no single right way to be a mother, nor an ideal breastfeeding duration. Your bond with your child does not depend solely on how they are fed. <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Three weeks, three months, or a year<\/strong>: the duration that was yours was the one that fit your reality at the time.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of saying \u201cI only breastfed for three weeks,\u201d why not think \u201cI breastfed for three weeks\u201d?<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In summary, pain related to breastfeeding is common, especially at the beginning, but it should never be trivialized. <strong>Pinching, cracks, engorgement, blocked ducts, or candidiasis<\/strong>: in the vast majority of cases, these situations have simple and effective solutions when addressed quickly.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that breastfeeding is something both you and your baby learn. Adjusting a position, improving latch, draining engorgement, or consulting a professional in case of persistent pain can transform your experience. You do not have to face pain alone.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>**<\/p>\r\n<p>Photo credits: YuriArcursPeopleimages | zamrznutitonovi | monkeybusiness<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US\/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although breastfeeding is often described as a natural and instinctive act, it can sometimes be accompanied by pain, especially at the beginning, while you and your baby are still finding your rhythm. How can you relieve nipple pain and pain inside the breasts? Which breastfeeding positions should you favor? When should you be concerned about [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":10365,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[192,196],"tags":[146],"class_list":["post-30267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newborn","category-infant","tag-breastfeeding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30267"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30267\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30272,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30267\/revisions\/30272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}