• Always make sure that your baby has the nipple and areola well into her mouth
• Always take your baby off the breast gently
• Keep your nipples as dry as possible between feedings
• Make sure your nipples are dry before putting your bra back on after a feeding

In one of your nipples does become sore, give that breast a rest from feeding for 24 hours, or until the soreness has gone. Express milk from the affected breast and feed your baby from the other one. To prevent the nipple from becoming cracked, apply a protective cream two or three times a day

Nipple shield This is made for soft silicone and fits over your nipple; the baby sucks through a small rubber nipple on the front. Sterilize before us.

An untreated blocked duct or mastitis can result in a breast abscess. You may feel feverish, and you may have a shiny red patch on your breast that is exquisitely tender. Your doctor should prescribe antibiotics; if this fails, the abscess will have to be drained surgically, but you may be able to continue breastfeeding even if you need this minor operation – ask your doctor’s advice.

If a blocked duct is not treated, it can lead to an acute infection, known as mastitis. The breast will be inflamed and a red patch will appear on the outside, as with a blocked duct. If you can, you should continue to breastfeed because you need to empty the breast. However, you may find nursing too painful. In any case, consult your doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics.

Tight clothing or engorgement can cause a blocked milk duct, resulting in a hard red patch on the outside of the breast. You can prevent this by encouraging your baby to feed often and empty your breasts, and by making sure your bra fits properly. If you do get a blocked duct, offer the affected breast first.

Toward the end of the first week, before breastfeeding has become fully established, your breasts may become overfull and painful and quite hard to the touch. If this happens, your baby won’t be able to latch on successfully. Make sure you wear a good bra to minimize discomfort, and gently express some milk before feeding to relieve the fullness. Having warm baths will also help relieve the discomfort by promoting milk flow.

If sore nipples are not looked after properly, they may become cracked. If this happens, you will feel a shooting pain as your baby suckles. You should keep the nipples dry with breast pads or clean tissues, and stop feeding from the affected breast until it has healed. Express the milk by hand instead; it can be fed to your baby by bottle or from a cup with a spout.

Breast shells

When you are feeding from one breast, milk may drip or even flow from the other. A shell can be used to collect this excess milk, which can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen.

Breast pads

Disposable and washable pads are available. They fit inside your bra and protect your clothes from leaks of milk.

Care of the breasts The daily hygiene of your breasts and nipples is very important. You should cleanse them every day with water or baby lotion (not soap, which defats the skin and can aggravate a sore or cracked nipple), and gently pat them dry. Dry them gently after feeding. Wear your bra all the time, as you will need lots of support, but leave the front flaps down with your nipples open to the air. You may like to use a moisturizing cream on your nipples or, if they become sore, an antiseptic spray.

Once your milk flow is established, the milk may leak out quite a bit. You can use breast pads or clean cloth handkerchiefs inside your bra to soak it up. Change them frequently for cleanliness. A plastic breast shell with a reservoir will help keep your nipples dry and catch leaks of milk, which can be frozen or refrigerated in a clean bottle. Wash and sterilize the shell before reusing.