AskDrSears Logo
homeabout searsbooksnewsletterfaqsresourcesnewsstorecontact us
what's newregular featurespediatric newsDoctor's Diaries


Search


pregnancy & childbirth
breastfeeding
bottlefeeding
feeding infants & toddlers
family nutrition
discipline & behavior
 fussy babies
 sleep problems
childhood illnesses
 medicine cabinet
 a to z index
 GoFish Omega 3 DHA Attachment Parenting Vaccines Lean

 


Breastfeeding

  • Sign-up for E-Newsletter
  • Special Offers
  • Send to a Friend
close
   
Get important information and valuable advice from the Dr. Sears Family
Email:
First Name:
Would you also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
Yes No

Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
close
$1.00 off any Aquaphor Product

Ideal for all babies’ skin care needs, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is so gentle and effective that it’s been trusted by pediatricians for years.

Soothes, protects and helps heal dry, irritated skin Effective relief for the dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis Clinically proven to help reduce diaper rash within 6 hours, without the zinc-oxide mess Helps heal raw, chapped cheeks and chin caused by drooling Fragrance-free, preservative-free and dye-free formula

Click here to print your coupon.

close
Your Information:
Email:
First Name:
Please send me your newsletter
I would also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
    Send to:
Email:
First Name:
Message to friend:


Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
SORE BREASTS

Pain in the breasts may be caused by engorgement, a plugged duct, mastitis or something else. It is often difficult for a mother (and doctor) to tell whether the inflammation is due to engorgement or a plugged duct, neither of which needs antibiotics, or mastitis, which usually, but not always, requires antibiotics. Use the guidelines in the chart to help you figure out what the problem is and how to treat it. Use the links to find additional information on how to relieve sore breasts.

SORE BREASTS: STAGES OF SEVERITY
FEATURES NORMAL BREAST FULLNESS ENGORGEMENT PLUGGED DUCT MASTITIS
Usual onset 2-4 days after birth Within the first two weeks Most noticeable after feedings Most common around third week postpartum; may occur at any time during lactating.
Where/Location Both breasts Both breasts Localized area in one breast One breast
Breasts feel: Generally swollen, uncomfortable, not hard, but tight Hard, swollen, sore, warm Mildly tender lump beneath areola, reddened skin above Very painful: hot, tender, swollen, red streaking
Maternal fever None 101 or below None Higher than 101
Mother generally feels: Well Well Well; may see a white milk plug in a nipple opening. Achy, tired, chills, "like I've got the flu."
Treatment Frequent, unrestricted feeding, empty breasts Frequent, unrestricted feeding, empty breasts alternating warm and cold compresses; rest Frequent, unrestricted feeding; moist, hot packs, massage plugged duct to loosen plug and encourage milk flow Frequent, unrestricted feeding, empty breasts; rest, relaxation; physician may prescribe antibiotics

   
Home | About Sears | Books | Newsletter | FAQs | Resources | News | Store | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy    

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.