Breastfeeding Breast Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Breastfeeding breast pain, also known as mastitis, is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the breast tissue, typically causing discomfort, tenderness, and swelling.

It is often triggered by poor latching techniques, nipple trauma, or bacterial infections. If left untreated, breastfeeding breast pain can lead to more severe complications, such as abscesses, fever, and even lactation failure. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and chasteberry can be used in the form of teas, tinctures, or supplements.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially when breastfeeding, to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of breastfeeding breast pain, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of breastfeeding breast pain?

The main causes of breastfeeding breast pain are often attributed to factors such as nipple trauma and irritation caused by improper latching, which can lead to cracks and fissures in the nipple tissue, increasing sensitivity and pain.

Additionally, overfull breasts, engorgement, and plugged ducts can cause discomfort and pain due to the buildup of milk and pressure on the breast tissue. Hormonal changes, such as the release of oxytocin and prolactin, can also contribute to breast pain, particularly during letdown reflex. Furthermore, nipple thrush, a fungal infection, can cause persistent breast pain, especially if left untreated.

Research has also shown that breast pain is more common in the early stages of breastfeeding, with studies indicating that up to 90% of breastfeeding mothers experience breast pain within the first few days postpartum.

• Engorgement: Engorgement occurs when the breast becomes overly full of milk, leading to swelling, tenderness, and discomfort due to increased blood flow and pressure on the breast tissue.
• Plugged Ducts: Plugged ducts occur when a milk duct becomes blocked, causing a buildup of milk, swelling, and pain due to the pressure and inflammation of the affected duct.
• Nipple Trauma: Nipple trauma, often caused by improper latch or frequent pumping, can lead to nipple soreness, cracking, and pain due to the friction and irritation of the nipple tissue.
• Mastitis: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, often caused by bacterial or fungal invasion, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation of the affected area.
• Raynaud's Disease: Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, including the breasts, causing pain, numbness, and discoloration due to vasospasm and reduced blood flow.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal fluctuations, often experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or postpartum, can lead to breast tenderness and pain due to changes in hormone levels and breast tissue sensitivity.
• Overuse: Overuse, often caused by excessive pumping or frequent feeding, can lead to breast pain and fatigue due to the strain on the breast tissue and surrounding muscles.
• Galactocele: Galactocele is a milk-filled cyst that forms in the breast tissue, often caused by a blockage in the duct, leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort due to the accumulation of milk.
• Clogged Milk Sinuses: Clogged milk sinuses occur when the milk sinuses become blocked, causing a buildup of milk, swelling, and pain due to the pressure and inflammation of the affected area.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for breastfeeding breast pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for breastfeeding breast pain are Calendula officinalis, Urtica dioica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe barbadensis, Vitex agnus-castus, Zingiber officinale, Cimicifuga racemosa, Mentha x piperita, Corydalis ambigua, and Lavandula angustifolia.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe breast pain and prevent infection, while Urtica dioica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce swelling and promote healing. Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that reduce inflammation and promote healing of breast tissue, while Aloe barbadensis has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that relieve breast pain and promote healing. Vitex agnus-castus has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and promote healing of breast tissue, while Zingiber officinale has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve breast pain and promote healing.

Cimicifuga racemosa, Mentha x piperita, Corydalis ambigua, and Lavandula angustifolia all have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote healing and reduce breast pain, with Cimicifuga racemosa also having anti-spasmodic properties that relieve cramping.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate cramping in the breasts.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the breasts.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate cramping in the breasts.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the breasts.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate cramping in the breasts.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and warming properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort in the breasts.
• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate cramping in the breasts.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate cramping in the breasts.
• Corydalis ambigua: Corydalis ambigua may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort in the breasts.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia may help with breastfeeding breast pain due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the breasts.

What are the main herbal preparations used for breastfeeding breast pain?

The main herbal preparations used for breastfeeding breast pain are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Capsule, Tea, Suppository, Poultice, Gel, Ointment.

Decoction, a liquid extract, is made from herbs like Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle to stimulate milk production and alleviate breast pain due to engorgement. Tincture, an alcohol-based extract, is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, often containing herbs like Chamomile and Red Clover to soothe breast pain. Topical preparations like Salve, Cream, Gel, and Ointment, made from herbs like Comfrey and Calendula, provide localized relief and skin protection.

Capsules and Suppositories, containing herbs like Dong Quai and Fennel, offer systemic relief, while Tea and Poultice provide hydration and heat therapy to ease breast discomfort.

• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Galium aparine, also known as cleavers, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing swelling and discomfort in the breasts.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Rumex crispus, also known as curly dock, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to soothe and relax the breast tissue.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Plantago major, also known as greater plantain, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which aid in soothing and protecting the breast skin.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which aid in reducing swelling and discomfort in the breasts.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the plant Cimicifuga racemosa, also known as black cohosh, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to soothe and relax the breast tissue.
• Tea: A tea made from the plant Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which aid in reducing swelling and discomfort in the breasts.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which aid in soothing and protecting the breast skin.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which aid in reducing swelling and discomfort in the breasts.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to soothe and relax the breast tissue.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Arnica montana, also known as arnica, helps with breastfeeding breast pain by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which aid in reducing swelling and discomfort in the breasts.