Surprising Side Effects of Breastfeeding in the Early Days

“Creating a human takes a toll on women’s bodies. Sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough love or patience about that.” -Danielle Brooks

A lot of talk is focused on what to expect in pregnancy and how to prepare for birth, but there is less mention of what to expect postpartum.  Let’s be real, the postpartum period is a very raw season of motherhood.  There are so many physical, hormonal and emotional changes happening which can come as a surprise to many new mamas.  In addition to postpartum bleeding, pain, exhaustion etc. there are some other very normal “side effects” specifically related to breastfeeding. 

Postpartum Contractions 

If you thought you were done with the contractions once your baby and placenta were born, think again.  Postpartum contractions are important for helping your uterus to shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size and reduce bleeding.  Breastfeeding can trigger these contractions, which can be quite painful especially for moms with multiple births under their belt. Over the counter pain relievers and warm packs can help relieve some of the discomfort when these contractions strike.  Since breastfeeding can trigger contractions, it can be helpful to empty your bladder before nursing or expressing milk and sitting with your legs criss cross. Rest assured, postpartum contractions won’t last forever and typically subside after a week or two following birth. 

Engorged Breasts

A few days after birth, your breastmilk will start to transition from colostrum to mature milk.  At this time you will begin to notice your breasts filling up as your milk goes from teaspoonfuls to ounces.  This transition can be quite uncomfortable and is often described as feeling like your breasts are rocks. Just when you need sleep the most, this breast fullness can make getting comfortable really difficult. It’s important to manage the discomfort without exacerbating the “problem”.  Using cold compress for 15 minutes after nursing as well as over the counter pain relievers can be helpful.  Avoid unnecessary breast stimulation as that will cue your breasts to make more milk. If you must express some milk to find relief, only express enough to relieve a bit of the pressure and try to lessen the amount of milk expressed each time. Avoid tight clothing and bras with underwire as these can put you at risk for breast infections. Spend lots of time skin to skin with your newborn.  Nurse frequently to avoid getting clogged ducts and/or mastitis.  If you were given excessive fluids during labor, you might try incorporating some foods with diuretic properties to help reduce swelling. A few examples include: lemon, cucumber, watermelon, parsley, pineapple, celery and herbal teas. After a couple days the engorged feeling will start to subside as you continue to nurse frequently around the clock. 

Leaking Milk

In the early weeks and months of breastfeeding, as your milk supply regulates, some moms find they leak breastmilk.  Not all moms leak, and it’s not a bad sign if you don’t. If you find that your breasts leak between feeds or while nursing or pumping on one breast, nursing pads can come in very handy as a way to catch your milk while keeping your clothing dry.  There are also milk collection devices that you can place in your bra or attach via suction to your breasts to catch leaking milk.  Take caution when using milk collectors as they can sometimes create an oversupply if milk is being drawn from the breast vs just catching leaks. For nighttime leaking, some moms choose to wear a loose nursing bra with nursing pads and other moms prefer to go braless and lay on a towel or tuck a burp cloth in their pajamas so they don’t wake up in a puddle. 

From postpartum contractions to engorgement and leaking milk it can feel like a lot to navigate all while trying to learn to breastfeed and get to know your newborn.  Remember, this too shall pass.  It’s just a season.  A very vulnerable and unique season. Hang in there mama, you’re doing great.