The Do’s and Don’ts of Breast Hygiene During Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding, most new mothers wonder whether there are certain steps they need to take to ensure good breast hygiene. The truth is that there are simple things you can do during and after breastfeeding to promote the overall health of your breasts, which in turn will help you maintain the general health of your baby as well as avoid breast-related infections and other complications. This article provides useful tips on how to care for your breasts during breastfeeding, including how often you should breastfeed, what types of nursing bras you should wear and more.

Things to do

1. Use a clean, cotton ball or pad soaked in warm water to clean your nipples before each feeding.
2. Gently rinse your breasts with warm water after each feeding.
3. Wipe down your breast pump after each use.
4. Wear a clean, comfortable bra that fits well.
5. Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals on your breasts.
6. Check for any redness, soreness, or crusting on your nipples and consult a doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Things to avoid

1. Don’t use harsh soaps or cleaners on your breasts. These can strip away the natural oils that protect your skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
2. Don’t use scented products, including lotions, powders, or deodorants, on your breasts. These can also irritate your skin or make you more likely to develop an infection.
3. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. This can trap sweat and moisture against your skin, which can lead to irritation or infection.
4. Don’t share breast pumps or other breastfeeding equipment with other mothers. This can spread bacteria and viruses from one mother to another.
5. Avoid using alcohol-based sanitizers on your breasts.

Proper hygiene during breastfeeding

It is important to maintain proper hygiene during breastfeeding to protect both the mother and child from infection. The breasts should be washed daily with warm water and a mild soap. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin. It is also important to dry the breasts thoroughly after washing.