Blocked milk ducts are usually responsible for lumpy, tender breasts. To help, express some milk from the affected breast. If not too uncomfortable, let your baby feed, on the sore breast. Stroke the lumpy area gently with your fingertips towards your nipple while the baby takes the feed from the affected breast. Consult your doctor too.

When milk starts flowing freely into the breasts on the second or third day after birth the breasts may become swollen and somewhat tender and painful to the touch. This usually passes off after a few days. However, sometimes the breasts become swollen, tense and hurt a lot when the baby feeds. This is called’ engorgement’ of the breast. You can prevent this from getting worse by expressing a little milk before putting your baby to the breast. This makes the areola (the dark brown area around the nipples) less tense and your baby can take his feeds better. Feed your baby at shorter intervals, for shorter periods of time. Empty your breasts with your hands after each feed. If required, a breast pump may have to be used. The use of well-fitting, tight, breast support would reduce your discomfort. If the problem persists, seek your doctor’s advice.