4. You’re breastfeeding
A very unfortunate truth: Experiencing pain while breastfeeding is mostly normal, for a number of reasons: your breast pump doesn’t fit well, you have clogged milk ducts, your nipples are cracked, or your baby has latching issues. Nipple creams like Medela Tender Care Lanolin can often help new moms get some relief in those cases.
Mastitis can also cause flu-like symptoms, like fever, aches, and fatigue.
But sometimes pain during breastfeeding isn’t normal-like with mastitis, (a.k.a. inflammation of breast tissue). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, symptoms of mastitis include breast tenderness or warmth to the touch, breast swelling, thickening of breast tissue or a breast lump; pain or a burning sensation while breastfeeding or during normal daily activities; and skin redness.
“If you are experiencing pain while breastfeeding and also have a fever or chills or you are generally feeling ill, definitely visit your doctor,” Sassie says.
