Breast Tenderness

Many women experience some tenderness or soreness in the breasts, this sensation often comes accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the breast-the breast feel swollen and cause a lot of discomfort. Such a situation is very common in the majority of women just before the menstrual cycle. The condition is also almost universal during the periods preceding pregnancy, and it is particularly apparent when women are nursing a child. A doctor must be consulted for a medical examination and diagnosis if none of these situations can be the explanation for the presence of tenderness or soreness in the breast.

Breast must be prepared for the coming of tenderness and soreness during pregnancy by carefully massaging them using a little almond oil following a bath or a shower. A good option is to avoid the use of soap on the nipple area as this may worsen the situation. Women must prefer using brassieres made from cotton and avoid synthetic bras or underwear.
All women must press the breast to expel excess milk form time to time, especially when they are producing more milk than the baby needs, this will avoid the stagnation of milk in the breast.

When the baby is nursing, the mother must ensure that baby’s mouth covers the nipple completely to promote an efficient suckling reflex. Tenderness in the breast will be avoided as a proper suckling action will prevent the baby from tugging too hard or pulling forcefully on the nipple when nursing. To aid in the healing of any cracks or tears in the teats of the breast the mother must rub some of her own breast milk into the nipple after the baby has been breast fed. The other must ensure that the nipples dry well following a session of breast feeding. Soreness in the breast must be treated by the immediate application of an herbal calendula cream on the breast.
The best option is to try to lower the levels of stress and emotional anxiety which are present in the woman-this is greatly desirable and important especially for new mothers. And such a reduction in the stress levels is also very important in the week before the menstrual cycle. A great benefit can accrue if the woman attends a yoga or some meditation class-such alternative techniques can help defeat emotional turmoil and stress. The women must also ensure that she gets sufficient sleep every day and she must also take the time every day to relax and rest the body.

Supplements and herbs

To help the body expel excess water, consume lots of fresh, chopped parsley.

Aromatherapy

Add six to eight drops of geranium essential oil in a hot bath.
Massage the breasts with a mixture of fifteen drops of geranium essential oil in three and a half tbs. of a lotion or bland carrier oil.

Additional things you may do

You can benefit greatly by a reduction in the amounts of alcohol you consume on a day to day basis. The intake of salt must also be reduced at all times. Make dietary changes in your every day meals and consume a whole-foods diet, which must be rich in fresh fruits and must contain abundant vegetables as well as sources of low-fat protein. The intake of coffee on a daily basis must be reduced. The accumulation of toxins in the body is prevented by undergoing professional massage therapy, such topical measures will help increase the circulation of the blood and lymph in the veins and this will prevents the toxins from causing harm in the long term. If the massage sessions are performed a few days before the breast start to be affected by tenderness-it will lead to the improvement in the circulation to the breasts, such massage sessions may also help bring a reduction in the swelling and tenderness affecting the breast. You will greatly benefit from undertaking regular and vigorous physical exercises; these should include regular sessions of brisk walking, running or jogging, sports like swimming, dancing and aerobics, or some racquet sports such as tennis or badminton.

Other beneficial herbs

• Chaste Tree
• Evening Primrose
• Ginseng

Comments

From Tricia Mayorga

For tenderness, I use bio-progesterone cream. It works great.