Itchy Breasts Help!

[Mena1]

I've noticed my breasts getting itchier by the feed, its so itchy I want to scratch it - nipple included. Is this normal?

Recently I've started giving DS formulas as a top up as it seems like my breasts are not making enough milk and expressing. Could this be the cause?

I'm glad you've posted this as my breasts have become really itchy today and I was going to post something myself!

I was wondering if it's because I have a stomach bug so i'm not producing as much milk... will watch thread with interest.

I had itchy breasts sometimes too (with both DC, at total of about 2 1/2 years BF). No idea what caused it TBH, it never seemed to be connected to anything in particular and always disappeared as suddenly as it started. I never topped up, it could be that but it's probably just a coincidence.

Cold nettle tea applied to the skin really helps with itching (of any sort, anywhere). It's great, make some up and keep it in the fridge for the extra cooling effect.

Hi, are you using breast pads in between?

I find if my pads are even remotely damp then I'm itching just like you describe.

I've just had a small blockage too, right by the nipple which was itching at first before a red patch appeared. thankfully I've cleared it!

How old is your baby? At 5 weeks, my breasts still feel full most of the time but I know from my previous two that they settle and become a lot softer, making you think your milk is reducing. I have heard that expressing too early can affect your milk supply as a pump isn't as effective as a baby, but again, depends on how old your baby is - its not so much of a problem if he is a bit older xx

Hi all, thanks for all the advice. Will try the Cold nettle tea. I hope it works.

Sarahlou8 - my little one is 6 weeks tomorrow however when DC was two weeks old I had very sore breasts and nipples and expressed to give them a rest. I now find that DC feeds for 3-5 hrs at a time alternating boobs and sometimes is still hungry afterwards, which makes me think I'm not producing enough milk, thats where the formula comes in.

I will be changing the breast pads more often and see if that helps.

It has eazed down slightly so not so bad right now.

Thanks for advice ladies.xx