Am I being stupid - breastfeeding hygiene?

[ButYouAreInfactAMoron]

Hi all

I have OCD and lately it's been affecting me re BF.
I've got a 3 month old that is mostly breastfed (occasional bottle if I'm too tired but this is rare).

So I've been worried about things splashing on me - eg I was doing the washing up and some of the washing up liquid/water splashed on my top and I'm worried if I don't wash my breasts before feeding, it'll be bad for the baby.

It wasn't loads just some splashes as usual.

What do people think? I fully expect to be told I'm ridiculous but sometimes I just need to hear it.

Many thanks for reading xxx

You are being ridiculous!

I feed my baby quite often in my stable, she’s fine with traces of horse, mud and god knows what that might be on me.

The only thing I avoid are perfumes/perfumed skin products as don’t want her inhaling unnecessary stuff. But that’s not about cleanliness.

I do not think you should wash your breasts any more than normal.

You shouldn’t wash your breasts more than usual because you might dry out the skin and cause itchiness or soreness.
Would it be helpful to try to focus on the wonderful things bf is doing for your baby?

There is almost no chance that some soapy water having splashed on your top will cause an issue for your baby. Unless you're doing the dishes fully topless

Missyoumuch no - partner is not that lucky!

Thank you everyone - sometimes I need to be put right!

Xxx

Here are some of the great things you’re doing for your baby. A tiny bit of washing up liquid isn’t going to hurt her or him. This is a vulnerable time for lots of women, go gently on yourself, I bet you’re doing great.

www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/breastfeeding-benefits-how-they-add-up

It would have zero impact on your baby. Try and think about what it is you think will happen to your baby if there was something on your breasts, and then how likely it is that it would happen. Think about all the other women bf-ing and whether they may face similar issues and what happens to their babies.
Try to reframe the ocd worry and think about what it means (e.g. it means you are a good mum who is worried about her baby and is trying to keep the baby safe)
Are you getting any support for your ocd?

Fullyhuman thank you for the link it's really great to read and be reminded of all the benefits!

SRK I was having whilst pregnant but I'm going to refer myself again. Hopefully I can take baby with me as id struggle for childcare

I've had moments of worry like this op! But there is no need. You are doing a fantastic thing for your baby.