Itching breasts during feeding?

Babychuu · February 2014

Hey all, newbie with a question here. I searched the board and didn't find anything that seemed similar to what I am experiencing, so I hope this isn't a repeat post!

I'm having a weird burning, itching sensation during breast feeding, usually after about 10 minutes of feeding. It's not in my nipples or on the surface anywhere, but seems to be deep in the tissue, kind of like when you have an itch in your palm or the sole of your foot (but worse). I don't seem to have any visible symptoms (no redness, lumps, swelling, etc.) and no fever. Because it occurs so late into a feed I don't think it's let down, but it's too early to be a signal that I'm all empty.

Does anyone have any experience/advice they can lend? In your experience is this a normal (albeit strange) part of the breastfeeding process? TIA!

chicki1012 · February 2014

Not sure the answer to this but this happens to me too. It itches for a bit then goes away. I'm guessing it's normal

mrsjenni · February 2014

It does sound like let down which causes a tingly feeling throughout your breasts. Usually you feel this several times during a feeding. It doesn't hurt though (usually) it just feels similar to your hand falling asleep or something.

I know you mentioned it not being let down, but I feel it 4-5 times depending on how long DD nurses.

my5sons · February 2014

Mine get really itchy as well sometimes...maybe it has to do with the skin stretching when we are really full, like before feedings? I don't know...I would guess it's pretty normal though...I've experienced it before when nursing my other kids...

Babychuu · February 2014

mrsjenni said:

It does sound like let down which causes a tingly feeling throughout your breasts. Usually you feel this several times during a feeding. It doesn't hurt though (usually) it just feels similar to your hand falling asleep or something. I know you mentioned it not being let down, but I feel it 4-5 times depending on how long DD nurses.

Did you notice it when you first started breastfeeding? As in, from the first time you ever fed your baby? I only started noticing it about 3 days ago is why I ask.

mrsjenni · February 2014

Babychuu said:

mrsjenni said:

It does sound like let down which causes a tingly feeling throughout your breasts. Usually you feel this several times during a feeding. It doesn't hurt though (usually) it just feels similar to your hand falling asleep or something.

I know you mentioned it not being let down, but I feel it 4-5 times depending on how long DD nurses.

Did you notice it when you first started breastfeeding? As in, from the first time you ever fed your baby? I only started noticing it about 3 days ago is why I ask.

Nope! DD is 3 weeks old today and I just started feeling a stronger let down recently.

Babychuu · February 2014

Ooooh, ok! I didn't realize that let down could or would get stronger. LO just went through a bit of a growth spurt 3 days ago, so maybe that's why it's stronger now...

Thanks for all the help ladies!!

km_md · February 2014

Thanks for asking this and thanks for your insight @mrsjenni. I just had this happen to me today too and baby girl is 3 weeks old.

mrsjenni · February 2014

That was just a suggestion and I hope that's what it is, but @AmyG* may have more insight... she's the pro!

Hmvbaby14 · February 2014

I'm glad it's not just me!

precious72381 · February 2014

I get an inch on my left side but not the right. Like an itch I can't scratch. And it almost tickles kind of itch. It just started about two weeks ago and doesn't happen every time she eats but it only itches when she eats. It is a weird feeling. I don't worry only because I have no idea what it is but it doesn't hurt, isn't red or anything and Abby keeps eating so it isn't anything getting in her way. I know that isn't helpful but just another person going through something similar.

peanutmuse · February 2014

I agree with the letdown theory. And I just started to feel it last week too, at a bit before 4 weeks.

TheBorg7of9 · February 2014

I think it's definitely your letdown

Esthi · February 2014

Same here. I noticed it in the past week ! Just get really itchy . Interesting, cose this is my 6. Child and I never had it before

cnctf · February 2014

I think it's letdown pain. I just recently starting feeling it myself.

mommygrams0730 · February 2014

My armpits always itch. Feeding or pumping they get itchy about halfway through the feeding/pumping session.

Babychuu · February 2014

Dr. Google made it out to be something awful, as always (Mastitis! Thrush! Cancer!). I'll ask on the breastfeeding sticky as well, but I feel better knowing that others experience it too and it hasn't turned into something bad.

MiaMyPuggle · February 2014

Happens to me. I initially thought it was DD's latch and it touching on nerves to make it itchy. It tickles for like 5 mins on the right, but not left boob. Never thought about it being letdown. Probably is.

CopperT0p · February 2014

Evidence to back up the let down theory would be that baby will start taking long hauls rather than rapid sucking. Also, if it is a second or third let down you should hear them start to swallow more milk since the flow likely will have slowed before this let down.

Itching breasts during feeding?

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