The following guidelines will help you take care of your breasts and nipples:

• When your milk first comes in, your breasts may swell and become engorged. The best treatment is breastfeeding frequently because suckling by your baby is the most effective way to remove milk. If your breasts are too full for baby to attach or the baby doesn't relieve the fullness, you can remove milk from your breasts by hand. Your health care professional may be best able to describe this technique.
  
  Wearing a well-fitting adjustable nursing brassiere will help provide support. Choose one that does not have thin straps or permanent plastic lining. Cold packs after a feeding may also help reduce swelling and pain if discomfort persists.
  
  
• To prevent unnecessary drying of the nipples, you should avoid soaping them while showering. Instead, allow clear water to run over them freely.
  
  
• Take care of the nipples by drying them carefully after nursing, and keep them dry by placing a clean cloth or pad in the brassiere. Replace the cloth when it becomes damp from leaking milk. You may also choose to leave the breasts exposed to air for a few minutes to allow them to dry completely.
  
  
• A little soreness of the nipples at first is natural, but if the soreness persists, or if the nipples become cracked, you should contact your health care professional promptly.