Breast Care and Assisting in

Breastfeeding

Jella Z. Oteda
Arnulfo Reas Jr.

BSN – II B

Mrs. Dumagan
Breast Care
Objectives:

After 4 hours of varied classroom activities, the Level II students will be able to:

I. Defines the following terms:

1.1 Breast
1.2 Nipples
1.3 Areola
1.4 Breast Care
II. Discuss the Anatomy and Physiology of the breast.
III. Enumerate the importance of breast care
IV. Explain the principles involved in breast care
V. State the guidelines in breast care
VI. Demonstrate Beginning Skills
I. TERMS

1.1 Breast – One of the two organs containing the mammary glands of the adult human
female. These glands are capable of secreting milk for the nourishment of the young.
1.2 Nipples – A small projection of sensitive erectile tissue where milk can be secreted.
1.3 Areola – Small circular area, in particular the ring of pigmented skin surrounding the
nipple.
1.4 Breast Care – A care rendered in preparation for breastfeeding.

II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BREAST

 The Breast or mammary glands are specialized sebaceous glands located in

the superficial fascia between the second rib and the sixth intercostals
cartilage.
 The pectoral and anterior serratus muscle lies beneath each breast. Cooper’s
ligament supports the breast, extending from the deep fascia to the skin
covering each breast. The breasts are composed of adipose, fibrous, glandular
tissues. Deep within the glandular tissue are the tree-like branching
alveoli(secretory units of the mammary gland in which milk production takes
place) or acini, arranged in series of 15-24 lobes.
  The lobules are made up of many grapelike clusters of alveoli around small
ducts. The ducts combined to form larger lactiferous ducts that open on the
surface of the nipple.
 At the center of each breast is the nipple, a conic elevation composed of
erectile tissue that becomes more rigid during sexual excitement, pregnancy,
and lactation.
 The nipple can be flat, round, or cylindrical in shape. The color of the nipple
is determined by the thinness and pigmentation of its skin. The nipple and
areola (pigmented region surrounding the nipple) contain specialized muscle
fibers that respond to stimulation to make the nipple erect. The areola also
houses the Montgomery gland that may appear as tiny, raised bumps on the
surface of the areola. The Montgomery gland helps lubricate the areola. When
the nipple is stimulated, the muscle fibers will contract, the areola will pucker,
and the nipples become hard.
 One of the biologic functions of the breast is to supply nourishment and
protective anti-bodies to infants during lactation process.
III. IMPORTANCE OF BREAST CARE

 Promotes physiological and psychological comfort – Applying compress or

ice packs is a kind of breast care to avoid discomfort. For breastfeeding and
pregnant mothers, Prenatal Nipple Conditioning is needed because this uses
exercises to help decrease nipple discomfort when the mother starts to breastfeed
her baby. These exercises may also cause her uterus to have contractions. This
can cause her baby to be born too early.
 Retains breast shape – A well-fitting support bra should be worn at all times.
This will provide good support for the enlarging breast and to avoid your breast
from being saggy. Avoid underwear bras, as under wires can put pressure on
milk glands and interfere with milk production. If the mother’s bra is too tight,
it may cause a duct in your breast to clog and become irritated.
 Maintain proper hygiene – The breast should be washed daily (WITHOUT
SOAP) to remove dried colostrum and to prevent irritation to the nipples. The
nipples should be air dried or blow dried after washing to help toughen them,
especially if the patient plans to breastfeed.
 Helps blood circulation – Massaging your breast helps blood circulation. You
will also notice a change in the quality of the skin. Start by holding your breast
 in your hands and gently press while moving upwards, Use your fingers and
massage clockwise and then counterclockwise.
 Sensitivity of the breast in pregnancy relieved – Often, woman who are
breastfeeding will develop dry or cracked nipples. This can make breastfeeding
quite painful. In order to soothe and heal nipples, some mothers use a breast
cream ( Lan or Lansinoh) after the nurse. If the mother chooses one of these
creams, instruct the mother not to wash it off after application.
 Prepares the nipples for nursing the infant – For the baby to able to latch
easily because the nipple during pregnancy (especially to the first time mothers)
will be more prominent and erect.
 Prevents tissue damage – Massaging in blood circulation thus, it may result for
a good breast tissues because of the good blood flow in your breast
 Detects abnormal changes of breast - By massaging your breast or having a
self-breast examination, you can noticed early the changed of your breast (
lumps, tenderness or tumors). And if there is any, go to your physician for some
consultation and examination.
 Protects nursing infants - Protects Against Infection. Human milk has been
called environmentally specific milk -- the mother provides it for her infant to
protect specifically against the organisms that her infant is most likely to be
exposed to. Breast milk helps your child fight germs and reduces the risk of
developing infections. And by taking good care of your breast, the infant will be
healthy and away from microorganisms that can cause the infant to infections.

IV. PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN BREAST CARE

 Anatomy and Physiology - Involves the anatomy of the breast and uses parts of
the body in performing breast care. Knowledge of the mammary glands will help
the nurse to identify the abnormalities
 Body Mechanics – Involves the proper position or posture in performing breast
care to avoid muscle strain.
 Microbiology – Cleaning of the breast and nipples kills pathogenic
microorganisms to prevent infections and to promote personal hygiene.
 Physics – Applying friction during breast care helps with the removal of
unwanted particles on the breast. Involves gravity to prevent the breast from
sagging.
 Time and energy – Preparation of necessary materials in performing breast care
in order to conserve time and energy. Breast care also helps the mother to be
ready for feeding the infant.
 Psychology – The patient will feel exposed, so the nurse should provide privacy
during the procedure. Informing the patient about the procedure helps patient to
reduce her anxiety.
 Chemistry – In cleaning the breast, mothers should not use any soap or other
chemical substances because it may be mixed with the milk when the baby
breastfeeds.

V. GUIDELINES IN BREAST CARE

Breast Feeding Woman

 Instruct the mother to wash areola and nipples with clean water and dry them
with clean washcloth or cotton balls. Avoid use of soap because it tends to
give dry and cracked nipples.
 Advise the mother with sore or irritated nipples to apply ice compress just
before breastfeeding because this numbs and firms the nipple making them
less sensitive and easier for the infant to grasp
 Examine breast every month to detect if there are any abnormalities to your
breast so that if there is any, it can be prevented early.
 Inform the mother that breast milk comes in 2-5 days after delivery and is
accompanied by slight temperature elevation and breast changes – increasing
in size, warmth and firmness.
 Tell the mother that a well-fitting support brassier may help control
enlargement and keeps the breast in shape.
 Advise mother with engorged breast to apply warm compress, massage the
breast, take a warm shower or express some milk before feeding.
 Always provide and maintain patient’s privacy especially when doing the
breast examination so that the patient will not be anxious and can be honest
to the examiner.

Non- Breastfeeding Women

 Instruct the client to clean her breast using the same technique as the
breastfeeding mother. Add that she may use soap however.
  Advise her to wear support bra to help minimize engorgement and to
decrease nipple stimulation.
 Advise her to avoid stimulating nipples or manually expressing her milk to
minimize further milk production, instead provide medication as ordered, ice
packs or a breast binder.
 Examine breast every month to detect if there are any abnormalities to your
breast so that if there is any, it can be prevented early.

VI. DEMONSTRATE BEGINNING SKILLS IN BREAST CARE