What is breast rest anyways?

Have you ever wondered, “Can I rest my sore nipples until they feel better?"

The short and sweet answer is YES, this is known as breast rest. Breast rest is known as taking a break from direct breastfeeding for at least 24 hours up to 48 hours to give the nipples time to heal from any pain or damage such as milk blisters known as blebs, plugged ducts, bleeding nipples or increased sensitivity.

Resting the breast can also be a good way to preserve mom’s mental health. Resting can either be both breast or just one if damage is not bilateral. If it’s just one breast continue to directly feed from the other side as tolerated.

Meanwhile, during this rest one still must remove milk from the breast. We prefer milk not to be sitting in the breast for long periods of time due to reasons such as affecting one’s milk supply and causing breast inflammation such as mastitis.  

How do I breast Rest? 

Have at least 8 milk removals within a 24 hour period using either a double electric pump to pump both breast at the same time or single pump on breast, a manual hand pump or hand expression. Remember to use settings to one’s comfort level. 

Continue to feed baby with either expressed milk or formula. 

Treat the nipple damage during that time. 

Lots of Skin to Skin with baby to keep them curious about the breast. 

During this time reevaluate goals. 

Seek a lactation consultant if pain exists once direct breastfeeding starts back up. 

This blog was written by Arinola Lipede who is an amazing intern with Mooch. Arinola is preparing to sit for her IBCLC examination in 2025. Resources: breastmilkcounts.com (by Texas WIC), also, thebirthcenter.com and webmd.com