This type of headache is sometimes referred to as a lactation headache. These hormone-related headaches may resolve after a few weeks, but they could continue until you wean your child.
Treatment
If you are dealing with headaches while you’re nursing your baby, talk to your doctor. Over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) may provide some relief that’s safe for you and your baby and allow you to continue breastfeeding.
Prevention
It is not possible to prevent hormone-related headaches, but as hormone levels stabilize, these headaches may resolve on their own.
Treatment
Feed your baby or pump your breasts to relieve engorgement. Between feedings, a cold compress may relieve pain and swelling.
Prevention
Try to stay ahead of engorgement as much as possible by breastfeeding or pumping often. Feeding your baby on demand, instead of on a schedule, can help prevent engorgement. Engorgement usually dissipates as your breast milk supply adjusts to meet your baby’s demand. If your symptoms include fever and seizure, seek medical attention right away, as this could be a sign of an infection that has spread to the blood (called sepsis), which is a medical emergency.
Treatment
While breastfeeding, it’s especially important to stay hydrated. When you get a headache, try drinking a glass of water first to see if your symptoms subside.
Prevention
Drink lots of unsweetened fluids, especially water, and eat plenty of water-containing foods, like fruit and soup. Keeping a glass of water nearby the place where you most commonly breastfeed can remind you to drink when your baby drinks. While some claim that lactating people should significantly increase their fluid intake, research does not support it. Most nursing parents meet their daily requirements by listening to their bodies and drinking when they feel thirsty.
Treatment
Have a filling snack. Foods that contain fiber and protein can help you feel full longer.
Prevention
Breastfeeding requires extra calories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that breastfeeding parents get 450 to 500 extra calories per day while breastfeeding. Try to maintain a well-balanced diet by eating at least three meals a day, along with a variety of healthy snacks. It’s important to keep in mind that fatigue may also be a sign of postpartum depression. If you have other signs of PPD, be sure to tell your doctor.
Treatment
Take a nap if you can. If your doctor has approved over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, they may offer some relief, as well.
Prevention
Try to nap when your baby is sleeping, and get help with household tasks. You may be able to ward off the headaches simply by getting more rest.
Treatment
Shut down screens and close your eyes for a while, if possible. The American Optometric Society recommends the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Turning down the brightness of your screen may also help.
Prevention
Get enough rest, take frequent breaks from screens, and limit your screen time to reduce the strain on your eyes and help prevent headaches. If you continue to get headaches from eye strain, see your eye doctor. You may need glasses or a prescription change.
Treatment
Pay attention to the strain and discomfort, and don’t ignore it. Shift your position and get up and stretch. If your doctor recommends OTC pain relievers, these may help, as well.
Prevention
Getting a massage and establishing a habit of daily stretching can help keep your muscles loose and relaxed. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions and supportive objects like nursing pillows. You can also develop what is known as a spinal headache if you had an epidural or a spinal block during delivery. If some of the fluid in your spine leaks out during the anesthesia process and the level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in your body goes down, it can cause a headache.In most cases, no treatment is necessary, and your headache should resolve on its own with rest and fluids. However, if it continues for longer than a day, your doctor may perform a procedure to help relieve the pain.
Treatment
Talk to your doctor about your headaches. They may be able to help you find medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding and that are not likely to decrease milk supply.
Prevention
Preventing headaches isn’t always possible, but depending on the condition, sometimes there are measures that can help. Avoid known allergens to reduce allergy-induced headaches, and use good hand hygiene to avoid contracting germs that lead to viral or bacterial infections.
