New Mom's story - Anene Malan
- Gwynneth Jacobs
- Oct 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Like many mothers, I was incredibly excited to begin my breastfeeding journey after my baby was born. Breastfeeding felt like such a natural and beautiful experience—I never imagined that anything could go wrong.
However, within the first 2–3 weeks, I began experiencing intense pain. My baby had a textbook-perfect latch, confirmed by lactation consultants, the paediatrician, and nurses. So why was I crying from the pain every single time I breastfed?
The pain was accompanied by overwhelming anxiety, turning every feeding session into a dreadful experience—sometimes just for the first few minutes, but often for the entire duration. I was even uncomfortable in regular clothing, especially bras. Thankfully, it was summer, so I could wear loose clothes without a bra, but even the softest fabrics still caused discomfort.
My husband and I spent hours researching on YouTube and every platform we could find, desperately trying to understand the cause of my pain. Everything pointed to thrush, but I had none of the typical signs or symptoms. I tried various ointments and medications for thrush, but nothing helped.
We asked friends, family, and anyone we could think of, but no one had experienced pain like mine. The worst part for me was that I couldn’t—and honestly didn’t want to—feed my baby on demand or for longer than a few minutes. Cluster feeding became my worst nightmare, leading to many tears and even arguments at home. The idea of having to nurse every few minutes, with that level of pain each time, felt unbearable.
Eventually, I reached out to a lactation consultant. She was wonderful—supportive and informative. We tried several solutions: nipple shields, different breastfeeding positions, and silver nipple cups. For a few days, things improved—but then the pain came back, just as severe as before.
Desperate for answers, I turned to a Facebook group, where someone recommended I see a La Leche League Leader (who also happens to be a medical doctor). I made an appointment for the very next day.
She was incredibly thorough. After a few minutes of evaluation, she diagnosed me with Mammary Constriction Syndrome—a condition I had only heard mentioned once before. Despite weeks of research and asking countless people, no one had ever suggested this.
The session included a physical exam, an assessment of how I was holding my baby during feeds, and how I was positioned myself. To my surprise, everything I had learned—through videos, articles, and even prior consultations—was wrong for me. The way I had been latching, holding, and sitting was all contributing to my pain.
With a few small (but significant) changes, I breastfed without pain for the very first time. I couldn’t believe it. I even put on a bra for the first time in months—without discomfort. I felt like myself again. I cried all the way home, overwhelmed with relief, and shared my story with anyone who would listen.
A week later, some pain returned, so I went back to the Leader/doctor. She introduced new techniques and exercises and prescribed medications and ointments for the nerve pain. Within a week, the pain was gone—along with the constant tears and anxiety.
Breastfeeding became easy and enjoyable. I could feed on demand, anytime, anywhere. The joy and relief I now feel every time I breastfeed is indescribable, especially when I think about how far I’ve come.
Breastfeeding truly is a beautiful and special journey. It’s my heartfelt wish and prayer that every new mother who wants to breastfeed will get to experience the same peace, joy, and fulfilment that I now feel with every feed.
As a physiotherapist, here is a brief explanation of mammary constriction syndrome:
What Is Mammary Constriction Syndrome?
Mammary Constriction Syndrome occurs when tight clothing (such as bras), poor posture, or muscle imbalances put pressure on nerves and blood vessels in the chest and shoulder area. This can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, or poor circulation, especially in the arms and hands.
How Muscles and Posture Affect Your Symptoms
1. Poor Posture = Pressure
Slouching or rounded shoulders tighten the chest muscles and weaken the upper back.
This compresses nerves and blood vessels passing through the shoulder and upper chest area.
2. Tight Muscles = Nerve Irritation
Shortened chest muscles (like the pectoralis minor) can press on important nerves (brachial plexus) and blood vessels.
This may cause pain, tingling, or weakness down the arm.
3. Circulation Can Suffer
Constriction from bras or tight clothing can reduce blood flow.
This may lead to cold hands, swelling, or a "heavy" arm sensation.
What You Can Do
✅ Postural Training Learn to sit and stand with better postural alignment to relieve pressure.
✅ Stretching & Strengthening Loosen tight chest muscles and strengthen the back and shoulder stabilizer muscles
✅ Manual Therapy Your physiotherapist can use hands-on techniques to relieve tension and improve nerve mobility.
✅ Smart Bra Choices Avoid overly tight bras and opt for comfortable, supportive designs that don’t dig into your shoulders or chest.
Final Note
These symptoms are common and treatable. With the right exercises, posture, and awareness, you can reduce pain, improve circulation, and feel better in your body.
LLLSA comment: please consult a Leader in person if you are struggling with persistent breast or nipple pain. Pain is never normal. Often small adjustments to your or your baby’s positioning can improve pain. Please note that silver nipple cups don’t solve underlying issues and in many instances make nipple pain worse. A few easy chest/neck/shoulder muscle stretches can be found:
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