Your breasts will have normal changes right after
delivery. For example, they will begin to fill with milk between the third and
fourth days after delivery. If you are breast-feeding, your breasts may be sore
as they fill with milk and may become painful and swollen (breast engorgement). Breast-feeding often will help
reduce engorgement. Place ice packs on your breasts for the pain and swelling.
Be sure to put a cloth between your skin and the ice pack. Some women find a
hot shower or warm towels on the breasts help the pain.
During the
first days of breast-feeding, your nipples may become tender or sore. This
soreness usually goes away as your baby breast-feeds regularly. Make sure that
your baby is
latching 
onto your breast properly. This helps prevent
problems such as sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, breast infections (mastitis), and poor weight gain for your baby.
If you are not breast-feeding, do not stimulate your nipples or warm your
breasts. Instead, apply cold packs, use medicine for pain and inflammation, and
wear a supportive bra that fits well.
