Mothers should avoid using perfume while breastfeeding.

Researchers say that the sense of smell is the most sensitive sensory organ in newborns. The mother's body odor has a significant impact on the baby. If the baby smells the mother's milk, it will be very happy and excited to eat, which is beneficial for the baby's development. If the mother wears too much makeup, the scent of lipstick, perfume, etc. will make the baby unable to recognize her, causing her to be alert, anxious, cry, have trouble sleeping, and even go on a hunger strike.

Ms. Nguyen Lan Anh (Ba Vi - Hanoi) has a baby who is currently breastfeeding. However, she often wears heavy makeup when going out, uses perfume and body powder. After a few times of breastfeeding, her baby cries a lot, drinks less and is less close to her.

Doctor Nguyen Quynh Nga, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, said that when born, the baby's olfactory organs are already familiar with the mother's body odor. When the mother puts on makeup, the smell of powder and lipstick on the mother's skin will make the baby alert, not wanting to be close, will cry a lot, not breastfeed, and in many cases the baby has skin allergies.

According to Dr. Nga, during breastfeeding, mothers will feel pain in their nipples or infected breasts... The main cause of these phenomena is due to the amount of milk produced being too much, causing the breasts to become tense, making it difficult for the baby to breastfeed. Many mothers often clean their breasts with soap or scented detergents. Under the influence of mechanics or chemicals, these detergents can remove the protective function of the stratum corneum on the skin surface, causing damage to the skin surface. This creates favorable conditions for bacteria to grow and develop, which can gradually cause inflammation of the breast area and affect the health of both mother and baby.

Doctor advises:

- Mothers should not wear too much makeup or use scented cosmetics during breastfeeding. This will make the baby scared, anxious, and picky about eating.

- If the mother wears makeup or uses perfume or powder, she needs to clean her body thoroughly before getting close to her baby and breastfeeding.

- Only use warm water to clean the chest area or use mild shower gels.

- During breastfeeding, it is necessary to keep both breasts clean and ensure the necessary dryness.

- When you see that the nipple is bruised and feels painful, it is best to stop breastfeeding the baby, apply oil or lotion to help the nipple heal faster, and avoid infecting the baby.