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 significantly affects the baby. If a baby smells breast milk, they are happy and eager to eat, which is beneficial for their development. If the mother wears too much makeup, the scent of lipstick, perfume, etc., can make the baby unable to recognize their mother, leading to alertness, anxiety, crying, difficulty sleeping, and even refusal to eat.

Ms. Nguyen Lan Anh (Ba Vi - Hanoi) has a young child who is still breastfeeding. However, she frequently wears heavy makeup when going out, and uses perfume and scented powder on her body. On a few occasions while breastfeeding, her child showed signs of crying a lot, feeding less, and being less affectionate towards her.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quynh Nga from Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, at birth, a baby's olfactory system is accustomed to the mother's body odor. When a mother wears makeup, the scent of cosmetics on her skin can make the baby wary, unwilling to be close, leading to excessive crying, refusal to breastfeed, and in many cases, skin allergies.

According to Dr. Nga, during breastfeeding, mothers may experience nipple pain or breast infections. The main cause of these phenomena is the excessive milk production, which causes the breasts to become engorged, making it difficult for the baby to breastfeed. Many mothers frequently clean their breasts with soap or scented detergents. Under the action of machinery or chemicals, these detergents can strip away the protective function of the stratum corneum on the skin's surface, causing skin damage. This creates favorable conditions for bacteria to multiply and grow, which over time can cause inflammation of the breast area and affect the health of both mother and baby.

The doctor advises:

- Mothers should avoid wearing heavy makeup or using scented cosmetics while breastfeeding. This can frighten and worry the baby, leading to picky eating.

- If the mother is wearing makeup or using perfume or scented powder, she needs to clean herself thoroughly before approaching her baby and breastfeeding.

- Only use warm water to clean the chest area or use mild body washes.

During breastfeeding, it is important to keep both breasts clean and dry.

- If you notice a small bruise or soreness in your nipple, it's best to stop breastfeeding and apply oil or lotion to help it heal faster and prevent infection in your baby.