What should you know about breastfeeding headache?

Breastfeeding can coincide with long periods without food or drink, broken sleep, neck strain and hormonal changes. Headache may also accompany a cold, nasal allergy, sinus inflammation or COVID-19. [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) is more likely when thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, vomiting or diarrhoea are present. [Generalised Anxiety Disorder](/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/) can contribute to tension-type pain, but a headache should not be attributed to anxiety without considering other features.

Drink regularly, eat a nourishing snack, rest in a dim room and adjust pillows so your neck is supported during feeds. Gentle shoulder movement and a cool or warm compress may help, depending on what feels comfortable. Check with a pharmacist or clinician before taking a pain medicine, particularly if your baby is premature, unwell, or you take other medicines. Keep a note of timing, severity, sleep, fluids, meals and associated symptoms; this can reveal a trigger and helps a clinician choose appropriate treatment.

Seek emergency care for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, stiff neck, vision loss, repeated vomiting or trouble speaking. Contact a clinician promptly for a new persistent headache, headache with fever, or pain after childbirth that is worse when upright or comes with high blood pressure symptoms. Depending on the wider picture, assessment may consider [Chronic Sinusitis](/conditions/chronic-sinusitis/), [Dengue Fever](/conditions/dengue-fever/) or [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/).

Does the pattern suggest tension, infection, dehydration or another cause? Which pain medicines fit breastfeeding? Do I need a blood-pressure check or further examination?