What should be monitored if a mother is experiencing pain during breastfeeding?

Monitoring for infection is crucial when a mother experiences pain during breastfeeding because infections such as mastitis can cause significant discomfort and complications for both the mother and the infant. If the mother has an infection, it could lead to more severe symptoms, including fever, localized pain, swelling, or redness in the breast, which needs to be addressed appropriately to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

When there are indicators of infection, it's important to assess the situation carefully. Treating an infection can alleviate pain, improve the mother’s ability to breastfeed, and ensure that the baby continues to receive breast milk, which offers numerous benefits for the infant's health.

Additionally, other aspects such as the baby’s hunger, the frequency of feeding, or the location of breastfeeding may impact the comfort level but do not directly address potential underlying issues like infection. Ensuring the mother is free from infection is the most critical factor to manage pain effectively and foster a successful breastfeeding experience.