Breastfeeding is the most natural way to provide nutrition to babies. When you start breastfeeding, it's normal to feel a little soreness in your nipples as you're still adjusting to the experience. If the pain persists, it will usually cause the nipple to crack and bleed. Generally, cracked and sore nipples after breastfeeding are caused by latch on. Therefore, learning the correct breastfeeding technique is very important to prevent and heal cracked nipples.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Heal Sore Nipples
Step 1. Use breast milk to relieve sore nipples
One of the easiest remedies for pain relief from cracked nipples is to apply your own milk to the sore skin. Breast milk is a sterile liquid and the most natural so if applied to the skin will not have a bad impact on the baby.
- Manually remove a small amount of milk, apply it all over the nipple and let it dry on its own.
- Apart from being a natural way to soothe the skin, breast milk is also thought to contain antibacterial properties that can heal.
- However, don't leave breast milk on your skin for a long time if you have thrush. Fungus can thrive in milk if left unchecked and this can make the infection worse.
Step 2. Wash the nipples after feeding
Make sure you clean your nipples with water and a mild soap after feedings to wash away baby's saliva and drying milk.
- Cleaning the nipple after each feeding will reduce the risk of infection, which can cause cracked and sore skin.
- Use a mild, unscented soap to wash the skin to reduce irritation. Make sure you rinse off the soap thoroughly because the residue left behind can irritate the skin and make the problem worse.
- After washing your nipples, gently pat them with a soft cloth and let them dry on their own. This can help reduce soreness and prevent irritation from a bra or blouse.
- You can also prevent your nipples from coming into contact with a tight bra by tucking them in a donut-shaped nipple shell.
Step 3. Use the ointment
You can also try an over-the-counter ointment to help heal cracked nipples. Make sure you check the ingredients it contains. Choose an ointment that contains natural ingredients and absolutely no chemical mixtures that are not suitable for babies.
- Opt for an antibacterial ointment to soothe and treat infected skin. A lactation specialist or doctor may also prescribe stronger ointments.
- Olive oil or medical-grade lanolin ointment can also help heal sore nipples and prevent scabs from forming. Since all the ingredients used are natural, you don't have to worry about cleaning them after breastfeeding.
- Something that retains moisture can also help speed healing of sore nipples as research shows that keeping your nipples naturally moist and slowing evaporation can promote healing.
Step 4. Apply a cold compress or hydrogel bandage over the nipple
You can use a cold compress or a damp bandage to treat cracked nipples. Both of these techniques can help relieve irritation, pain, and inflammation.
- Hydrogel pads can be placed on the nipple between feedings to keep the nipple moist. Make sure you don't touch the nipple directly with your finger, as you may transfer bacteria from your finger to your nipple.
- Avoid using hydrogel pads if you have a fungal or bacterial infection of your nipples as covering your nipples in a humid environment can make the infection worse.
- You can make a cold compress using ice or buy an ice pack from the drug store. Cold compresses can help reduce nipple soreness and can reduce inflammation.
Step 5. Use nipple shields as directed by the lactation educator
Some practitioners may recommend using a nipple shield during breastfeeding, which is a silicone shield that is placed over the nipple during breastfeeding. Be aware that these devices can do more harm than good if used incorrectly, including making it more difficult for the baby to latch on to breastfeed. Ask your doctor or lactation educator for help so you know how to use it properly. Ask a doctor or breastfeeding educator you know for help on how to use it.
Ineffective latch on and breastfeeding using a nipple shield can cause the nipple to become pinched, causing more injury
Step 6. Try a salt water rinse
A saline solution equivalent to tears can be prepared at home to clean and sterilize cracked nipples.
- Mix teaspoon of table salt in a cup of sterile water. Wash the nipple with the solution for no more than 5 minutes.
- Rinse the nipple with sterile water to remove the salty taste before feeding the baby.
Step 7. Identify other causes for sore nipples
Sore nipples are almost unavoidable during the first few weeks after delivery because the baby's mouth is so small. Improper latching and positioning of the baby are usually the main causes of sore and cracked nipples during the breastfeeding process. However, there are other causes that can result in sore nipples that you should be aware of.
- Your baby may have a yeast infection in his mouth or throat, known as thrush, and pass it on to you while breastfeeding. Symptoms of thrush include sore, sometimes cracked nipples, as well as redness and itching of the breasts. If you suspect thrush, seek medical treatment for both you and your baby.
- Mastitis, a bacterial infection of the milk ducts, can cause the nipples to crack and the ducts to become too inflamed to block the effective ejection of milk. This infection can cause fever, chills and body aches with more serious complications.
- You may experience nipple discomfort from Raynaud's syndrome, which can cause your nipples to turn blue or white after a feeding session and you experience pain as blood flow returns to the nipple area.
Step 8. Know when to seek medical attention
If nipple pain persists after a few weeks of breastfeeding or if you suspect a nipple infection, seek help from a lactation consultant or doctor. You may have an underlying problem other than improper latch on to feed your baby.
If you experience any symptoms of infection, including bleeding or nipple discharge, pain around the areola, pain during or after breastfeeding, fever and chills, call your doctor
Method 2 of 2: Learning the Right Breastfeeding Technique
Step 1. Let your baby do the feeding latch on his own
Babies are born with an innate instinct to search for food. If there are no anatomical abnormalities, you may be able to avoid a painful feeding by allowing your baby to latch on to feed on his own.
- Sit in a semi-reclined position and place the baby's tummy against the chest with the head close to the breast.
- Let your baby orient themselves to your nipple and do the latch on their own.
Step 2. Position the baby correctly
You can help direct your baby's body and your own body into an effective breastfeeding position. This helps in proper latch on for breastfeeding.
- Sit comfortably while the baby is on your lap. Support your baby's shoulders with your arms, but don't turn his head, so he can latch on to feed on his own.
- Slide the nipple down towards the baby's nose so that he can latch on properly and the nipple will point towards the roof of the baby's mouth.
Step 3. Position the baby without releasing the breastfeeding latch
If you feel your nipple when your baby starts sucking milk, adjust his body instead of taking his mouth off your breast. Removing the baby's mouth can cause the baby to become frustrated and pinch your nipple causing injury.
- Position baby's shoulders lower or higher to help adjust the angle of his head. This will improve the attachment process of breastfeeding.
- Try to bring the baby closer to your body so that the head is slightly lowered. This position allows the baby to pull the nipple further into the mouth and improves the latch on.
Step 4. Recognize the early signs your baby is hungry
Frustrated babies tend to pinch the nipple instead of trying to properly latch on. Pay attention to cues when your baby needs to eat before he becomes frustrated and hungry.
Calm a fussy baby by allowing him to feed immediately when he shows signs of hunger
Step 5. Check if the baby has a tongue-tie condition
Babies may not be able to latch on properly due to a short tongue string condition. A small piece of skin binds the baby's tongue to the floor of his mouth making it impossible to move his tongue forward.
- Check to see if the baby is able to stick his tongue out beyond the lower lip or can lift his tongue to the roof of the mouth when he cries.
- The doctor can cut a small piece of skin that binds the baby's tongue to help improve the breastfeeding attachment process. It's a simple procedure so the baby can recover very quickly.
Tips
- Consulting a lactation educator while breastfeeding is helpful.
- Talk to your doctor if you are considering taking painkillers to relieve severe pain. Some pain relievers may not be appropriate to take while breastfeeding.
Warning
- If you find pus or other signs of infection from or near the nipple, call your doctor as soon as possible.
- Do not use home remedies (such as honey) to heal cracked nipples without discussing them with your doctor first.
