Oww! Do you have pain while breastfeeding your baby? While many mothers does:/ You may have crusting of the skin and breast pain.
Unfortunately, sore nipples are the most common problems during motherhood.
They can develop due to many reasons such as improper positioning of the baby and yeast infection etc.
Once you have them, it can lead to difficult let down of milk such as a low breastmilk supply and then early weaning.
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Causes Of Sore Nipples After Breastfeeding
They are also described as cracked, sore, oozing, throbbing and bleeding.
Its due to poor latch at the breast or suction trauma due to improper positioning. They can be also due to any anatomical issues of the baby such as
- Tongue tie
- Small mouth
- Reciding chin
- Strong frenulum
- High palate
Other common causes include
Nipple confusion– It is the tendency of an infant to an successful under between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Babies who have nipple confusion may learn incorrect sucking patterns which can lead to sore nipples because the baby’s mouth is not latched onto her breast deeply enough.
So, How Can You Treat Sore Nipples At Home?
Parenting is a difficult task especially for a recently laboured women to take care of her tiny newborn baby. But,life can still get easier with some simple tips you can do at home.
Let’s dive straight!
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1. Aloe vera
It has both relieving and moisturizing properties.
What you should do:
- Wipe the area of your breast cleanly. This is so important that you may have chances to penetrate infection into your breast which make the condition worse.
- Cut open the leaf of aloe vera plant.
- Remove the sticky gel inside and apply it on the sore nipple.
- Then,wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Note: Make sure that aloe vera is wiped cleanly since it can cause diarrhoea in small babies.
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2. Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing with homemade saline solution will accelerate the healing process of the cracked and sore nipple.
What you should do:
- Mix 1/2 tsp of salt in 240 ml of warm water. Soak the nipples in a bowl of warm saline solution for a minute after every breastfeeding.
- You can also use a clean cloth to soak the solution and swab the area. Pat dry the area thoroughly.
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3. Breast milk
Yes! What you read is that only. Breast milk itself is an effective remedy for cracked nipples. It has amazing antiseptic and moisturizing properties.
What you should do:
- Express a little amount of breast milk by hand and apply it on your affected area continuously for a few days.
- Allow the milk to air dry before covering. If you have thrush ,better avoid this remedy since yeast can grow fast in human milk.
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4. Change Nursing Pads Frequently
Change the nursing pads as soon as they become damp. Leaving the moisture can delay healing.
Avoid nursing pads with plastic linings which can obstruct air flow. Use 100% organic cotton.
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5. Olive Oil:
Oilve Oil
- Mix One drop of tea tree oil and one drop of olive oil in lukewarm water.
- Soak the mixture into a cotton ball and swab it on your nipples. Rinse it with water and pat dry. This will help relieve soreness of nipples.
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6. Be Hygienic
For prevention of sore nipples,check your personal hygiene is important. Wear only clean and soft bras and change it regularly.
While washing your bras,use only a mild detergent and not harsh ones which might irritate your nipples causing soreness.
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7. Intake Of Vitamin C
Increasing your vitamin C can helps prevent chapped and sore nipples. Eat more green leafy vegetables, melons, oranges, papayas and guava.
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8. Cold Compression
Cold compression can help to relieve pain. Place some ice cubes in a cotton cloth and gently press it against your nipple for around 5 mins. This is an effective relief.
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9. Basil Leaves
Basil Leaves
They are used to cure many skin infection and have great healing properties. The relieves soreness and cracking of nipples.
What Should You Do:
- Take a cup of basil leaves and wash them with water.
- Grind them into a paste and add one teaspoon of honey.
- Apply the mixture to your nipples for about 30 minutes and wash it off before breastfeeding.
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10. Apple Cidar Vinegar
- Mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cidar Vinegar in a cup of water.
- After breastfeeding your baby, dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Gently wipe on the nipple and areola.
- This acid will help destroy bacteria and keep the nipple clean. After that,take one tablespoon of raw coconut oil and apply it on your nipples. This will ensure that the nipple doesn’t get dry.
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11. Notice Baby’s Hunger Cues
Figure out your baby signs that tell you that they are ready to eat. And don’t wait too long too feed them because it can lead to impatience for the baby which result in improper positioning.
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12. Ice Cubes Before Breastfeeding
To is the initial discomfort of your baby, try applying ice cubes to your nipples before breastfeeding. Wrap two to three ice cubes in a cotton cloth and gently press them against your affected area.
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13. Let Them Breathe
You should also take care of your cracked nipples between Breastfeeding times.Keep your nipples free to breathe before putting your bra back on.
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14. Proper Positioning Of Baby Is Important
- Position your baby so that his head rests in the bend of your elbow of the arm on the side you will be breastfeeding with the other hand supporting the rest of the body.
- Cup your breast with other hand, placing the thumb above your nipple and areola at the spot where your baby’s nose will touch your breast.
- Your index finger should be at the spot where your baby’s chin will make contact with the breast.
- Lightly compress your breast so that the nipple points slightly towards your baby’s nose.Take care of this position everytime when your feed your baby.
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15. Check Whether Your Baby Has Anatomical Conditions
It’s always better to consult a pediatrician.
when your sore nipples takes too long to cure. Most women experience pain in the first few days of breastfeeding, so don’t wait for too long.
A sign your baby is not getting enough milk is that they don’t have wet diapers each day.
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Reference Links:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/cracked-nipples
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cracked-nipples
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw103462
Originally posted 2020-04-12 16:06:54.