Prevention
and Treatment of Sore Nipples
Breastfeeding
is meant to be a comfortable, pleasant experience. Most of us have
heard stories of sore nipples. You can avoid this problem most of
the time. However, many new mothers still find their nipples are
tender for the first few days when the baby starts nursing. This
usually disappears by one to two weeks.
It
is important to remember that blisters, cracking, bleeding and/or
pain that continues during or in between feedings is not normal.
Check with a lactation consultant, La Leche League, Nursing Mothers'
Council, or your health care provider if you have any of these problems.
To
prevent sore nipples, start by making sure baby is properly positioned
while breastfeeding.
To
prevent sore nipples, breastfeed frequently, every 1-1/2 to 3 hours
(eight to 12 feeding per 24 hours). Keeping your newborn baby on an
artificially longer schedule may make him frantically hungry and increase
the likelihood that too vigorous nursing will make your nipples tender.
Release
the suction before you remove your baby from the breast. Do this by
placing a clean finger in the side of your baby's mouth between his
jaws. Don't take him away until you feel the suction break.
After
nursing your baby, express a little milk and massage it into your
nipples and areola, then air dry. Leave them open to the air as much
as possible.
Never
use soap, alcohol or breast creams on your breasts or nipples. Water
is all that is needed to clean your breasts when you shower or bathe.
If
your nipples do get sore, there are several steps you can take to
ease the discomfort:
-
Use
deep breathing, soft music, or other relaxation techniques before
and during breastfeeding.
-
Limit
the nursing time on the sore nipple.
-
Nurse
on the least sore side first.
-
Express
a little milk first to stimulate let down.
-
Massage
your breasts while nursing. This helps stimulate the milk to flow.
Use non-plastic lined bras and/or bra pads.
-
Change
the pads frequently to keep the nipple dry.
-
If
your nipples become dry or cracked, use a little USP Modified
Lanolin on them. This forms a moisture barrier so nipples
stay dry.
-
If
your breasts become engorged, try expressing a little milk first.
Engorged breasts make it difficult for your baby to latch-on. Expressing
a little milk by hand or pump helps make the areola softer, nipple
more erect and latch-on easier.
-
Wear
multiple-holed breast shells between nursings for sore nipples.
This allows air to circulate and protects nipples from further rubbing
by your bra.
