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Sore nipples are not a
normal part of
breastfeeding. The number
one cause of why it
happens, is poor
positioning.
Sometimes only a minor
adjustment of positioning
and latch-on is all that is
needed.
Your baby needs to open his
mouth wide and take a good
mouthful of breast,
including about one inch of
the areola. As he nurses,
your nipple should be deep
within his mouth and
protected from abrasion.
However, if after 48 hours
of conscientious attention
to this area, your nipples
are no better or worse, or
if you are past the newborn
period and you suddenly
develop sore nipples after
a period of pain-free
nursing, you should contact
your doctor to determine
the cause of your soreness.
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In the meantime, certain
measures will make nursing
more comfortable for you as
your nipples heal:
Nurse frequently -
at least every 2 hours.
This will ensure that your
baby does not become too
hungry between feedings
causing him to nurse
ravenously and aggressively
at your breast.
Hand express or pump a
few minutes before the
feeding. This will
elicit letdown and elongate
the nipple for the baby so
that he does not nurse so
aggressively.
Nurse on the least sore
side first as this is
the side that your baby
will nurse more
aggressively on.
Consider asking your
doctor to prescribe a mild
pain reliever, which
you can take minutes prior
to nursing or around the
clock until your discomfort
lessens or disappears. |
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Open both sides of your
bra during the
feeding.
Apply warm, wet tea
bags to your nipples
for a short time after
nursing. Many moms
report that this can be
very soothing.
Warm, moist compresses
(wet washcloth works
well) often bring
relief to nipples both
before and after
nursing. |
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After feeding, express
some Breastmilk to rub
into your nipples.
Breastmilk has Vitamin E in
it, which is very healing
to the skin.
Important: Avoid
applying Vitamin E oil from
a capsule to your nipples,
as this can be toxic to
your baby!
Avoid other creams and
ointments sold for the
treatment of sore nipples
as these may actually
impede healing by
preventing air circulation
and drying out the skin.
Some of these other
preparations may also be
toxic to your baby and will
need to washed off prior to
nursing. Over-washing of
the nipple area results in
a loss of the natural
lubricants that protect it
and provide it with
antibacterial properties.
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Change your nursing
pads once they become
even slightly damp.
Moisture against your
nipples can prolong
healing. If your pad
sticks to your nipple,
moisten it with water
before attempting to
remove it.
Also avoid nursing pads
with plastic linings.
They prevent the flow
of air, which is
essential to healthy
nipples. Stick 100%
cotton pads. |
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You may opt to feed your
baby with an alternative
feeding device if you
find it impossible to nurse
your baby due to nipple
soreness. You could use
alternatives such as an
eyedropper, medicine
dropper, feeding syringe,
soft, flexible medicine
cup, spoon, while your
nipples heal.
Bottles are best avoided
due to the risk of nipple
confusion, especially if
your baby is less than 4
weeks old. |
