7 Tips to Relieve Sore Nipples
Cracked sore nipples can be very distressing for new moms and a million miles away from what you imagined breastfeeding your baby would be like. If you’re still in hospital don’t be afraid to ask for help at every feed. If you are experiencing sore nipples at home contact your local breastfeeding support group or have a Lactation Consultant come visit you at home as soon as possible. Nipples do heal very quickly but it’s important to find the source of the problem which is generally easy to fix by adjusting your baby’s latch or position. I’m a big fan of laid back breastfeeding which helps your baby get a much deeper latch and reduces soreness.
Your nipples are likely to be tender in the beginning but not in a ‘toe curling’ way. When your baby latches on count to 10 and if it doesn’t settle then use your little finger to break the suction and start over.
Despite the old wives tales you don’t need to toughen up your nipples in pregnancy as you’ll damage them and remove the oils secreted around your nipple that makes it easier for your baby to locate their first meal. No scrubbing required!
Try a little breast massage and express some colostrum before you latch your baby on so your baby is not waiting for the letdown and will hopefully be more settled.
Go braless while your nipples are healing and gently put some drops of breastmilk on the painful area and let it dry.
Use a nipple cream or gel compress - I love the gel compresses as they’re cool and soothing.
Use a warm moist compress before and after feeding.
Aloe vera gel is great for healing and calendula too (wipe off before your next feed).
Some moms find ice can help as it numbs the area but it’s really important that you can feel the latch and change it asap so I prefer to use ice after the feed if mom needs it. Never apply ice directly to the skin – wrap it in a light towel.
If you’ve done all this and fixed the latch/position and your nipples are still painful you may need additional investigations with a Lactation Consultant to find the cause. Using your mindfulness practice and GentleBirth App will help you with these temporary challenges as you settle in with your baby and bypass these early speed bumps.
What helped you in those early days of breastfeeding?