Apply emollient creams, such as lanolin-based creams or coconut oil, to the nipples after breastfeeding. This can soften the skin and reduce cracking. Some people even apply breast milk to the nipples and allow it to dry, which can prevent cracking and has antibacterial properties.
Research shows warm, moist heat is soothing for sore nipples and can help your skin heal faster. To use moist heat, run a clean washcloth or cloth diaper under warm (not hot) water, squeeze out the extra water and place it directly over your nipple.
How long does healing take. The duration of the healing will vary. Superficial and recent soreness may clear in a matter of hours or days. However, long-established and profound wounds may require a up to 2 or 3 weeks to be entirely resolved even after the cause of the soreness has been eliminated.
If your sore nipples are causing you so much discomfort that you feel like you need to take a break from breastfeeding, don't worry! You can still use a breast pump to express your milk. This will give your nipples a rest, while allowing you to continue to give your baby all the benefits breastmilk can provide.
While achieving a good latch is an important step to pain-free breastfeeding, even mothers of babies with a good latch can find breastfeeding painful at first.
If your baby latches just on the tip of your nipple or it hurts, gently put a clean finger in your baby's mouth to break the latch, then try again.
Sore nipples can develop for many reasons including a poor breastfeeding latch, not using a breast pump correctly, or an infection. Then, once you have them, sore nipples can lead to a difficult let-down, a low breast milk supply, or early weaning.
First – on their own, sore nipples won't cause your milk supply to decrease. Milk supply is primarily driven by demand. That means that the more milk you remove from your breasts (either via your baby nursing or a breast pump), the more milk your body should make.
Soreness, itching, dryness and even bleeding may occur unless the nipples are protected. A barrier cream, such as Vaseline, Sudocrem, or Lansinoh works well, as does covering the nipples with sticking tape or a plaster.
Usually, nipple fissures appear because your baby isn't latching onto your breast to nurse correctly. Your baby may struggle to get enough milk, putting more strain on sensitive nipple tissue as they try to feed.
This discomfort can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks after giving birth. Your breasts will soon “toughen up” a bit and get used to your baby nursing. Until then, it's normal to feel a small amount of discomfort while your baby latches on and pulls your nipple and areola into his or her mouth.
Once a day, use a non-antibacterial, non-perfumed soap to gently clean the wounded area, then rinse well under running water. Using soap on the nipple area is not recommended unless the skin is broken.
Some women find that the friction from pumping frequently can cause cracked nipples, even if their breast shields are properly sized. One thing that can help with this is lubrication.
Self-help tips for sore nipples
wear a cotton bra so air can circulate. keep feeding your baby for as long as they want – keeping breastfeeds short to "rest" your nipples will not ease nipple pain and could affect your milk supply.
Cracked nipples most often result from chafing during sports and due to breastfeeding. Cracked nipples are characterized by red, irritated, and scabbed skin on or around the nipple. Using gentle creams and avoiding harsh soaps, chemicals, and tight clothing can help treat and prevent nipple cracking.
Pushing the Tongue Down and Out
Turn the finger over slowly so that the finger pad is on the baby's tongue and push down on his/her tongue while gradually pulling the finger out of the mouth. Repeat this exercise several times before latching the baby onto the breast.
Sometimes you may hear your baby gulping, especially if you have lots of milk. Clicking or smacking sounds may mean that your baby is not latched correctly. Your nipple looks rounded, not flattened, when your baby comes off your breast.
Signs of a Poor Breastfeeding Latch
Your baby does not have their lips out like a fish. You can see that they have their lips tucked in and under, instead. You can hear a clicking or smacking noises as your little one tries to suck. Your breast milk supply is low.
Lipstick nipple
If your nipple comes out of your baby's mouth flattened, or slanted like a new tube of lipstick, it's a sign your baby's latch when breastfeeding isn't deep enough.
One of the biggest reasons your baby prefers a shallow latch may be because of an oversupply of milk. With a quick letdown of milk, she'd rather purse her lips and take a few sips than feel like she's guzzling so much.
There are signs of ineffective sucking in the baby who:
Does not wake on his / her own for feedings eight or more times in 24 hours. Latches on and then lets go of the breast often during the feeding. Falls asleep within five minutes of latch-on or after sucking two or three minutes.