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.
If you get sore nipples when breastfeeding, it's usually because your baby is not positioned and attached properly at the breast. It's important not to stop breastfeeding. With help, feeding should quickly become more comfortable again.
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.
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.
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 it gets worse, your nipples may bleed or develop sores or scabbing. If you become reluctant to nurse or pump because of the pain, you may develop engorgement or mastitis, and the condition may affect your milk supply.
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.
Xylocaine 5% Ointment can be used to help reduce the pain of sore or tender nipples and can be applied on a small piece of gauze – but the ointment must be washed away before next the feed.
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.
Summary of Use during Lactation
Lanolin is a yellow fat obtained from sheep's wool. It has traditionally been used topically to treat sore, cracked nipples during breastfeeding.
Laid back positioning.
This position is often the most comfortable. A study by Milinco, et al (2018) showed that these positions can reduce the numbers of mothers experiencing nipple pain and damage by 58%. In these positions you recline back to an angle of between 15-65 degrees and baby lays on his tummy on your body.
Air-dry your nipples or dab them gently with a towel. Women used to be told to rub their nipples to toughen them up, but this isn't advised any more – thank goodness! There's no need to clean the breast or nipples before breastfeeding.
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.
Signs of a Poor Breastfeeding Latch
Your child is sucking in their cheeks as they try to breastfeed. 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.
Symptoms of a bad latch include: The nipple looks slanted (like a tube of lipstick) or has a white line across it. Your nipple should be round after breastfeeding. You can see your baby sucking in their cheeks as they try to feed.
To find out if your baby is sucking only on your nipple, check what your nipple looks like when it comes out of your baby's mouth. Your nipple should not look flat or compressed. It should look round and long or the same shape as it was before the feeding. Get answers to common questions about breastfeeding and pain.
What should I do to treat my sore nipples? Recommendations include: Keep your nipples hydrated by using coconut oil, petroleum jelly, or lanolin, or your own breastmilk.
Coconut oil is great for soothing your skin. Apply a small amount to nipples in a gentle massage. It can bring relief to sore, cracked or itchy nipples. It's also a moisturizing agent, so it's particularly welcoming if you're breastfeeding.
Description. Bepanthen Ointment protects and gently heals skin damaged by nappy (diaper) rash. It is also suitable for caring and treatment of sore/cracked nipples, dry, chapped & cracked skin and other minor skin injuries.