How to avoid Cracked or Sore Nipples due to breastfeeding – Tips
It is normal to have some tenderness in your nipples when you start to breastfeed your new baby. Your nipples can also become cracked or sore. This may happen if your baby or the baby’s mouth is not in the right position when breastfeeding. There are things you can do to help avoid these problems.
Follow these instructions at home:
Breastfeeding strategy
- Make sure your baby’s mouth attaches to your nipple (latches) properly to breastfeed.
- Make sure your baby is in the right position when breastfeeding. Try different positions to find one that works.
- Have your baby feed from the less sore breast first.
Break the latch between your baby’s mouth and your nipple before removing him or her from your breast. To do this:
- Put your little finger in between your nipple and your baby’s gums.
If you use a breast pump:
- Make sure the part of the pump that goes over your nipple fits properly.
- Start by setting the pump to a low setting. Increase the pump strength over time as needed. Too high of a setting may cause damage to your nipple.
Breast care
To help your breasts and nipples stay healthy:
- Avoid the use of soap on your nipples.
- Wear a supportive bra. Avoid wearing underwire bras or tight bras.
- Air-dry your nipples for 3–4 minutes after each feeding.
- Use only cotton bra pads to soak up any breast milk that leaks. Be sure to change the pads if they become soaked with milk.
- Put some lanolin on your nipples after breastfeeding. Pure lanolin does not need to be washed off your nipple before you feed your baby again. Pure lanolin is not harmful to your baby.
- Rub
some breast milk into your nipples:
- Use your hand to squeeze out a few drops of breast milk.
- Gently massage the milk into your nipples.
- Let your nipples air-dry.
Contact a doctor if:
- You have nipple pain.
- You have soreness or cracking that lasts more than 1 week.
Summary
- It is normal to have some tenderness in your nipples when you start to breastfeed your new baby. But you should contact your doctor if you have nipple pain.
- Your nipples can become cracked or sore if your baby’s mouth does not attach to your nipple properly when breastfeeding.
- Rub lanolin or breast milk onto your nipples to keep them from getting cracked or sore. Avoid washing your nipples with soap.
