Preventing And Healing Sore Nipples
Sore nipples are a common problem in breastfeeding mothers. This problem can have many causes. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and even prevent it.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about healing sore nipples.
Breastfeeding is undoubtedly one of the moments that reflects the unique bond between mother and child. But not everything is rosy these days.
Many difficulties can make some (but not all) magic disappear from this stage in both of your lives.
One of the most common problems is cracked nipples and pain during or after breastfeeding. This can have several causes.
Causes of Sore Nipple Cracks
- An infection in the nipples or milk ducts. If you feel sharp, sharp pains and your baby has to make a remarkable effort to drink, talk to your doctor. Usually a sample will be taken to determine the cause of the infection and find the right solution.
- Temporary physiological pain. Your milk production kicks in gradually over the first few days. This means that your baby may have to push harder first to drink. As the days go by, it should become less painful to breastfeed.
- Incorrect posture when breastfeeding. The correct position for your baby is that where he can place his mouth over the nipple and part of the areola. If he’s not in the right position, he can put pressure in the wrong places. This can lead to cracked skin, aka cracked nipples. This can be very painful.
- Taking your baby off your breast too soon. Gently press the corner of his lips with a finger, let the air enter his mouth, then slowly remove your baby.
- Dysfunctional breastfeeding. If your child has a short lingual frenulum, the suction mechanism may not be very efficient. This can cause pain in nursing mothers.
How can you prevent sore nipples?
The most important thing in these cases is to check that your baby is drinking correctly. If your baby is in the right place and sucks well, breastfeeding doesn’t have to be painful at all.
There are professionals who specialize in helping new mothers with these issues. Do not hesitate to contact such a person.
To regulate the amount of milk in your breasts at all times, it is best to breastfeed regularly.
This way you will produce the right amount of milk from the start and avoid full, sore breasts. You can also use a breast pump.
Is there a problem with your posture while breastfeeding? Then seek advice on how to get your baby to drink more efficiently.
Breastfeeding charities can provide helpful tips on how to avoid these issues. Sometimes an asymmetrical and slanting backward position is a solution for painless breastfeeding.
Finally, if your sore cracked nipples are due to a short lingual frenulum, look for a position that will compensate for your baby’s difficulty.
Can sore nipples be prevented?
Sore cracked nipples are caused by breastfeeding problems. Skin creams and balms are therefore not very helpful in preventing cracked nipples. However, these products may be useful to treat pre-existing fissures.
We can’t say it enough, though: it’s important to address underlying issues to make breastfeeding comfortable for you and your baby. Doing this from the start is the best form of prevention, and of course much better than a cure.
Another technique that has been proven to be effective is the following. Rub a little olive oil on the nipple and areola. Do not cover this area immediately so that the skin can breathe first.
In the past, it was customary to rub a little breast milk over the affected area. However, if there is a bacterial infection, it will only make the problem worse.
Wash your breasts gently with water. Avoid soap, as it can remove the natural protection of the skin in this area.
As a final tip, it’s worth remembering that breastfeeding is fundamental in the first few months of your baby’s life. Try with all your might not to give up.
Do you suffer from any of the problems we have mentioned here? Then be patient and seek expert help. And you will see: in a few days you will no longer suffer from these problems.
