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Can you put Aquaphor on your nipples when breastfeeding?

Can You Use Aquaphor on Your Nipples While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful yet challenging experience for new mothers, often accompanied by discomfort such as sore or cracked nipples. In this context, many mothers wonder about the safety and efficacy of using products like Aquaphor on their nipples during this time.
Understanding Aquaphor
Aquaphor is a popular healing ointment known for its moisturizing properties. It is often used to treat dry skin, minor cuts, and chapped lips. However, when it comes to breastfeeding, the question arises: is it safe to apply Aquaphor to your nipples?
Safety and Recommendations
According to various sources, Aquaphor can be used on sore or cracked nipples, but with some caveats. Many mothers have reported using it successfully to alleviate discomfort caused by breastfeeding. However, it is crucial to consider the timing of application. Experts suggest that while Aquaphor can provide relief, it should not be applied immediately before nursing. This is primarily because the ointment is thick and may create a barrier that could interfere with the baby’s latch or feeding.
Instead, it is advisable to apply Aquaphor after breastfeeding sessions. This allows the ointment to work on the skin without affecting the baby’s feeding. Additionally, some mothers prefer to use products specifically designed for breastfeeding, such as lanolin-based creams, which are formulated to be safe for both mother and baby.
Alternatives and Additional Care
While Aquaphor can be beneficial, it is not the only option available. Other remedies for sore nipples include using breast milk itself, which has natural healing properties, or applying lanolin creams that are specifically marketed for breastfeeding mothers. These alternatives may provide similar relief without the concerns associated with thicker ointments like Aquaphor.
Moreover, maintaining proper breastfeeding techniques and ensuring a good latch can significantly reduce the risk of nipple soreness. If discomfort persists, consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider is recommended to address any underlying issues.
Conclusion
In summary, Aquaphor can be used on nipples during breastfeeding to help with soreness and cracking, but it should be applied after feeding sessions to avoid any potential issues with breastfeeding. Mothers should also consider alternative products designed for breastfeeding and focus on proper techniques to minimize discomfort. As always, if there are any concerns, seeking professional advice is the best course of action.

What can I put on my nipples to stop them from hurting while breastfeeding?

Some people try using a nipple ointment or cream made with purified lanolin, such as Lansinoh or Tender Care. To reduce pain, apply cool compresses to your nipples after breastfeeding. Gel pads can also be used on dry nipples. Wear a supportive bra.

Where should you not use Aquaphor?

Apply to the skin only. Avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes, inside your mouth/nose, and the vaginal/groin area, unless the label or your doctor directs you otherwise.

Is vaseline safe for nipples when breastfeeding?

Sore nipples alone are unlikely to need further treatment, no evidence exists to support the use of creams, sprays or ointments to prevent or treat nipple soreness (11). Cracked nipples may benefit from applying a moisturiser such as white soft paraffin (Vaseline®) or purified lanolin.

How do I stop my nipples from hurting when I latch?

Gently massage the sore area before nursing. Use wet or dry heat on your breasts (a warm shower, water bottle, heating pad, or warm washcloth) right before feeding. But if you have a yeast infection in your breast, you’ll need to keep your nipples dry because yeast thrives on moisture. Get plenty of rest and fluids.

How can I moisturize my nipples while breastfeeding?

After each breastfeed, express a few drops of milk to smooth over your nipple and allow to dry. The milk moisturises the nipple and provides a protective barrier against infection. Change your nursing pads if they become wet through. If your nipples are tender, sore or damaged, it is important to seek assistance.

What can I put on my nipples to stop feeding?

Both pumping and breast-feeding can increase the supply of breast milk, which may prolong discomfort and slow the weaning process. Some strategies that may reduce discomfort include: Applying cabbage leaves to the breast. Chilling the leaves may help with swelling.

Can I put vaseline on my nipples before pumping?

Topical Breastfeeding Products include nipple balms, Lanolin, petroleum jelly, food grade oils (coconut/olive etc.), and all-purpose nipple ointment (APNO). These topical products are generally considered safe in lactation and are not an absolute indication to pump and dump.

How to fix a painful latch?

Signs that baby isn’t latching properly
If you feel nipple pain while nursing, something’s not right. This means your baby is likely chewing on your nipple instead of gumming the areola. The fix: Unlatch (break the suction by putting your finger into the corner of her mouth), and try again.

Is it safe to use Aquaphor on nipples while breastfeeding?

We recommend a non-irritating moisturizer to help your nipples heal. After each feed / pumping, apply Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor or generic equivalent) or Zinc Oxide to both nipples and wear a cotton bra. If the ointment is sticking to your clothes, you may want to cover it with gauze.

How can I heal my nipples fast while breastfeeding?

How are cracked or bleeding nipples treated?

  1. put some warm water or breastmilk on your nipples after feeding and leave it to dry.
  2. keep your nipples dry as much as possible.
  3. gently rub purified lanolin on your nipples after feeding.
  4. change your breast pads often.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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