How to heal cracked nipples during breastfeeding?

Understanding Cracked Nipples During Breastfeeding
Cracked nipples are a common yet distressing issue for many breastfeeding mothers. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort, often causing mothers to consider stopping breastfeeding altogether. However, with the right strategies and support, healing cracked nipples is entirely possible, allowing mothers to continue their breastfeeding journey.
Causes of Cracked Nipples
The primary cause of cracked nipples is often improper latch or positioning during breastfeeding. When a baby does not latch on correctly, it can create friction and pressure that leads to fissures and cracks. Other contributing factors may include dry skin, infections, or even the use of certain soaps or creams that irritate the sensitive skin of the nipples.
Healing Strategies
1. Correcting Latch and Positioning: One of the most crucial steps in healing cracked nipples is ensuring that the baby is latching on correctly. A poor latch can exacerbate the problem, so consulting with a lactation consultant can be invaluable. They can provide guidance on achieving a better latch, which can significantly reduce pain and promote healing.
2. Breastfeeding Techniques: If breastfeeding becomes too painful, consider alternating between breastfeeding and pumping. This allows the affected nipple to rest while still providing your baby with breast milk. You can pump on the injured side and feed your baby from the other side, or exclusively pump until your nipples heal.
3. Natural Remedies: Applying a small amount of breast milk to the nipples after feeding can help soothe and promote healing. Breast milk contains natural antibodies and healing properties that can aid in recovery. Additionally, soaking the nipples in a warm saline solution for a few minutes can provide relief and help cleanse the area.
4. Protective Measures: Wearing breast shells, gel pads, or silver nursing cups can protect the nipples while they heal. These devices can help shield the nipples from friction and irritation caused by clothing or breast pads. It’s also advisable to moisten your bra or breast pads before removing them to reduce sticking.
5. Air Drying: After breastfeeding, allowing the nipples to air dry can be beneficial. This helps to keep the area dry and reduces the risk of further irritation. If possible, try to expose your nipples to air for short periods throughout the day.
6. Taking Breaks: If the pain becomes unbearable, it may be necessary to take a break from breastfeeding on the affected side. This doesn’t mean stopping breastfeeding altogether; rather, it allows time for the nipple to heal while still providing your baby with breast milk through pumping.
Conclusion
Healing cracked nipples during breastfeeding requires a multifaceted approach that includes correcting latch issues, utilizing natural remedies, and protecting the nipples from further irritation. With patience and the right strategies, mothers can overcome this painful hurdle and continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding. If pain persists or worsens, seeking professional advice from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider is essential to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and comfortable.

Is it better to pump with cracked nipples?

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.

Does lanolin heal cracked nipples?

How to treat sore nipples. Nipples can be air dried or kept moist using a few drops of expressed milk. To this date, there isn’t satisfactory evidence than any other treatment is as effective in helping nipples heal, including purified lanolin and vaseline (Dennis et al., 2014).

What is the fastest way to heal sore nipples?

When your nipples are sore, apply some of your own milk on your nipples. Your milk has healing properties to relieve soreness. Also, a small pea-sized portion of ultrapure modified lanolin, such as HPA® Lanolin, between clean fingertips and apply to the nipple and areola. Gently pat it on: do not rub it in.

Is it good to air out cracked nipples?

How to treat sore nipples. Nipples can be air dried or kept moist using a few drops of expressed milk. To this date, there isn’t satisfactory evidence than any other treatment is as effective in helping nipples heal, including purified lanolin and vaseline (Dennis et al., 2014). If using creams, apply after feeds.

How do you fix cracked nipples 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.

Can you still breastfeed with cracked nipples?

If your nipples are cracked or bleeding, it’s okay to keep breastfeeding your baby. After each feeding, apply an antibiotic ointment and a non-stick first-aid pad. Gently wipe off the ointment before the next feeding.

Is it safe to put vaseline on your nipples?

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 to remove dead skin from nipples?

How to keep dead skin off the nipple area

1. At the end of the day, soak cotton balls in lukewarm water and clean the area.
2. Buy winter special moisturising creams (not lotions) and apply it on your nipple area in the morning after bath and before bath time.

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.

Does Vaseline help cracked nipples breastfeeding?

For a cracked nipple however, it is possible that applying a small amount of petroleum jelly or another similar moisturiser such as purified lanolin may assist with healing by a process called moist wound healing.