Should I keep breastfeeding with cracked nipples?

Should You Keep Breastfeeding with Cracked Nipples?
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process for both mother and baby, but it can come with its challenges, particularly when it comes to nipple health. Cracked nipples are a common issue that many breastfeeding mothers face, and the question of whether to continue breastfeeding during this discomfort is crucial.
Understanding Cracked Nipples
Cracked nipples can occur for various reasons, including improper latch, dry skin, or infections. They may present as red, sore, and chafed areas on the nipple, making breastfeeding painful. While this condition can be distressing, it is often temporary and manageable with the right approach.
The Importance of Continuing Breastfeeding
Experts generally advise against stopping breastfeeding due to cracked nipples. In fact, continuing to breastfeed can be beneficial for both mother and baby. The act of breastfeeding helps stimulate milk production and can promote healing in the nipples, as they tend to heal quickly even with frequent nursing. Moreover, stopping breastfeeding can lead to complications such as engorgement or mastitis, which can exacerbate discomfort.
Managing Pain and Promoting Healing
If you are experiencing cracked nipples, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional, such as a midwife or lactation consultant. They can provide guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques, which can alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Correcting the baby’s latch is often a key factor in reducing nipple pain.
In addition to seeking professional advice, there are several self-care strategies you can employ. Applying lanolin cream or other nipple ointments can provide relief and promote healing. Keeping the nipples dry and exposed to air when possible can also aid in recovery.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While breastfeeding with cracked nipples is generally safe, there are exceptions. If you have a bleeding nipple, it is usually safe for the baby to feed, but caution is advised if you have conditions like hepatitis B or C, as these can pose risks to the baby. If the pain worsens or if you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness or swelling, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, continuing to breastfeed with cracked nipples is not only possible but often recommended. With the right support and care, many mothers find that they can manage the discomfort and continue to provide the nutritional benefits of breast milk to their babies. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and seeking help can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding experience.

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 to quickly heal cracked nipples?

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.

What hurts more, breastfeeding or pumping?

Many women experience sore, cracked, or even infected nipples while breastfeeding. While this can also happen with pumping, a poor latch of the baby and the intense suction of breastfeeding is more likely to cause nipple pain than pumping.

Should I stop breastfeeding if my nipples are cracked?

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.

Is pumping or nursing better for cracked nipples?

If breastfeeding is too painful
Hand express or pump to maintain your milk supply while your nipples heal. If the baby is not latching, pump 8 – 12 times daily until your milk stops flowing, generally around 15 – 20 minutes per breast or a total of 15 – 20 minutes if double pumping.

Can cracked nipples cause low milk supply?

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.

Can I keep pumping 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 leaking nipples mean good milk supply?

Leaking breasts are one of the many under-discussed topics of motherhood but it is completely normal. It’s a sign your body is making milk and, while it often happens shortly after you deliver, it can continue to happen throughout your breastfeeding journey. Some moms don’t leak and that’s totally normal, too!

Can breastfeeding hurt even with a good latch?

It may look like your baby is well latched from the outside but your nipple may still be getting pinched. If you have tried to improve the positioning and latch but you still feel intense pain, seek help. Some discomfort when latching in the early days is common as you and your baby are learning.

Should I wear a bra with cracked nipples?

Take your bra off while at home and/or wear loose, comfortable clothing. Breast shells can be worn over the nipple and inside the bra to prevent clothing from rubbing an injured nipple and to promote air circulation and healing. Use lanolin and preferably Aquaphor. Treat thrush when it occurs.