Should you keep feeding with sore nipples?

Understanding Sore Nipples During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process for both mother and baby, but it can come with its challenges. One of the most common issues nursing mothers face is sore nipples. This discomfort can lead to significant distress and may even cause some mothers to consider stopping breastfeeding altogether. However, the decision to continue feeding despite sore nipples requires careful consideration of the underlying causes and potential solutions.
Causes of Sore Nipples
Sore nipples can arise from various factors, primarily related to the baby’s latch and positioning. If a baby is not positioned correctly during breastfeeding, it can lead to increased friction and pressure on the nipples, resulting in pain and tenderness. Other causes may include cracked or damaged skin, which can occur due to improper latch or prolonged feeding sessions. In some cases, conditions like mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can exacerbate nipple pain.
Should You Continue Feeding?
The short answer is: Yes, you can continue breastfeeding, but with caution. It is essential to address the underlying issues causing the soreness. Continuing to breastfeed can help maintain milk supply and provide the baby with necessary nutrients. However, if the pain is severe, it may be beneficial to take short breaks between feedings or to express milk to relieve pressure while allowing the nipples to heal.
Managing Sore Nipples
To alleviate discomfort while continuing to breastfeed, mothers can implement several strategies:
1. Check the Latch: Ensuring that the baby is latched on correctly is crucial. A poor latch can lead to increased pain and potential damage to the nipples. Consulting with a lactation consultant can provide valuable insights and adjustments.
2. Use Nipple Creams: Applying lanolin or other soothing creams can help protect and heal sore nipples. These products can create a barrier that reduces friction during feeding.
3. Allow for Air Exposure: After breastfeeding, allowing the nipples to air dry can promote healing. This practice can be particularly beneficial if the nipples are cracked or bleeding.
4. Consider Positioning: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can help reduce pressure on sore areas. Positions that allow the baby to latch more comfortably can make a significant difference.
5. Seek Medical Advice: If soreness persists or worsens, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess for infections or other complications that may require treatment.
Conclusion
While sore nipples can be a painful hurdle in the breastfeeding journey, they do not necessarily mean that mothers must stop feeding. With the right support and strategies, many women can continue to breastfeed successfully while managing discomfort. It is vital to listen to one’s body and seek help when needed, ensuring both mother and baby can thrive during this important time.

How to correct a painful latch?

If breastfeeding hurts, your baby may be sucking on only the nipple, and not also on the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). Gently break your baby’s suction to your breast by placing a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth. Then try again to get your baby to latch on.

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.

Should you continue to breastfeed with sore nipples?

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.

Why does my baby want to be latched all day?

In most cases, when your baby wants to sleep on you and possibly breastfeed constantly, it is because they are going through a difficult time and are looking for the safety and care you so lovingly provide.

How to treat sore nipples during breastfeeding?

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.

Can nipples hurt with a good latch?

If the baby is latched correctly, you should not feel pain. Remember, some discomfort may be felt in the first 30-60 seconds. If you’re experiencing pain during the feeding, pull down on the baby’s chin to bring the lower lip out. If pain persists, decrease the suction by placing your clean finger inside baby’s mouth.

How long is too long for sore nipples?

If your pain continues beyond the first few weeks, talk to your healthcare provider. Most breastfeeding pain resolves within the first month of breastfeeding. If you’re pumping breast milk, you can experience nipple pain from using a breast shield (also called a breast pump flange) that’s the incorrect size.

What do nipples look like with a bad latch?

If your baby is not latched properly, you may notice a crease across the tip of your nipple when it comes out of your baby’s mouth. It may be shaped like a new tube of lipstick. Or it may look white at the tip.

Could my breast milk be upsetting my baby?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

Can baby constantly feeding cause sore nipples?

Baby’s latch and positioning.
If your baby isn’t positioned well, you may have soreness and pain over time. Check baby’s positioning and latch. If your nipple is pinched, flat, or a different shape than usual after you breastfeed, you may need to adjust baby’s latch. Visit your WIC breastfeeding expert for help.