If you are suffering
from cracked nipples when
breast
feeding your baby, then you need to find out the
cause and treat the condition. Your baby is unlikely
to be affected by a cracked or injured nipple. Even
if there is blood in the nipple, this does not affect
them and breastfeeding can continue. The important thing
is to correct the problem and allow the
nipple
to heal. Here are some ways of preventing problems
together with remedies for relieving problems:
• Never use soap or anything drying (such as
methylated spirits) on your nipples. Avoid scrubbing
with rough towels or brushes and gently pat breasts
and nipples after showering or bathing.
• The breast areas can be exposed to the air
for short periods.
• Avoid using plastic backed nursing pads,
suction breast pumps or nipple shields.
• Feed your baby often and don’t be put
off feeds.
• Before feeding your baby – make yourself
comfortable and relaxed. This is a good time for those
ante-natal exercises. Massage your breasts gently
and apply warmth such as a shower or a warm wash cloth.
You can express a little milk to soften the areola
so as to get the milk flowing and to lubricate the
nipple. If you need pain relief for the nipple, apply
a small ice pack (some crushed ice in a small plastic
bag covered in a soft cloth).
• During feeds – feed your baby from
the less sore side first. Make sure your baby is properly
positioned and attached to the breast. If the sucking
hurts, then your baby is in the wrong position. Correction
positioning is paramount in allowing a damaged nipple
to heal and to enable pain free, effective breastfeeding.
The correct positioning is very important and you
should try different feeding positions as follows:
Cradle position where the baby’s head is in
the crook of your arm. Support your baby’s back
and bottom with your arm and hand. Your baby will
be lying sideways facing you. Your breast should be
right in front of your baby’s face.
Football position where you tuck your baby under your
arm like a football with his head resting on your
hand. Support your baby’s body with your forearm.
Lying down position where you lie on your side with
your baby facing you. Pillows can be used to prop
up your head and shoulders.
• If it is too painful to feed, then express
by hand to keep the milk flowing and to keep up your
milk supply while your nipples are healing. Feed the
expressed milk to your baby. Start feeding again gradually,
with just short feeds spaced out during the day.
• After feeds – check your nipples for
any signs of stress. A cracked nipple may well benefit
from applying a natural moisturizer as long as it
has no additives. Let the nipple dry before covering
again and ensure the nipples stay dry by changing
nursing pads frequently. If you find disposable pads
are chaffing the breasts, then change to washable
ones. Use breast nipple protectors to stop your clothes
rubbing against your nipples.
With time and care, your cracked nipples will heal
so that breast feeding is once again a pleasurable
experience for both you and your baby.
