Nobody can understand the pain and agony a mother has to go through during her breastfeeding journey. You would always want to feed your baby with the best source of nutrition. In doing so, you have to struggle with so many things as well.
Cracked and sore nipples are some of the most painful things that stop most mothers from breastfeeding. 38% of women who faced problems with breastfeeding were due to cracked nipples that led them to quit breastfeeding.
It is essential to consult a lactation consultant or ask experience mothers about some tips and tricks to make your breastfeeding journey easy. The common cause of cracked nipples in breastfeeding is a poor latch or wrong position.
So, it is good to experiment with different positions and make sure your baby is sucking the whole breast properly.
Gels, ointments, creams, have you tried everything but all in vain? Are you fed up with these constant episodes of suffering and torture?
Please do not worry because we have brought some tried and tested solutions for curing cracked nipples.
Causes of Cracked Nipples in Breastfeeding
When you have red, scabbed, and irritated skin around the nipple area, that is called a sore or cracked nipple. According to an article, mostly cracked nipples happen during the initial months of breastfeeding. Let’s closely look at some of its causes..
Problems with Baby’s latch
I know during pregnancy, we usually think about how easy breastfeeding is going to be and do not focus on it. But when the reality hits, you realize how hard nursing can be.
Your child is just as new to breastfeeding as you are. During the initial days, he might have problems with sucking and would opt for different positions. It usually causes friction and results in sore and cracked nipples.
You have to be very careful with the baby’s position while feeding. A good latch is when your whole breast is in the baby’s mouth. In this way, he can suck your breast accurately.
Photo By wikiversity
Use of Breast Pump if the flange is too small
Breast pumping aids in increasing your milk supply. It also helps working mothers in storing breast milk for later use. But you have to be very careful while choosing the best breast pump for you.
A common cause for Cracked nipples in breastfeeding is not having the right size of breast pump flange.
You need to find the proper size that fits your nipples rightly. A small flange can cause soreness in the nipples. It can also make pumping painful and uncomfortable.
Not finding the ideal technique for feeding
There are many positions to feed your child. It is a good idea to experiment with different positions and angles.
Always remember you have to feel comfortable while feeding your baby. If there is any discomfort or pain, then please look into it and consult a doctor.
Some of the most common nursing positions are Cradle hold, football hold, side-lying, and cross hold. You must use a breastfeeding pillow to get the proper support for your back and, it will also help lift the baby near your breasts.
Baby’s anatomical issue
Sometimes there are a few anatomical issues that make feeding difficult for the child.
- Tongue-tie: It is a condition when a baby’s frenulum, the one that connects to the bottom of the mouth, is short.
- Receding chin: Infants usually have a receding chin. If it is more than 3 millimeters, then they have a problem in breastfeeding.
- Smallmouth: If the child’s mouth isn’t wide enough to suck the whole nipple properly, then it can cause crack nipples.
Photo By cdnparenting
Treatment of cracked nipples:
Like every problem has a solution so, do cracked nipples. Read further to know about the treatment of sore nipples.
Keep Nipples moisturized
Dryness can be a common cause of cracked nipples in breastfeeding. It is good to keep your nipples moisturized. You can use a safe and hypoallergenic moisturizer. There are several ointments available in the market that can cure cracked nipples in no time.
Applying coconut oil also provides a calm and soothing effect on the skin and also aids in moisturizing your nipples so that you feel comfortable while breastfeeding.
Avoid wearing tight bras!
A tight nursing bra is a big no!
Always opt for light and flexible undergarments for proper support and comfort. It can also hamper your milk production and aggravate the soreness of your nipples.
Always make sure to wear a nursing bra according to your size and look for the soft fabric.
It is good to keep yourself without a bra for a while. Let your nipple dry out naturally in the fresh air.
Photo By Shopify
Avoid harsh body wash/deodorants:
The last thing you want to do is to expose your cracked nipples to a harsh body wash or deodorant.
You have to be very careful and gentle with your breast for many reasons. First and foremost, your baby is getting interacted with your breasts. So, be vigilant with the products that you are using.
Secondly, it will only enhance the nipple trauma. Always use a mild, alcohol-free deodorant and, you are good to go.
Apply Breast Milk
Breast milk is called the gold liquid for many reasons. It provides immense benefits to your child and also aids in curing many other problems too.
You can apply your breast milk to your sore nipples and see how quickly and easily it will cure the soreness.
Change nursing pads and bra frequently:
You have to keep the hygienic aspect in your mind while breastfeeding as your breast are vulnerable to many problems. A slight carelessness can cause you big trouble and multiple visits to the doctor.
It is good to frequently change your nursing bra and pads to avoid any bacterial infection or building up of germs.
Using fresh and clean undergarments is not only good for your skin but, your baby will also be safe from harmful infections and problems.
Photo By parenting.firstcry
Final Words
Cracked nipples in breastfeeding make it quite difficult and uncomfortable. It is better to avoid all the things that can cause sore nipples and save yourself from this traumatic experience.
If you are facing the issue of crack nipples, then it is good to try different treatments we have suggested and see what works for you.
How about you, do you know any tips or remedy to help with cracked nipples? Help a Mama out, share in the comment section what works best for you.
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