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This article was co-written by Lacy Windham, MD. Dr. Windham is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Tennessee. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed her residency at East Virginia School of Medicine in 2010 for which she was awarded the Distinguished Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Best Resident in Oncology and Best Resident Doctor.
There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 61,396 times.
Breastfeeding is the most natural way to provide nutrition to babies. It’s normal to feel pain as you get used to a new experience at the beginning of breastfeeding. However, if this continues, it can cause nipples to crack and bleed. Most cases of cracked and bleeding nipples are caused by problems with breastfeeding. Therefore, learning how to breastfeed properly is essential to prevent damage and heal cracked nipples.
Steps
Heal sore nipples
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Soothe chapped nipples with milk. One of the easiest methods to soothe chapped nipples is to apply your milk to the sore skin. Breast milk is the most sterile and natural liquid to apply to the skin without harming the baby. [1] X Research Source
- Apply some milk on the nipple and let it dry naturally.
- In addition to naturally soothing the skin, breast milk is also said to have antibacterial properties that help heal wounds. [2] X Research Source
- However, you should not soak your skin in milk for too long if you have a candida infection. Yeast can grow in milk and make the infection worse. [3] X Research Sources
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Wash nipples after breastfeeding. Be sure to wash your nipples with water and mild soap after breastfeeding to clean baby’s saliva and dried milk.
- Washing your nipples after each feeding reduces the risk of infection, which can cause chapped and painful skin. [4] X Research Sources
- Use only mild, fragrance-free soaps to avoid irritation. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water, as soap left on the skin can irritate and aggravate the infection. [5] X Research Sources
- After washing, gently blot the nipple with a soft towel and let it dry naturally. This will help relieve pain and prevent nipple irritation from rubbing on your shirt or bra. [6] X Research Sources
- You can also prevent your nipples from rubbing against your bra by using a nipple protector. [7] X Research Sources
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Use ointment. You can find over-the-counter ointments to soothe cracked nipples. Read the label carefully to make sure the ingredients are all natural and do not contain chemicals that are not suitable for babies.
- Choose an antibiotic ointment to soothe and heal infected skin. Your doctor or lactation specialist may also prescribe you a strong ointment. [8] X Research Sources
- Medically used olive oil or lanpin ointments can also help heal chapped nipples and prevent scaling. The ingredients are all natural, so you don’t have to worry about washing between feeds. [9] X Research Source
- The moisturizing layer can also help speed up the healing process of sore nipples. Studies have proven that retaining natural moisture and slowing evaporation also aid in the treatment process. [10] X Research Source
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Apply a cold compress or hydrogel pad to the nipple. You can use cold compresses or moist patches to heal cracked skin. Both of these help reduce itching, pain, and inflammation.
- You can use a hydrogel patch between feedings to help prevent your nipples from drying out. Remember not to touch the nipple with your hands, as bacteria can be transferred to the nipple. [11] X Research Source
- Do not use hydrogel pads if your nipples are infected with bacteria or fungi, as sealing the nipples in a humid environment can make the infection worse. [12] X Research Source
- You can make cold compresses with ice or buy ice packs at the drug store. Cold compresses help soothe nipples and can reduce inflammation. [13] X Research Source
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Use a nipple protector with the guidance of a lactation specialist. Some doctors may recommend that mothers use a silicone nipple protector while breastfeeding. Note that this accessory can do more harm than good if used incorrectly, including making it difficult for the baby to suckle. [14] X Source of Research Ask your doctor or lactation specialist for instructions on proper use.
- Improper breastfeeding due to the use of a nipple protector will cause your nipples to be squeezed and cause more damage. [15] X Research Source
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Try rinsing with salt water. You can make a saline solution that is as salty as tears to wash and disinfect cracked nipples.
- Mix half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup (240 ml) of sterile water. Soak the nipples in the saline solution for no more than 5 minutes. [16] X Research Source
- Wash the nipples to remove the salty taste before feeding your baby. [17] X Research Source
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Identify other causes of nipple damage. Newborns’ mouths are very small, so it’s nearly impossible to avoid sore nipples within the first few weeks after birth. Your baby’s sucking position and way of latching on are often the main causes of sore and cracked nipples when you’re breastfeeding. However, there are other causes of nipple damage that you need to be aware of.
- Your baby can get a fungal infection in the mouth or throat, also known as thrush, and pass it on to you while breastfeeding. Symptoms of a fungal infection include painful, sometimes cracked nipples, and redness and itching of the udder. If you suspect a fungal infection, you need to find a way to treat yourself and your baby. [18] X Research Sources
- Mastitis, an infection of the milk ducts, can cause cracked nipples, inflamed milk ducts, and obstructed milk flow. This inflammation can also cause fever, cold and body aches with other serious complications. [19] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- Raynaud’s syndrome can also cause nipple discomfort, causing the nipple to turn blue or white after each feeding, and pain when blood flows to the nipple. [20] X Research Source
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Know when to seek medical attention. If nipples are still sore after the first week of breastfeeding, or if you suspect an infection, you should seek help from your doctor or lactation consultant. You may have other potential problems besides your baby not latching on properly. [21] X Research Source
- Tell your doctor if any symptoms of infection develop, including bleeding or discharge from the nipple, pain around the areola, pain during and after feeding, fever and cold. [22] X Research Source
Learn proper breastfeeding technique
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Let the baby latch on to the nipple on his own. Newborns have an instinct to suckle from the moment they are born. Unless your breasts are structurally abnormal, you can avoid painful breastfeeding by letting your baby latch on to the breast on their own. [23] X Research Sources
- Sit in a slightly reclined position, with your baby lying face down on your chest and with his or her head close to your breast. [24] X Research Source
- Let the baby find and latch on to the nipple on their own. [25] X Research Sources
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Place the baby in the correct position. You can learn how to keep the best position for both mother and baby. This position will help your baby latch on to the nipple properly.
- Sit comfortably and put your baby in your lap. Use your arms to support the baby’s shoulders but not the baby’s head so that the baby can find the nipple on his own. [26] X Research Sources
- Point the nipple towards the baby’s nose so that the baby can latch on properly and the nipple should point up to the roof of the baby’s mouth. [27] X Research Source
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Correct the baby’s position while still letting the baby latch on to the breast. If it hurts when your baby starts to suckle, you can reposition the baby instead of removing the baby from the breast. When removed from the mother’s breast, the baby may get angry and grind at the nipple, causing further injury to you.
- Reposition the baby up or down so that the baby’s head is at the right angle to help the baby latch on to the nipple properly. [28] X Research Sources
- Try holding the baby closer to your body so that the baby’s head is slightly submerged in the breast. This way, the baby can latch on to the nipple more deeply. [29] X Research Sources
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Early recognition when the baby is hungry. A child who is cranky from hunger may latch on to the mother’s breast without latching on properly. You need to watch for signs that your baby needs to eat and feed before he gets angry because he is too hungry.
- Soothe your baby by feeding as soon as he shows signs of hunger. [30] X Research Source
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Check to see if the child has a tongue brake. Your baby may not be feeding properly because of a tongue tie. A small piece of skin sticks the child’s tongue downwards, preventing the child from moving his tongue forward.
- Check to see if the baby’s tongue can touch the bottom lip or the roof of the mouth when crying. [31] X Research Source
- Your doctor may cut a piece of skin sticking to your baby’s tongue to help improve the way your baby latches on to the breast while feeding. This is a simple procedure and the child can recover very quickly. [32] X Research Source
Advice
- It is very helpful to consult a lactation specialist when breastfeeding.
- Consult your doctor if you are considering taking pain relievers to relieve severe pain. Some pain relievers are not suitable while you are breastfeeding.
Warning
- Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice pus appearing or any other signs of infection.
- Do not use home remedies (eg honey) to heal cracked nipples without first consulting your doctor.
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This article was co-written by Lacy Windham, MD. Dr. Windham is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Tennessee. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed her residency at East Virginia School of Medicine in 2010 for which she was awarded the Distinguished Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Best Resident in Oncology and Best Resident Doctor.
There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 61,396 times.
Breastfeeding is the most natural way to provide nutrition to babies. It’s normal to feel pain as you get used to a new experience at the beginning of breastfeeding. However, if this continues, it can cause nipples to crack and bleed. Most cases of cracked and bleeding nipples are caused by problems with breastfeeding. Therefore, learning how to breastfeed properly is essential to prevent damage and heal cracked nipples.
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