These quick tips to help with painful nipples can be used in conjunction with or without lactation support. There is no shame in asking for help. Many times we just need someone to tell us we are doing everything right. Please seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner if you are not healing or feeling secure in your feeding.
Hopefully, you’ve already asked and answered the questions relevant to understanding pain issues and breastfeeding. You may find you need to get professional help, but in the meantime, you could try a few tips below. The suggestions listed can aid in the healing process of sore nipples.
- Always check for proper latch first.
- Change positions.
- Check for proper fit of your pumping kit/flanges (look on the website of brand you own).
- Stay topless as much as possible after a feed to air dry your nipples with your milk.
- Use expressed breastmilk when healing any abrasions.
- Warm soaks with or without Epsom salt (before a feed).
- Cold compresses after a feed (unless you have Raynaud’s or vasospasms).
- Coconut or olive oil can help when mom puts a shirt/bra on. Food grade, not from the beauty section.
- Silverettes can be placed over nipples to help heal cracks or abrasions. Please make sure they are pure silver for the best effect.
- Lanolin can be a lifesaver for most if you’re not sensitive to wool or sheep. When allergic, some prefer lanolin-free products.
- If you have been using a cream/oil for longer than a week with no relief, stop! Try something else.
- All-purpose nipple ointment can be a lifesaver if you have a bacteria or fungus on nipples. Bring this information to your obstetrician or pediatrician to get the prescription.
- Hydrogel pads– The Ameda brand lasts longer than others.
- Avoid using soap of any type on your nipples.
- Feed on 1 breast per feed, if the baby is gaining well. Allow more extended time in between breast use!
- Take a feeding vacation-Spend 2-4 days exclusively pumping if this is more comfortable and finger, cup, medicine dropper or syringe feed.
- Some women use breast shells to keep the clothes from rubbing on nipples. Make sure they fit appropriately if you choose to use them.
- Do not use a nipple shield exclusively to fix the pain. Nipple shields can be a lifesaver in certain drastic instances but are meant for the inverted nipple.
- Consider being evaluated for yeast.
- Consider an evaluation for tongue or lip tie with an expert in the field. Talk to your friends who have had their baby’s’ evaluated. Some pediatricians will not advise you on the subject.
- Consider having the baby assessed by an alternative expert in infant feeding issues (chiropractor, cranial-sacral therapist, speech pathologist, otolaryngologist, etc.).
- Consider an online evaluation by an expert.
- Have an IBCLC assess in-home or office visits.
You don’t need expensive creams to get through this. Your milk is living microorganisms that can heal almost anything. Be patient, and reach out if you are still suffering. Remember, breastfeeding should not hurt. You can feel sensitive, but cringing through every feed is not appropriate.
If you click some of the links I’ve added to this educational information, I may earn a few cents to help keep this operational. There are various pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and newborn products that have been tried and true for many mamas out there. I’ve either used these products myself or trust the recommendations from the moms I serve and choose to pass on the great tips. Win-Win
