Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to provide nutrition to your baby. It is normal to feel pain as you get used to the new experience at the beginning of breastfeeding. However, if this continues, it may cause chapped and bleeding nipples. The majority of nipple cracks and bleeding are caused by problems with breastfeeding. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to breastfeed properly to prevent damage and heal chapped nipples.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Heal a sore nipple

1. 

   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 that can be applied to the skin without harming your baby.
   • Apply some milk to your nipples and let dry naturally.
   • In addition to being naturally soothing for the skin, breast milk is also believed to have antibacterial properties that help with wound healing.
   • However, you should not soak your skin in milk for too long if you have a candida infection. Yeast can multiply in the milk and make the inflammation worse.

2. 

   
   
   Wash your nipples after breastfeeding. Be sure to wash your nipples with water and mild soap after breastfeeding to clean your baby's saliva and dry milk.
   • Washing your nipples after each feed reduces the risk of infection that can cause chapped and painful skin.
   • Use only mild, unscented soaps to avoid irritation. Make sure to rinse the water well, as leftover soap on your skin can irritate and worsen the infection.
   • After washing, gently pat your nipples with a soft cloth and allow to air dry. This will help relieve pain and prevent irritation from the bras or bra.
   • You can also avoid nipple rubbing against your bra by using a nipple protector.

3. 

   
   
   Use an ointment. You can look for over-the-counter ointments to soothe chapped nipples. Read the label carefully to make sure the ingredients are completely natural and do not contain chemicals that are not suitable for your baby.
   • Choose an antibiotic ointment to sooth and heal the infected skin. Your breast milk specialist or doctor may also prescribe a powerful ointment for you.
   • Olive oil or medically used sheep fat cream (lanolin ointments) can also aid in the healing of chapped nipples and prevent scaling. The ingredients are all natural, so you don't have to worry about washing them between feeds.
   • Moisturizing layers can also help speed up the healing of sore nipples. Studies have shown that retaining natural moisture and slowing down evaporation also aids the treatment process.

4. 

   
   
   Apply a cold compress or hydrogel pad to your nipples. You can use a cold compress or a moisturizer to treat chapped skin. Both can help reduce itching, pain, and inflammation.
   • You can use a hydrogel pad between feedings to help prevent your nipples from drying out. Be sure not to touch your nipples with your hands, as bacteria can be transferred to the nipples.
   • Do not use a hydrogel pad if your nipples are contaminated with bacteria or fungus, as covering them in a moist environment can make the infection worse.
   • You can make a cold compress with ice or buy an ice pack at the drug store. Cold compresses help soothe nipples and may reduce inflammation.

5. 

   Use nipple protectors with the guidance of a breast milk specialist. Some doctors may advise mothers to use silicone nipple protectors while breastfeeding. Note that this accessory can do more harm than good if used incorrectly, including making it difficult for the baby to suckle. Seek instructions for correct use by your doctor or breast milk specialist.
   • Improper feeding of your baby from a nipple protector will cause your nipples to be squeezed and cause more damage.

6. 

   Try washing with salt water. You can make a salty solution that is as salty as tears to wash and disinfect chapped nipples.
   • Dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup (240 ml) of sterile water. Soak your nipples in the saline solution for no more than 5 minutes.
   • Wash the nipples to lose their salty taste before feeding your baby.

7. 

   Be aware of other causes of nipple damage. An infant's mouth is very small, so it is almost impossible to avoid sore nipples for the first few weeks after birth. A baby's position to suck and latch on are often the main causes of nipple pain and cracking when you're breastfeeding. However, there are other causes of nipple damage that you should be aware of.
   • Your baby can get a yeast infection in the mouth or throat, also called thrush, and pass it on to you while breastfeeding. Symptoms of a fungal infection include pain, sometimes cracked nipples, and red, itchy breasts. If you suspect a yeast infection, you will need to seek treatment for you and your baby.
   • Mastitis, an infection of the ducts, can cause cracked nipples, inflammation of the ducts and interfere with the flow of milk. This infection can also cause fever, cold, and body aches with other serious complications.
   • Raynaud's syndrome can also cause nipple discomfort, causing the nipples to turn blue or white after each feeding, and pain when bleeding back to the nipple.

8. 

   Know when to seek medical attention. If your nipples are still sore after the first week of breastfeeding or if you suspect that your nipples are infected, seek help from a breastmilk consultant or doctor. Maybe you have other potential problems besides latching on your baby incorrectly.
   • Tell your doctor if any symptoms of infection occur, including nipple bleeding or discharge, pain around areola, pain during and after nursing, fever and cold.
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Method 2 of 2: Learn techniques to breastfeed properly

1. 

   Let your baby latch on to the teat. Infants instinctively breastfeed right from the moment of birth. Unless your breasts are of an irregular structure, you can avoid pain during breastfeeding by latching your baby onto the breast.
   • Sit in a slightly reclined position, place your baby on his stomach on your chest and bring the baby's head close to the breast.
   • Let the baby find and latch on by himself.

2. 

   Put your baby in the correct position. You can learn how to hold the best posture for both mother and baby. This position will help the baby latch on properly.
   • Sit comfortably and put your baby on your lap. Use your arms to support the baby's shoulders but not hold the baby's head so the baby can find the nipple on his own.
   • Point the nipple towards the baby's nose so that the baby can latch properly and the nipple should be facing the palate.

3. 

   Correct the baby's position while allowing him to latch on to the breast. If it hurts when your baby starts to suckle, you can correct the baby's position instead of removing the baby from the breast. When the baby is removed from the breast, the baby may become irritable and clench on the nipple, causing additional damage to you.
   • Adjust the position of the baby high up or down so that the baby's head is at the right angle to help him latch properly.
   • Try holding your baby closer to your body so the baby's head is slightly up against the breast. This will allow your baby to latch on more deeply.

4. 

   Get out early when the baby is hungry. An irritable baby from hunger can grab the mother's breast without latching properly. 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 him as soon as he shows signs of hunger.

5. 

   Check if your child has a tongue brake. Your baby may not be feeding properly because of a tongue-tie. A small piece of skin sticks down the child's tongue, preventing the child from extending the tongue forward.
   • Check that the baby's tongue can touch the lower lip or touch the palate when crying.
   • Your baby's doctor can cut off the sticky skin of the baby to help improve the way the baby latches on to the breast while feeding. This is a simple procedure and your baby can recover very quickly.
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Advice

• Seeking advice from a breast milk specialist is very helpful when it comes to breastfeeding.
• Check with your doctor if you are considering taking pain relievers for severe pain relief. Some pain relievers are not suitable while you are breastfeeding.

Warning

• Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice pus or any other signs of infection.
• Do not use home remedies (such as honey) to heal chapped nipples without first consulting your doctor.