Home Remedies for Sore Breasts from Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful time between a mother and baby and the health benefits of breast milk for the baby are well documented. It's not uncommon for most mothers to experience some form of soreness in the breasts or nipples, especially during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. There are some home remedies mothers can try to ease the discomfort.

Position

Much nipple soreness is due to incorrect position for nursing. Make sure the baby's mouth is completely opened-as in a yawn-and center the nipple in the baby's mouth making sure that most of the areola is in the baby's mouth and not just the nipple. Correct nursing positions generally eases any discomfort within a few days.

Benefits of Air and Light

Air drying nipples reduces chapping of the nipples due to constant exposure to moisture. Rather than drying the nipples with a cloth, leave the flaps of the nursing bra open until the nipples are dry. In "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children" Dr. Fleiss recommends using a hair dryer set on low heat to dry breasts. Dr. Fleiss also suggests exposing the breasts to sunlight for a few minutes.

Natural Ointment

Nipple dermatitis--when the nipple is red, feels hot and is slightly swollen--could be a reaction to something that was applied to the nipple, such as lanolin or Vitamin E ointments. "Breastfeeding Basics" recommends rubbing the breast milk into the nipple as an ointment and allowing it to air dry, as breast milk has antibacterial properties.

Compresses

Warmth eases the discomfort many mothers experience due to engorgement. Lay a heating pad set on low on top of the breasts. If you don't have a heating pad, apply a towel warmed in the microwave to the breasts. Sitting in a warm tub oftentimes will cause the mother's milk to let down and ease the pain. When cold feels better than heat, mothers can try a chilled towel or Soothies, which are gel pads that are stored in the refrigerator and worn between feedings.

Warning

If the soreness in the breasts or nipples persists, contact your doctor, as there could be a medical problem. Sometimes the mother's nipple may crack and the baby may ingest some blood, which might show up in the baby's stool or spit up. Although this is not harmful, anytime you see blood in the baby's stool or spit up, contact your pediatrician.