How to Manage Nipple Problems

You've just had a baby - congratulations! Breastfeeding her, however, has proven to be difficult and painful. The experts say that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, so you soldier on through the pain, cracked nipples, bleeding and mastitis. There are some things you can do, however, to minimize the pain. This article will tell you how to manage nipple problems.

Instructions

How to Manage Nipple Problems

1

Review the basics. Make sure you are holding your baby properly, with his back straight and head facing your breast, and that he has latched on correctly. His lower lip should be turned out, and his mouth should cover most, if not all, of the areola.

2

Create a routine. After every nursing, take some time to let your nipples air dry. Then, rub some lanolin creme into each one before replacing your nursing bra. This will help reduce dryness and cracking.

3

Treat the problem. If you nipples are bleeding, use cabbage leaves or used tea bags to naturally soothe and heal them. Pump instead of nursing for a few feedings, to give your nipples a chance to heal. The same advice applies for mastitis, (a hot, swollen, sore spot on your breast) which is caused by blocked milk ducts.

4

Call in the experts. If your nipple problems continue, ask your doctor to recommend someone from the nearest Le Leche League who can come to your home and help you.

5

Keep on nursing! Interestingly enough, the best way to manage nipple problems is to continue to nurse through them. Eventually, you and your baby will get the hang of it, and breastfeeding will become the special, painless bonding time it should be.