How to Relieve Sore Nipples When Breastfeeding

Many women think that having sore nipples is a completely normal part of breastfeeding their baby. This is simply not true. A little tenderness in the first week or so is normal, but you can and should take care of soreness, pain, cracks or bleeding. This will make your breastfeeding experience a good one.

Instructions

1

Re-evaluate the position in which you are breastfeeding. Your baby's bottom lip should be below your areola. He should not need to pull on or stretch out your nipple to get the milk out. Place your nipple in your baby's mouth only when she opens her mouth wide. This will allow her to get as much of your aureole in her mouth as possible.

2

Turn your baby's entire body so that your stomachs are touching each other. She should not have to turn her head to reach your breast. Support her entire body and head so that she feels secure and safe in your arms. To help you do this and make it more comfortable for you, use a pillow to help support your arms and your baby.

3

Remove your baby from your breast when he has finished actively nursing. When he begins just suckling for comfort it is time for the feeding to be finished. Some clues that this has happened are his eyes might close or the frequency of sucks diminishes quite a bit.

4

Nurse your baby on the least painful nipple first. Babies always nurse most aggressively at the beginning of a feeding, so you want her to be as gentle as possible on your sore nipple.

5

Rub some pure lanolin cream on your nipples after each feeding. This will soften the skin on your nipples and promote healing. You do not have to wash off 100 percent lanolin cream, unlike many other nipple creams.

6

Avoid plastic lined nursing pads, because they trap moisture, which can make cracking worse. Change your nursing pads often. Also, only use 100 percent cotton bras. These will allow your nipples to breathe better.

7

Visit your doctor if your nipples continue to be painful after 5 or 6 days. You might have a bacterial or a yeast infection that requires medicine.