There are several reasons as to why you end up with nipple pain and one of them is your baby not having a good latch. Latching properly helps make it easier for them to draw milk from you without leaving you with nipple soreness. A lactation consultant is available at the hospital where you can be taught how to adjust your baby’s feeding position so that their mouth will be able to latch properly to help minimize the pain. Most hospitals provide new mothers with access to lactation consultant so they will be able to learn how to handle their baby at their breast to improve the baby’s latch with their mouth.
Fortunately, there are ways for you to alleviate the pain and that is by looking for remedies for sore nipples from breastfeeding.
What Are Natural Remedies For Sore Nipples From Breastfeeding?
You’re probably looking for skin care breastfeeding tips to help you handle the pain caused by cracked nipples after feeding. Well, the good news is that there are a dozen natural remedies for sore nipples from breastfeeding that you can try out such as:
Breast milk –
If breast nipple pain is caused by breastfeeding, why not use your own milk to help soothe your sore breasts? Your mother might have suggested the use of your own milk supply to reduce soreness in your breast because of its antibacterial as well as its healing properties and she will be right. Add a few drops of your milk on your breast as well as painful nipples before you breastfeed. You should do the same after you finish feeding. Allow your skin to air dry. You should repeat this remedy until the soreness disappears [1].
Warm compress –
Nipple pain can be alleviated prior to feeding by placing a warm compress on your nipple and areola to help soothe the pain away. Another way to alleviate breast pain is to run warm water on your breast while you shower or take a bath [2]. Warm compress also helps dislodge any blockages on your milk ducts so that there will be more breast milk being produced. If the blood vessels on your skin becomes restricted because of shallow latch, applying heat can be useful too.
Skin Care Breastfeeding
Did you know that your milk can do more than just treat sore nipples? You might be surprised to find that it has many uses that you might not even thought of until now. Here’s what you can do with your excess milk production.
Skin cream –
If you have rosacea or acne, using milk on your skin can do you a world of good. For one thing, your milk contains antibacterial properties as well as lauric acid that can help ease the breakouts on your skin without the use of any chemicals. To use it on your face, clean your face first with warm water then apply breast milk in a circular motion. Leave it until it has dried [3].
Sore throat –
Sore throat or even thrush may be uncomfortable especially when there is the presence of yeast infection but it seems that breastmilk can help alleviate the problem as its antibacterial properties can eliminate any germs that are present in your mouth and throat. Thrush can be transferred from your baby to your nipples hence the pain.
Sunburn –
When it comes to treating sunburn, we often choose aloe vera to make the pain go away. But there are other remedies that you should try out such as your own breast milk.
Dry Skin Breastfeeding
Dry skin breastfeeding can be bothersome especially when you have to deal with dry and cracked skin on your breast. Add to this the nipple pain that you can experience when your baby doesn’t latch very well, and you know that you have to deal with this problem as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can correct dry skin breastfeeding woes with a few remedies. Here are some that you should take into consideration.
Stick with skincare routine –
Your baby is not the only one who needs skin care because you do too. Forgetting your own skin care routine can leave your breast dry, raw, and irritated especially when your baby needs to latch during feeding. The breast tissue can break when there is not enough moisture to it hence you need to figure out how to incorporate applying lotion to your body even when you are too tired [4].
Eat healthy –
Another way to counter dry skin breastfeeding is to change your diet to something healthy. Loading up on vegetables, fruits, and whole foods can also help prevent dryness on your skin so you won’t have to deal with dry and cracked breast especially during feeding.
Consider breast shells –
Mothers who often experience discomfort when they feed their baby find comfort in using breast shells. This covers the breast allowing the skin to heal. You will find that this remedy for skin care breast feeding can be useful too.
Natural Treatment
Finding remedies for sore nipples from breastfeeding doesn’t have to be difficult since there are tons of solutions available. Let’s find out what you can do when your nipples are sore.
Adjust position without unlatching –
When your baby’s mouth is attached to your nipples but you feel pain, you know that there is something wrong already. Adjusting your baby’s position can be done even without removing your baby’s latch on your areola.
Consider using nipple shields –
The use of shields for nipples while you are giving your baby your breast may cause more problems if not handled properly. These shields are somewhat similar to the plastic that you find in baby bottles to minimize the pain especially when your baby is still learning how to latch with their mouth properly. You need to practice with this or have an expert help you out [1].
Reverse pressure softening –
Another example of remedies for sore nipples from breastfeeding is to do reverse pressure softening especially when there is swelling on your breast. Applying gentle pressure on the base of your areola can help expel excess milk so that there will be less pain on your breast. If mastitis is causing swelling, that makes it difficult for your baby to latch on with their mouth, you will have to consider taking medication as prescribed by your doctor. You can also use breast pump to remove excess milk so that your breast won’t feel heavy and sore [2].
Lanolin nipple cream –
Ointment that contains lanolin provides safe treatment for sore nipples when you breastfeed. Your doctor can recommend this product when it comes to skin care breast feeding so you won’t have to endure pain that much.
These are just a few remedies that you can take advantage of when it comes to skin care breast feeding so that you’ll be able to enjoy your bonding moments with your little one.
Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding With Inverted Nipples – Breastfeeding Tools And Techniques
- Breastfeeding Positions Newborn – Everything Mothers Need To Know
- Keto Diet Breastfeeding – What The Experts Are Most Concerned About
- How Often Should You Feed Your Newborn Baby?
- What To Expect When You Start Breastfeeding Your Newborn
- 7 Superfoods For Breastfeeding Moms
- Proper Latch Breastfeeding – Everything You Need To Know + How To Video
What Are Natural Remedies For Sore Nipples From Breastfeeding, Skin Care Breast Feeding, Dry Skin Breastfeeding Resources:
[1] Today’s Parent; 10 ways to prevent and treat sore nipples while breastfeeding, Teresa Pitman, April 01, 2018.[2] American Pregnancy Association; Nipple Pain Remedies, May 05, 2018.
