Breastfeeding - Sore Nipples

Many breastfeeding mothers suffer from sore nipples. Some even give up breastfeeding because of this.

• Sore nipples are caused by improper latch-on.
• To minimize nipple soreness, make sure your baby is latching on well.
• Moisture can make sore nipples worse. If you use bra pads to absorb leaking milk, use cotton ones and change them often.
• Try to air-dry your nipples after breastfeeding. Just leave your bra flaps down if you are wearing a nursing bra.
• Do not use soap on your nipples. Just wash them with warm water when you shower. The bumps on your areola (Montgomery's tubercles) produce a protecting oil. Soap removes this oil and can cause your areola or nipple to become dry and sensitive.
• When you're finished nursing, express a drop or two of milk and rub it gently into your nipple and areola. Then let your nipple dry before you make up your bra again.
• Avoid most ointments and creams. The only one that is OK to use is pure lanolin.
• If nipple soreness persists or your nipples bleed or crack, call a lactation consultant immediately. Breastfeeding is supposed to feel good. If it hurts, there is something wrong. You should take action sooner rather than later.
• You might try to express or pump some milk for a while and give it to your baby. This way, you can nurse less often until your nipples feel better again. By this time, your baby should have learned to latch on right, and the problem shouldn't recur. If you want to do this, it's a good idea to call a lactation consultant first to make sure you don't end up losing your milk supply.
• If you are pregnant, your nipples may be sore even if you latch your baby on correctly. This type of soreness is caused by your hormones. It might get better as your pregnancy progresses, or it might continue. There is no way to avoid this type of nipple soreness. You either live with it (and end up tandem nursing), or wean your baby from the breast. If you do wean your baby, you might offer the breast again after your new one is born. See the page on tandem nursing before you make a decision.

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• Breastfeeding problems and solutions

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