How to Cope With Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding

Sore nipples can make breastfeeding painful

Some women experience painfully-sensitive nipples when they are breastfeeding. Generally, this sensitivity will ease quickly as you continue to nurse your baby. However, some women will continue to experience sore nipples as they breastfeed. This soreness is often due to your newborn being a vigorous nurser or to the fact that your baby does not have a proper latch on your nipple. Below are some tips for dealing with sore nipples while you are breastfeeding your baby.

Things You'll Need

• Breast shells
• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream
• Tea bags

Instructions

1. Make sure that your baby is positioned correctly. Position your baby so that her entire body is facing your breast and be sure that your entire areola, not just your nipple, is in her mouth.

2. Allow sore or cracked nipples to air dry after each feeding. Be sure that your bra or clothing is not irritating your nipples by wearing breast shells.

3. Change your nursing pads often, especially if they are damp. Be sure that your nursing pads do not have a plastic liner. This will only increase the irritation to your already sore nipples.

4. Use a commercial nipple cream to help ease the discomfort of cracked nipples. After you nurse your baby apply medical-grade lanolin to your nipples.

5. Wash your nipples with water only. Do not use soap, alcohol, or moistened towelettes.

6. Wet tea bags with cool water and place them over your nipples. This will help to soothe your sensitive nipples.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to change your baby's position each time that you nurse. This will ensure that your nipple is not getting compressed in the same way every time that your baby nurses.

• Do not nurse from only one breast just because it is less sore. Use both breasts at every feeding, even if just for a few minutes.

• Nurse from the less painful breast first. Generally, your baby will suck more vigorously when she first begins to nurse.

• If your baby does not have a proper latch and is sucking only on your nipple and not your entire areola, not only will you become sore but your baby will become frustrated because he will have more difficulty getting milk.

• Do not use petroleum based products on your nipples.

• If you nipples are cracked and bleeding, check them often for signs of infection.