Sore Nipple Relief for Breastfeeding Moms

Relieving Breast Irritation When Nursing

Feb 10, 2009 Julie Ackendorf

Though sore nipples are not necessarily common when breastfeeding, they can happen, and there are things moms can do to help relieve the soreness and pain.

Breastfeeding is a natural feeding choice that many mothers make. Just because something is natural however does not necessarily make it easy. Breastfeeding can come with some challenges, and one of these challenges is sore nipples. Many women assume that nipple soreness during breastfeeding is normal. The reality is nipple soreness is a sign of a problem. Luckily there are things a nursing mother can do to prevent nipple soreness and to relieve it if it has already occurred.

Make Sure Baby is Latching Properly

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services latching issues can lead to sore nipples when breastfeeding. If a baby's mouth is not opened wide enough or if the baby is not in a good position to take the breast into the mouth properly the result can be a mother with sore nipples. Nursing mothers should experiment with positions to find the ones that work best for them and their babies. Mothers having trouble finding a good position might benefit from seeking the assistance of a lactation consultant.

Cleanse Nipples with Water Only

It is important that breastfeeding mothers do not use soap to clean their breasts. Soap can dry out skin and contribute to soreness and cracking. Using warm water on the nipples is enough to get them clean and can prevent pain.

Check Yourself and Your Baby for Thrush

Thrush is a type of yeast infection that babies can sometimes get in their mouths. If a baby has thrush, the infection may be passed to the mother and affect her nipples. Thrush can cause nipple soreness. A mother can tell if her baby has thrush by looking into her mouth. If the baby has a white coating in her mouth she might have thrush and should be taken to a pediatrician for treatment. The mother should also see her doctor for medication.

Use Breast Milk to Heal the Breast

Breast milk has healing properties and can be used by a mother to help relieve nipple soreness. After feeding her baby, a mother can express a little bit of milk and apply it to her nipples like a salve.

Lanolin to Relieve Soreness

A nursing mother can use lanolin to help relieve nipple soreness. This can be rubbed on nipples after breastfeeding. It does not need to be removed before nursing again as it is safe for the baby.

Temporarily Use a Nipple Shield

Nipple shields can be used by nursing mothers whose soreness makes it very difficult to breastfeed. These shields are placed over the nipple to protect it while a baby is sucking and can help the breast heal and avoid further irritation. Nipple shields should not be used long term.

Nursing mothers who experience experience severe nipple soreness should consult with their physicians, especially if they have tried all methods to prevent and eliminate pain and nothing is working.

The copyright of the article Sore Nipple Relief for Breastfeeding Moms in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Julie Ackendorf. Permission to republish Sore Nipple Relief for Breastfeeding Moms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sore Nipple Relief for Breastfeeding Moms