There are many different reasons why you may be experiencing cracked or sore nipples. Breastfeeding is sometimes a very complicated experience, and that’s ok! Especially in the beginning, it can be hard to find what works best for you and your baby. Nipple pain is no joke! Nipple pain can range from random soreness to cracked, bleeding pain.
Whether your pain is the result of a new breastfeeding journey, an improper latch, a tongue tie, or incorrect use of your breast pump, there are several simple ways to relieve that pain and heal yourself in between feeds using things you may have on hand!
Air Out the Area
This method is super simple! Just go without a bra and shirt for an hour or so. A great thing to keep in mind here is that oxygen is healing. Simply laying back and cuddling your baby with no bra on will allow you to relax. This will also allow your nipples to get some air and begin the healing process. Even if you can only get 30 minutes to an hour in between feedings, this time without a bra on (without anything constricting the area) and without your baby latched will give your breasts some time to heal, rest, and recover.
Wear the Right Bra
When you’re nipples are sore, cracked and bleeding, the last thing you want is for your bra to be too tight or too rough. During this time, you want to treat your nipples is gently as possible. Make sure your bra is soft and gentle on your skin. No one is trying to win a beauty contest right now, don’t worry about wearing a super supportive push-up. Just give your nips a bit of a break and take advantage of this time to wear something super comfortable!
Pump Every Now and Then
Many people will tell you that pumping instead of direct feeding will be detrimental to your breastfeeding journey. I’m here to tell you that it will not ruin your baby’s odds of nursing. Yes, a baby can develop a nipple preference (some refer to this has nipple confusion), but that’s nothing that you can’t work through once you’re healed. If your body needs a break, give your body a break. Try pumping or hand-expressing and giving your baby a bottle once a day. Taking a little break from your baby sucking on the area will give your body a chance to heal. Make sure you have the right flange size and the pump suction isn’t too high. Pump on a lower setting and lubricate the inside of the flange at the beginning of each pumping session.
Try to Avoid Engorgement
This is one reason I encourage mama’s to pump or hand express if you feel like you’re unable to nurse. If you let the milk build up, not only will your nipples hurt, but the rest of you will hurt as well. Engorgement can be very painful and can create other issues like clogged ducts and mastitis. If you don’t feel like you can pump, hand express into a bottle so your breastmilk is being released regularly. This way, nothing is sucking or pulling on your nipples, but the milk is still being released.
Apply Breast Milk
When women ask me what types of ointments to use on their cracked nipples, I always recommend breast milk first. I know it sounds strange, but your breastmilk is an antibacterial, healing substance. Simply dab a few drops of breastmilk onto your nipples after feeding your baby and let it air dry. (Do not apply breastmilk if you have thrush, this will only make that issue worse and spread the infection further.)
Use Breast Shells
Sometimes you don’t have the option of not wearing a bra to air out your nipples. You have to go somewhere or do something and you need to wear a bra. What do you do if that bra is rubbing and irritating your cracked nipples? Try using breast shells! These small silicone or plastic cups sit in your bra and keep your clothes from touching your nipples. This gives them time to heal as you go about your day.
Try Silver Nipple Shields
Silver nipple shields can heal your cracked skin by simply being in contact with your skin. Silver shields are designed to sit in your bra whenever you need them. You don’t need any creams or lotions to activate the silver healing properties. Just simply place them in your bra and go! These shields can heal as well as be used as a preventative measure when trying to avoid soreness, cracks, and cuts.
They are very easy to use and clean and are completely safe to simply remove from your bra right before a nursing session. There’s no need to rinse your breasts off after taking the shields out. They’re very convenient to have on hand, especially when you are on the go and you are experiencing nipple pain. Simply slip them in your bra and go. These are a favorite product of mine since they are so easy to use and are so effective for so many women.
Cold & Warm Compresses
Using a cold compress on your sore nipples can help numb the area and shrink the underlying blood vessels which will limit blood flow. Using a cold compress can also help lessen the inflammation in your breast tissues and help your milk flow more smoothly. Be careful about applying too much cold though, you don’t want to restrict the blood vessels too much and cause further irritation.
Using gentle, warm compresses can help to stimulate blood circulation under your skin and relax your breast tissues. This can facilitate better milk release. In some women, using a warm compress on your nipples can help bring down any underlying inflammation and ease your pain.
Aloe Vera Gel
This aloe vera gel is not what you buy for a sunburn from the store. This is the actual plant that I’m talking about here. Aloe vera gel is loaded with antioxidants that can help curb inflammation and promote healing in your skin. Organic aloe vera is also deeply hydrating and is sometimes more effective than lanolin in providing relief for your sore nipples. Aloe vera gel is known for its cooling, soothing properties for cuts and cracked skin. Simply cut open a fresh piece of aloe vera, scoop out the gel inside, apply to your nipples and let it dry. Don’t forget to rinse it off before your next feeding session begins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has several health benefits, including speeding up the healing process. Taking vitamin C internally, as well as using a nipple cream with vitamin C on the outside can help heal your cuts and cracks quicker. (Use code CBB10 to get 10% off at Perfect Supplements)
Change Out Your Nursing Pads Frequently
Having a wet nursing pad sitting on your nipples is not the same as simply applying breastmilk and letting it dry. Wet nursing pads are a hub for increased soreness and fungal infections. If you’re using reusable nursing pads, you might want to consider using disposable ones until your nipples have healed. This is simply because you can switch out the disposable pads more frequently than if you only have eight reusable pads and those eight are all in the wash.
Silicone Nipple Shields
We have talked about nipple shells and silver nipple shields, but we haven’t discussed silicone nipple shields. Silicone shields are a bit controversial in the birth world, but I struggle to understand why. They are an excellent tool to utilize when your nipples feel broken and your baby won’t latch properly. The argument is that nursing your baby with a nipple shield will give them a nipple preference (nipple confusion). But on the other hand, some women can only get their baby to latch/prevent excessive nipple pain by using a nipple shield. Especially in that first couple months when you and your baby are both learning how to breastfeed, and nipple shield can allow you to breastfeed without significant pain and allow your baby to latch on easier.
If you have a lactation consultant tell you not to use a shield but you are only able to breastfeed with a shield, my recommendation is to use the shield until your nipples have healed and your baby is able to open their mouth far enough to get a good latch. Many times, newborns can’t open their mouths far enough and your body is not used to having someone suck on it with such frequency. Using a nipple shield can allow you to get a break and still feed your baby.
Cuts and Cracks in Your Skin
Take the time you need to heal. But if your cracked nipples aren’t improving after a few days, and your symptoms get worse after these home treatments, definitely seek some further advice from your doctor or midwife. They will want to assess you for any type of infection, and they may refer you out to a lactation consultant.
No matter how you decide to breastfeed your baby, any amount of breastmilk is amazing! Don’t feel guilty about using any type of nipple shield, pumping instead of feeding straight from your breast, or using a bottle on occasion. Just do whatever you need to do to heal your body and feed your baby. Use the tools at your disposal to allow your body to have a break and heal.
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