Breastfeeding is the most natural act for all mammals including humans. While it comes naturally for many mothers, some mothers face roadblocks when it comes to breastfeeding. A lot of effort goes into doing this most natural act by mothers. It is not an easy task. In this article, we list out top 5 tips for nipple care during breastfeeding.
While we are all aware of milk production troubles, not many are aware of nipple troubles. Yes, many mothers suffer from nipple issues while they are breastfeeding. The lack of knowledge about how to care for their breasts is one major contributing factor to this. Read on to find out some helpful tips for nipple care during breastfeeding.
In This Article
- How to Take Care of Nipples During Breastfeeding?
- Top 5 Tips For Nipple Care During Breastfeeding
- FAQ’s
How to Take Care of Nipples During Breastfeeding?
While the breasts engorge and fill with milk to support the baby’s needs, it is the nipple that supplies it. These nipples need to be taken care of to ensure there are no complications or discomfort while breastfeeding.
Nipples are very sensitive. Being the point of contact for the baby, the nipples are subject to a lot by the baby – slow sucking, fast sucking, biting, chomping, and a lot more. If you do not take diligent care of them throughout your breastfeeding journey, it can be very painful at times.
Top 5 Tips For Nipple Care During Breastfeeding
Here are the top 5 tips to help you care better for your nipples when you are breastfeeding your baby.
1. Good Moisturizer Cream
Your nipple can dry and crack. Apart from the initial cracking when the milk flows in, the dryness can cause it to crack more. It can be very painful if your clothes rub against them too.
Try to find a good moisturizing cream you can use on your nipples. These creams are not baby safe and so, you need to clean them off well before you can breastfeed your baby. Ask elders and they will recommend various oils. As these oils are consumable and not dangerous even if ingested, women of many generations used oil to keep their nipples from cracking or getting too dry.
[Read : 12 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Cracked And Bleeding Nipples]
2. Breast Massages
You can massage your breasts a couple of times a day. Massaging will not only increase the blood flow and milk supply but will prevent mastitis too. An increase in the blood flow can keep the skin nourished and prevent the nipples from drying.
When you massage, ensure you do not rub your nipples too much as the friction can hurt and dry them further. You can apply some cream or oil on the nipples before you massage them. You need to be soft and gentle with them as they can be very sensitive to touch.
3. Maintain Hygiene
Keeping your nipples clean is very important. Remember, your baby puts their mouth on your nipple and hygiene is paramount to keep your baby safe from contamination and infections.
Some reports say the bacteria from around the nipples can help improve your baby’s gut microbiome, but that does not mean you can let sweat and other dirt accumulate. If you are unable to bathe or wash regularly, you can clean your breasts with cotton wool and warm water before nursing.
4. Nipple Protector
If your nipple is damaged by the baby’s latch, you need to protect the nipples as they can hurt every time you feed your little one. Nipple protectors are made of clear plastic, cover your nipples and are in the shape of a nipple. These will have a small perforation in them to help the milk go.
You must remember that a nipple protector is only a short-term solution. You can feed your baby through this protector too. Your baby might find it hard at first to latch, but they will get used to it. You can use it anytime you feel your nipples are sore or need a break.
5. The Right Bra
When you are breastfeeding, your breasts swell up and get heavy with milk. They need the right support. Choosing the right bra is vital during breastfeeding.
Nursing bras made from cotton or other breathable material give your nipples the needed ventilation. They must be soft on the skin and not chafe the already sore nipples and skin. These bras can also absorb excess moisture and keep bacteria formation in check.
Breastfeeding can be hard on both the back and the nipples too. While everyone addresses backaches, the sore nipples are forgotten. Pay enough attention to them and take care of them too, for a smooth pain-free breastfeeding journey.
[Read : 12 Home Remedies To Treat Sore Nipples]
FAQ’s
1. Why Do My Nipples Crack?
When your baby is learning to latch, there can be a lot of friction, which can irritate and cause your nipples to crack. A breast pump with the wrong flange can also cause the nipples to crack.
2. Can I Use Nipple Butter or Creams While Breastfeeding?
Such creams are designed to be used to protect the nipples during breastfeeding. However, they are not edible. You need to clean your nipples properly before nursing your baby.
3. Why Do Nipples Change During Breastfeeding?
The nipples get bigger and the areolas get darker due to hormonal changes. The change in your nipples helps your baby to latch better.
Read Also: Prevent Your Baby From Biting During Breastfeeding
