For nursing mothers, cracked nipples are an uncomfortable and painful condition. Nursing should be a lovely and connecting experience, but when faced with the pain and discomfort of cracked sore nipples, it may become a difficult challenge.
This in-depth article will explain the reasons why you develop cracked nipples and look at practical solutions as well as safe, natural home remedies.
Possible Causes Of Cracked Nipples
Improper Latch
An incorrect latch is one of the main reasons for cracked nipples, particularly in breastfeeding women. The baby’s improper latching onto the breast might rub against the soft nipple tissue, causing injury and soreness.
Dry Skin
Nipple dryness can cause soreness and cracking. It is sometimes made worse by exposure to extreme weather or over-washing. In order to avoid this problem, appropriate nipple hygiene using pregnancy products should be maintained.
Stretching Of Your Nipples
During the first few days of breastfeeding, it is common for your nipples to extend and stretch. This condition usually occurs due to your baby’s sucking movement during feedings and causes your areolas and nipples to become cracked and sore. But don’t worry, as with proper care, the stretching subsides in a few days.
Use Of Harsh Soaps
The skin around your breasts may lose its natural oils due to the use of abrasive soaps or cleansers, which makes it more prone to breaking.
For nipple care, it’s critical to select soft, fragrance-free products. For instance, you can opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Body Wash, enriched with organic actives like ginger and orange essential oils, coconut-based cleansers, and pro-vitamin B5 that offer deep moisturisation to your skin and prevent irritation.
How To Treat Cracked Nipples
Make sure your baby latches properly to prevent cracked or sore nipples / Image credit: Freepik
Make Sure Your Baby Latches Correctly
For nursing women, getting the proper latch and a comfortable breastfeeding posture are essential. This helps protect your already delicate nipples from further harm while also ensuring that your baby gets the nutrition they require.
If required, getting advice from a lactation specialist can make all the difference in your success with nursing. Their skills can assist in transforming what can initially appear to be a difficult activity into a soothing and comforting experience for both you and your infant.
Use Nipple Shields
Nipple shields form a safe barrier between your baby’s mouth and the wounded nipple, allowing you to continue nursing while your nipple recovers.
However, it’s important to practise caution when using nipple shields. It is strongly advised that you seek advice from a medical professional or lactation specialist before using them. They may advise you on its proper use and make sure it doesn’t obstruct your baby’s latch or eating.
Apply Nipple Creams
Nipple creams, designed especially for nursing women, are an invaluable tool when it comes to easing discomfort and hastening the healing process. Look for products with all-natural ingredients, such as cocoa butter lotion for cracked nipples and moisturising properties.
These lotions serve to build a barrier of defence that shields your nipples from further irritation while also offering relief. You may significantly improve your comfort and recovery by using them after each feeding session and by making sure to clean the region before the subsequent meal.
Give Warm Compress
For aching and injured nipples, a warm compress can be extremely helpful. Incorporating this simple yet effective method before and after breastfeeding sessions can help relieve pain and encourage healthy blood flow to the affected area. This, in turn, speeds up the natural healing process.
Rest and Steer Clear of Irritants
Start by avoiding wearing tight clothing that can press or rub against the afflicted area. Choose mild, hypoallergenic soaps as well so that the skin won’t lose its natural oils and become more susceptible to harm.
Choose breathable clothing and make sure your nipples are kept dry because excessive moisture can also be bothersome. These ostensibly minor changes can go a long way towards helping your nipples heal and staying healthy and comfy throughout your nursing experience.
Instead of investing time and energy in individual products that will help you heal cracked nipples, you can also consider trying The Moms Co.’s Natural Nipple Butter. It is formulated with Kokum Butter and Calendula oil which soothes cracked skin. It also contains Vitamin E which restores skin moisture and elasticity.
After feeding, clean your breast with a soft cloth and apply a little amount of nipple butter. It is totally up to you if you want to remove it before breastfeeding again. Since it is made from all-natural ingredients, it does not harm the baby at all. Use it daily to avoid cracked nipples.
Home Remedies For Cracked Nipples
Use a nourishing nipple butter to soothe swelling and pain in your breasts / Image credit: Freepik
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural emollient that can help moisturise and mend damaged nipples. After each feeding, massage the afflicted area with a tiny amount of organic, unrefined coconut oil. Additionally, its antibacterial qualities can help stop infections.
Vitamin E Enriched Products
Vitamin E is well-known for its skin-nourishing qualities. Use a lotion or ointment designed exclusively for nipple care that contains vitamin E. These goods can supply vital nutrients that support healing and preserve the health of your skin. For best results, apply to the affected area as instructed on the packaging.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is yet another fantastic all-natural cure for cracked nipples. It may calm and nourish damaged skin and is well-known for its deep moisturising qualities. After breastfeeding, as well as whenever necessary during the day, gently massage a tiny amount of raw, unprocessed shea butter onto your nipples.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an easily available kitchen essential that can be used to treat damaged nipples. It moisturises and eases pain and suffering. Massage a few drops of extra virgin olive oil into your cracked nipples.
It can be difficult and painful to deal with cracked nipples, especially for breastfeeding women. It’s crucial to realise that this problem can be treated and avoided with proper care. Keep in mind that getting advice from medical experts, such as lactation consultants, can be a huge help during this trying time.
Don’t let cracked nipple treatments stop you from bonding with your baby when nursing or from taking good care of your nipples. You can get through this problem and continue to provide secure, comforting care for your infant with persistence and the appropriate techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you heal a cracked nipple fast?
Ensure a healthy latch during breastfeeding, apply nipple creams, and maintain good nipple cleanliness to hasten the healing of a cracked nipple. As an additional precaution during feeds, think about using nipple shields.
How long does a cracked nipple take to heal?
With the right care, cracked nipples can recover in a matter of days to weeks. However, this varies from person to person. For a quicker recovery, consistency in treatment and adherence to suggested practices are crucial.
Is coconut oil good for cracked nipples?
Yes, coconut oil works wonders as a natural cure for damaged nipples. It has antibacterial qualities that can guard against illness in addition to moisturising the skin.
Will cracked nipples heal while breastfeeding?
Yes, cracked nipples can heal while nursing if the underlying causes are addressed and the right techniques and treatments are employed. In order to speed up this healing process, it’s crucial to ensure a proper latch and practise adequate nipple care.
Is nipple damage permanent?
Usually, nipple injury is not irreversible. It can fully recover with the appropriate treatment. To avoid long-term problems, it’s essential to address the reasons as soon as possible.
Also Read:
Nipple butter solutions to painless breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can be a sore experience, especially for beginners. Learn how it can be painless in this article.
Breastfeeding secrets: Breastfeeding is not as easy as it seems and these secrets will help beginners in their journey to nursing.
Breastfeeding problems: Breastfeeding is not the same for everyone? Wondering if anything could be wrong with your experience. Find out in detail in this article.
Breastfeeding techniques: It is not easy to master breastfeeding from the get-go. It takes time and patience. These techniques will help you boost this process.
Diet for breastfeeding mothers: Breast milk is the only source of nutrition for children for a long time. Ensure you’re eating healthy and provide for your baby by following a proper diet.
Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com