Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding
I recently started breastfeeding, and my nipples are so sore! I don’t know if I will be able to continue. Is there anything that can help?
Ouch! Sore nipples can make your eyes cross and cause you to wince in pain. Some moms notice that their nipples are not only red and sore, but have tiny cracks that bleed. Don’t despair and please don’t give up just yet, there are some tried and true remedies that will help.
The Guilt Free Zone Let’s face it, breastfeeding can be difficult, and we have to remember that this is a new skill for both mom and baby. It may take some time to settle in and find a painless way to feed your little one. You might be hearing lots of conflicting advice about what to do and what not to do, and the last thing any of us needs is guilt. First, let me reassure you that many moms have tender and sore nipples, which (thankfully) improve in time. Let’s start with how to prevent soreness and then we’ll talk about how to soothe the pain.
Protect Your Nipples- Position is key here. If the baby is not positioned just right, your nipples will rub against his or her tongue or the roof of the mouth. If there’s pain when they latch on, release the suction and gently reposition the baby.
- Limit the time you nurse or pump to no more than 30 minutes per side. 15-20 minutes is best. Also avoid using too much suction when you pump.
- Allow your nipples to air dry and avoid breast pads with plastic backing.
Soothe Sore Nipples- After breastfeeding, rub some of your milk onto the surface of the nipples and allow them to air dry.
- Try a lanolin cream, such as Lansinoh. This safe and effective treatment is the only cream that does not need to be wiped off before breastfeeding.
- Hydrogel pads can also provide soothing relief for the nipples.
- Nipple shields, though not recommended by most lactation consultants, may be the only way that some babies are able to breastfeed. If this is the case with your baby, then by all means use it without guilt.
- If latching on is just too painful, then consider pumping to keep your supply up.
For more helpful tips see
Your Personal Guide to Breastfeeding.
About The AuthorBarbara Dehn is a practicing Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, award winning author, and a nationally recognized health expert. Barbara wrote and publishes a series of innovative and award-winning women's health guides on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding. Her Blue Orchid Guides have been used by millions of women across the country and were designed to 'Empower Women with Information.'
Barbara practices with Women Physicians in the heart of Silicon Valley. She has over 20 years experience listening to and caring for women. She's helped countless women and couples navigate their way through pregnancy and the transitions of parenthood.
