| Although nipples may be a little tender for the first few minutes of a feeding during the first few days, breastfeeding should usually not hurt. Sore nipples are usually caused by your baby not being latched on or positioned correctly. Make sure that you are latching your baby onto the areola and not just the nipple.
Other steps you can take to prevent sore nipples, include not washing your breasts excessively and not using soap on the nipple area, use a loose fitting cotton bra that is kept clean and dry, allow your breasts to air dry for ten minutes after feedings and after washing, and use lanolin based moisturizers.
Begin feeding on the breast which is the least tender and then switch to the more tender breast once the let down reflex has occurred. You can then switch back to the other breast.
Other tips to prevent and treat sore nipples include:
- Make sure that your baby is latching-on effectively and is positioned properly, is not putting traction on your nipples, that his lips are not tucked inward (they should be curled outward instead), and that his tongue is positioned properly.
- Massage your breast while you are feeding.
- Break the suction before removing him from your breast.
- Express some milk by hand before feedings to soften the areola. You can then gently massage this expressed breastmilk on your nipples after the feeding is complete and allow it to air dry.
- Use a warm compress after feedings and an ice pack before feedings to reduce pain.
- Use a breast shield (will keep clothing off of sore nipples and allow air to circulate around them which can promote healing) and change nursing pads frequently. Avoid plastic lined bra pads and nipple shields.
- Nurse frequently before he is overly hungry so that he may suck less vigorously.
Nipple soreness should improve after a few days. If not, see your doctor, especially if you suspect that you have mastitis, which is a plugging of the ducts in the breast that can lead to infection. With mastitis, your breast may become red and tender and you will require antibiotics to fight this infection. You may continue breast feeding.
Breastfeeding Resources:
- When Latching: a great guide to latching on effectively when breastfeeding, with pictures and step by step instructions.
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