Sore Nipples when Breastfeeding
Moms, especially first-timers, face the problem of their nipples becoming sore or cracked due to nursing at some time or the other. It takes some time to get the knack of overcoming and prevent this condition altogether. This article provides some tidbits on the how, and suggests techniques of solving the problem if it occurs.
Majority of the time, nipples become sore because the child has not latched on properly. Is your baby holding just the nipple in its mouth? Then you need to coax the child to latch on to the areola, instead of the nipple alone. Observe the kid's lips closely. Does it suck with its lips turned inwards? This creates a biting sensation at the nipples. Tickling below its chin will make the child curl its lips outwards, and ease the pressure on the nipples.
Some mothers have the habbit of washing their breasts frequently and all too excessively. This is not required. Especially taboo is the tendency to apply soap on the nipples. In the first few weeks, the nipples are a little tender, and can definitely do without such harsh treatment. After every feeding, let the breasts air dry for about ten minutes.
During the entire nursing period, it would be prudent to skip those tight-fitting bras made of synthetic material; and instead, wear loose-fitting cotton bra at all times. This helps alleviate the soreness problem to a great extent.
Before starting the feeding, try expressing some milk by hand. This softens the areolas and prepares them for the suction process ahead. While the feeding is going on, gently massage the breast, so that the nipple tissues do not get stiff. Do not try to rush through the process. Let the baby get its fill to its heart's content. If, after the baby is through, you continue to have a feeling of fullness in the breast, it might be best to express the milk by using breast pumps, and storing for later use. This helps in the breasts not becoming engorged.
After the feeding is over, the child should be gently weaned away from the breast. For this purpose, put your finger tip at the corner of the baby's mouth. Gently move the child away. After several rounds of doing this consistently, the baby begins to understand; and lets go of the nipple without causing any harm.
Nurse frequently before the child is overly hungry. A very hungry child tends to pull at the nipples aggressively, leading to injury and soreness.
A correct posture while feeding is very important. Both you and the child should be as comfortable as possible during this time. An incorrect posture might cause tugging at the breast tissues, which could be harmful in the long run. Also, keep changing the nursing position in a session.
Lanolin and Vitamin E oils are quite popular amongst moms facing cracked nipples recurrently. These oils have a soothing effect on the nipple skin. While quite harmless on their own, it would be prudent to wash them off before feeding the baby.
Sore nipples should be treated to packs of crushed ice after each feeding. The cooling effect relaxes and heals the nipple skin to a great extent.
Breast shields are available in the market for cupping the breasts in such a way, that air circulates around the nipples at all times. This continued exposure to air too clears the soreness.
A sore nipple that refuses to ease is best shown to a medical worker or doctor for advice. Also ensure that there is no mastitis in the breasts.