Sore Nipples
Some mums find that they have sore nipples from breastfeeding and fortunately a lot of the time it's temporary. There are many, many different causes and lots of little things you can do which can make a real difference.
Things to Avoid:
When your nipples are sore it can help to avoid anything that may dry or damage them further. When showering and washing your bra or reusable breast pads, it's perfectly fine to wash in warm water only without using soap. Your breast milk contains antibacterial agents anyway so soap really isn't necessary, and traces of it in your bra could hurt your nipples rather then protect them as you might usually expect.
Bras and breast pads:
If you have sore nipples it's might be a good time to make sure that your bra is fitted correctly and that it is made out of cotton, not synthetic materials. You might like to check your bra for seams across the front that rub against your nipples.
Lots of mums find that going braless for a few days wearing just an old loose t-shirt helps. If you can't do this by day then doing so while you sleep will still help. If your breasts leak at night you can place a beachtowel over the bed to soak up the milk and eliminate the need for wearing breastpads.
Whilest wearing breast pads is fine, it helps to make sure they are dry and keeping moisture away from your nipples as wetness will make them more sensitive.
Expressing:
If you need to express breast milk and you have sore nipples from breastfeeding, you might like to try hand expressing rather than using a breast pump. This can take a little practice but it is usually a lot gentler than using a breast pump and can help with engorgement.
Moisturise and Protect:
It's likely that anything you put on your nipples to relieve pain will eventually be put into your baby's mouth. Often mums find that putting their own breast milk on their nipples after a feed adn allowing them to air dry is a great way to protect and moisturise them. You might also speak to your health professional about wearing breast shells while you're not breastfeeding. They will stop your bra and clothes rubbing against your nipples.
Relaxation:
Before feeding your baby make sure you are sitting comfortably with some drinking water close by and try to relax. I know this is easier said than done but you can try lighting a candle, listening to music, and relaxing your shoulders. This will help relax you and your baby and will help with you have a let-down. You can also try putting a warm face washer on your breast and massaging your breast from the top down towards the nipple.
Feeding:
It can be helpful to feed your baby often…I know this may sound crazy especially when your nipples are sore, but short frequent feeds may help keep your baby happy and your breasts less full. A happy baby can lead to better attachment and more relaxed feeding while lighter breasts can help prevent engorgement.
If frequent feeding is painful you might like to try using different
breastfeeding positions.
If feeding often is painful it might be an idea to check if your baby is properly attached during the feed as poor attachment to try and avoid more breastfeeding problems. If you do need to reattach your baby place a clean finger between his or her lips and your nipple. This will break the suction gently rather than pulling them away from your breast…OUCH!!
Any breastfeeding pain can be very off putting and it can be difficult to see past it. But through practice, support - and sometimes perseverance - you and your baby will gain all the benefits of breastfeeding.
Please always remember to consult your health professional to find out information that is relevant to your specific situation.
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