SORE NIPPLES Pain during breastfeeding is a sign of a problem and should not be ignored. Although sore or tender nipples are common during the first few days of breastfeeding, it should improve. Normal soreness or pain usually occurs for about a minute when the baby first latches on to the breast. Pain that is severe or continuous or that occurs again after it seemed to resolve is a sign of a problem and should be corrected. Other problems may include cracked, bleeding, or bruised nipples. CAUSES OF SORE NIPPLES Improper positioning. Problems with latching on. A poor let-down reflex. Pulling the baby's mouth away from the breast without first breaking the suction. The baby having a short frenulum (the frenulum connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth). This is also called "tongue-tie." GENERAL BREAST CARE AND TREATMENT OF SORE NIPPLES Allow some breast milk to dry on your nipples. Breast milk contains natural skin softeners and antibodies to fight infection, which can help heal nipples and keep them healthy. Let your nipples air-dry after each feeding. This prevents clothing from sticking to and irritating the breast. Moistening the nipple helps detach stuck clothing. To reduce pain, apply cool compresses to your nipples after breastfeeding. Gel pads can also be used on dry nipples. If your nipples are very sore, placing breast shields inside your bra to prevent contact between clothes and nipples may help. Use proper breast support. Cotton bras with wide, nonelastic straps will help support your breasts without irritating the nipples. Breastfeeding bras open at each cup to allow breastfeeding and to allow nipples to air-dry. If it is more comfortable, wear a bra at night for extra support. If your nipples are very sore, ask your doctor or lactation consultant to check your baby's tongue for a short frenulum. A short frenulum (which connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) can limit the baby's tongue movement and cause pain CRACKED NIPPLES IT is a condition that can occur in breastfeeding women as a result of a number of possible causes. Developing a cracked nipple can result in soreness, dryness or irritation to, or bleeding of, one or both nipplesduring breastfeeding. The mother with a cracked nipple can have severe nipple pain when the baby is nursing. This severe pain is a disincentive for continued breastfeeding. The crack can appear as a cut across the tip of the nipple and may extend to its base. CAUSES problems with the baby’s latch, this is the most common cause. not finding the optimal position not finding the ideal technique frequent use of a breast pump, particularly if the pump flange is too small TREATMENT OF CRACKED NIPPLES 1) APPLY FRESHLY EXPRESSED BREAST MILK Smoothing freshly expressed breast milk onto cracked nipples may help them heal by offering antibacterial protection. If you’re a nursing mother, you’ll have breast milk on hand, making it easy to apply after breast-feeding sessions. Make sure to wash your hands before gently applying a few drops of breast milk to your nipples. Allow the milk to air-dry before covering up. 2)WARM COMPRESS This is another readily available and inexpensive treatment option. While there aren’t any antibacterial benefits, you may find using warm, damp compresses after breast-feeding to be soothing on sore, cracked nipples. To apply, dip a washcloth in warm water. Wring out excess liquid. Place the washcloth over your nipple and breast for a few minutes. Gently pat dry. 3) LONOLIN APPLICATION Using a lanolin ointment ( freely available as nipcare cream)specifically designed for breast-feeding mothers will help promote moist wound healing. Apply to nipples after breast-feeding. It doesn’t need to be removed before nursing your baby. IN SEVERE CRACKED NIPPLES WHICH ARE PAINFUL. NIPPLE SHIELD CAN BE USED. To continue.....