Introduction:
Breastfeeding requires establishing a bond between the mother and the baby that needs time and practice to develop. During the initial breastfeeding phase, the physiological changes in the mother’s body can lead to soreness in the nipples.
Some studies suggest that nearly 90 % of women develop nipple soreness and pain during breastfeeding. A woman more commonly experiences it during the postpartum period when both the baby and the mother learn to adapt to breastfeeding.
Breast soreness and pain are not just pain, and it might be a distressing condition for a mother. It can affect the mother’s mood, psychological health, and sleep cycle. This also initiates disturbance in building the bond between the mother and the newborn.
Should a Mother Continue Breastfeeding When Suffering From Sore Nipples?
After the first birth, it is natural that every mother is cautioned while developing soreness in and around the nipples. However, there is no necessity to be highly cautioned; experiencing sore nipples does not imply a reason to stop feeding. Under such circumstances, a mother can breastfeed with a nipple that is comfortable at first, which is less sore comparatively. If this method does not put you at ease, then choosing to breast pump beforehand shall help. Breast milk has antibacterial properties, which tend to heal sore nipples. A few drops of breast milk over the cracked nipples help the condition soothe; while applying, let the area breathe free for a few minutes before dressing up.
What Causes Nipple Soreness?
Nipple soreness may occur postpartum when the mother starts lactating and learns how to breastfeed her baby.
The possible cause of sore nipples includes:
-
Poor latch techniques or improper latch are caused due to inverted or flat nipples.
-
A baby suffering from tongue tie or slippage during the feeding session.
-
Cessation of feeding session without first breaking the suction.
-
Wearing a tight-fitting bra.
-
Improper body positioning or hold while breastfeeding.
-
Tongue-tie:
Tongue-tie is an oral condition where the tongue remains attached to the lower part of the mouth, hence restricting the tongue movement. A baby suffering from tongue ties cannot open their mouth widely to latch their mother’s nipples. The baby’s sucking ability gets affected as they cannot hold it correctly which can hurt or cause soreness to the mother’s nipples.
-
You might have sore nipples because of your engorged breasts, which is the inflammation of the breast tissue. It may or may not be associated with infections.
What Are the Home Remedies for Sore Nipples?
-
Some research suggests that applying warm and moist heat can promote the healing of sore nipples.
Technique: To use moist heat on your nipples, you may wet a clean washcloth under lukewarm water, and then after squeezing the extra water, you can apply the cloth to your nipples. You may repeat the process. This remedy is also believed to heal nipple soreness in women suffering from engorged breasts. However, if you are suffering from soreness in your nipples that goes and comes back again and the pain persists for several days, it is advised to visit your doctor or lactation specialist for evaluation.
-
Breast milk has antibacterial properties that help heal cracks and soreness in your nipples.
Technique: Extract some milk from the breast and apply it to the cracked area of your nipples. Allow it to air dry and avoid wearing a bra or any other clothes.
-
Warm Compression: A warm compression can help mothers soothe their sore nipples.
-
Application of Aloe Vera: Some studies have shown that aloe vera has a natural healing capacity and pain-relieving properties that can ease the pain and soreness of the nipples.
-
Vitamin C: Healthy diet is essential for a healthy body. Vitamin C has healing power and hence can help mothers with sore nipples. It is also known to prevent infections.
-
Tea Tree Oil: Some studies suggest the usage of tea tree oil to treat sore nipples as it has antifungal and antiseptic properties.
How Can I Get Relief From Sore Nipples Due to Breastfeeding?
If you are experiencing soreness in your nipples, you must seek immediate help from your doctor. The doctor may ask you to breastfeed your baby. Followed by that they will correct your latch and positioning to have successful breastfeeding without further hurting your nipples.
The doctor might do a physical examination of your breast to note the signs of an incorrect latch, like the nipples may grow flattened, wedged, or white if the latch is inappropriate. The doctor will teach you different latch positions for breastfeeding.
Your doctor can recommend some creams and ointment for application on the sore nipples that provide some relief with tenderness. Nowadays, olive oil-based ointments are suggested for women suffering from sore nipples as they do not have a smell that can affect the baby.
Hydrogel pads are also helpful in sore nipples. They are thin sheets about the size of an areola that creates a soothing barrier for your sore nipples. It inhibits the nipples from getting rubbed by nursing or bra cups.
If you feel like your nipple pain has increased from your initial days and making your breastfeeding harder, then it may indicate some other problems like bacterial or fungal infection (thrush), or tongue-tie of your baby. You need to visit your healthcare provider for treatment immediately.
Conclusion
The occurrence of sore nipples is widespread in breastfeeding women, especially in new mothers learning the correct way to latch their babies and breastfeed them. You may seek help from experienced mothers or lactation consultants to learn how to breastfeed your baby. The doctor can teach you the right latch and different positions, which you can practice later on to determine the best suitable position for you and your baby.
