Tips to Relieve Nipple Soreness
Breastfeeding can take a toll on your sensitive nipples. Try these 8 tips to relieve nipple soreness from breastfeeding.
1. Break the Suction First
Be sure to break the suction before removing baby from the breast. Press down on the breast tissue, or slide your index finger inside his mouth between his gums. “Popping” a baby off the breast hurts!
2. Nurse on the Least Sore Side First
Nipple pain usually lessens as the milk begins to flow. Switch to the other side after you notice signs of the milk ejection reflex, i.e., milk dripping from the other nipple, a tingling sensation in your breasts, and a change in the baby’s suck and swallow rhythm.
3. Stimulate the Milk Ejection Reflex Before Feeding
Try stimulating the milk ejection reflex before you put your baby to the breast, using warm compresses, massage, or gentle pumping.
4. Breastfeed Frequently
If you can, breastfeed every two hours or so during the day. This will lessen engorgement and make it easier for baby to latch on.
5. Let Your Nipples Air-Dry Between Feedings
Express a few drops of milk and let them dry on the nipple. The immunities in your milk will help heal your skin.
6. Relieve Nipple Soreness With a Lanolin Product
Use a purified lanolin product (such as Lansinoh) on your nipples between feedings to keep the skin moist so it will heal more quickly. Avoid using preparations that must be wiped off (ouch!) before feeding the baby.
7. Wear Comfortable Fabrics
Wear an all-cotton bra that fits well to relieve nipple soreness, or go braless under a cotton tee shirt. Avoid bras with plastic or synthetic linings that hold moisture against the skin.
8. Remove Nursing Pads Properly
Nursing pads with plastic in them can aggravate sore nipples. If a pad sticks to your breast, moisten it with water to release it and avoid skin damage.