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Many women have sore breasts or nipples, especially during the beginning of nursing. It’s normal to have some tenderness without broken skin in the first week or two. However, burning, throbbing, or shooting pain when your baby latches is not normal, and might mean a crack has developed.
It’s important to figure out what is causing cracked or sore nipples so you can fix the problem and help heal your breasts. The most common reason is an improper latch, which can also cause severe pain, or thrush or dry skin.
Using a breast pump improperly can hurt your nipples if the suction level is up too high or if the breast shields are the wrong size or are not placed in good position. If you have a history of dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, it can also be a reason for sore or cracked nipples.
Breastfeeding should be comfortable once you find some positions that work for you and a good latch is established. Womenshealth.gov shares are a few things nursing moms can do during and after breastfeeding to try to prevent or treat sore or cracked nipples. Not all of these suggestions are appropriate for everyone.
Check your baby’s latch.
Make sure your baby is going on to the breast properly. The bottom part of your areola underneath your nipple should be in the baby’s mouth.
Try different nursing positions.
Certain positions might be easier for your baby to latch on correctly, and are more comfortable than others. Lying on your back with the baby nursing from above may make it easier for the infant to take the whole areola into his or her mouth assuring a better latch.
Nurse on the less sore side.
Babies tend to suck less vigorously on the second breast and this may allow the nipple time to heal.
Take mild painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen 30 minutes before nursing.
Make sure you or the baby breaks the suction before you remove from you breast.
Clean your nipples gently.
Clean water is all you need to wash them. You can also try letting some milk stay on your nipples to air dry after a feeding. Breast milk contains live antibodies that can help fight infection or bacteria, and promotes healing.
Ointments can sometimes be helpful.
The Mayo Clinic suggests Vitamin A and D ointment. You can also try medical-grade modified lanolin made for breastfeeding mothers. Make sure you use it after nursing and don’t wash it off.
Check to make sure your bra is not too tight or rubbing on your nipples.
Keep your breast pads dry and change them often. They tend to stick to damaged nipples.
Leave your nipples exposed to the air.
This will help prevent drying and cracking and reduces the chance of a breast infection.
Don’t use soaps or drying lotions on your nipples.
Your nipples produce natural oil and lubricants that provide antibacterial properties and over-washing or chemicals can strip away that natural protection. Once you identify and correct the problem that has caused the cracked nipple, you can continue to nurse. When it’s too painful to breastfeed, try to rest one or both breasts. During this time, try pumping or hand expressing to maintain adequate milk production and to minimize the risk of mastitis. It typically takes a day or so for your nipples to fully heal once your baby is latching and sucking effectively. If a cracked or painful nipple persists, talk with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.