Easy home remedies for sore, cracked nipples that makes breastfeeding difficult

Are sore and cracked nipples keeping you from enjoying the wonders of breastfeeding?

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Breastfeeding pain in breast What causes cracked nipples breastfeeding Breastfeeding pain relief home remedies

If your nipples are reddish, itchy, or painful, you could be suffering from nipple thrush. It’s caused by candida albicans, a fungus which thrives in moist and warm parts of the body, like the mouth, vagina, diaper area, bra pads, and nipples.

Nipple thrush is one of the common roadblocks breastfeeding moms face, which could often tempt them to give up on breastfeeding altogether.

But don’t worry, here’s a quick guide on nipple thrush, what causes it, and how you can treat it.

Breastfeeding pain in breast

Breast pain, often known as nipple pain, is not normal in nursing. Although your nipples may be sensitive in the days following birth and while breastfeeding, sore nipples or breasts suggest a problem. If you are in pain, you should seek medical attention right once.

But if you are experiencing cracked nipples, you may have nipple thrush. When your nipples become cracked or injured, thrush infections can occur. This means the thrush-causing candida fungus can enter your nipple or breast.

Breast and nipple thrush (a fungal infection) can develop at any time after birth, but it is most common in the first few weeks. The following are some of the signs and symptoms:

For the duration of the breastfeeding, severe, burning nipple pain – correct attachment has no effect on the pain. The burning nipple lasts all day, not just during feedings. Breast pain varies depending on the nipple and/or breast. Sharp, shooting, scorching, stabbing, or radiating pain may be experienced across the breast. The nipples may be a brighter pink and shinier than usual. However, they may appear to be normal. Areola or nipple skin that is itchy, dry, or cracked During or between feedings, a stabbing feeling deep within your breasts What causes cracked nipples breastfeeding

A poor latch at the breast and suction trauma as a result of inappropriate positioning are two common causes of cracked nipples.

Incorrect placement can be caused by a variety of factors. Breastfeeding is an acquired skill for both mothers and infants. It takes practice to properly put the nipple in a baby’s mouth and their body against the mother.

Pinching off the nipple is a way for babies who aren’t well latched to protect themselves from powerful letdown reactions. If a baby’s latch is shallow, he or she may nurse more frequently. This is due to the fact that they are not receiving as much milk with each breastfeeding session.

In some situations, according to La Leche League International, a baby will pinch their mother’s nipple due to anatomical abnormalities, such as:

Tongue-tie High palate Little mouth Short frenulum chin that is receding

Other factors to consider are:

nipple confusion (possible if you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or giving pacifiers to your child) troubles with sucking During nursing, the baby’s tongue retracts or is poorly positioned.

It’s critical to figure out what’s causing your cracked, aching nipples so you don’t have to deal with it again. Speak with a certified lactation consultant. They’ll be able to assess your latch and breastfeeding practices. They can also examine the sucking patterns and strength of your newborn.

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Home remedies for sore cracked nipples from breastfeeding

Another way to confirm if you have nipple thrush is if the deep, shooting pain isn’t lessened by better latching or positioning when nursing. Here are a few breastfeeding pain relief home remedies.

1. Using your own breastmilk as a balm

Possessing antibacterial properties is one of the many great things about breast milk. That’s why it can help soothe and treat dry and cracked nipples. Just pat a few drops onto the affected nipple before and after nursing and allow them to air dry.

2. Apply warm compress

Pressing a warm towel onto your breast before breastfeeding can not only soothe nipple pain, it could also boost breastmilk production and cleanse the area. You can also take a warm shower if you prefer!

3. Moisturize

Olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil can do wonders in reducing dryness by deeply moisturizing cracked nipples. Another tip would be to use tea tree oil! Its antiseptic properties could help hasten healing and prevent problems with sore nipples from recurring.

4. Use the power of herbs

Harness the power of herbs like natural aloe vera and ground-up basil leaves paste, which possess natural healing properties. Be careful to wash off aloe vera thoroughly before breastfeeding, though, as it’s been known to cause diarrhea in infants.

5. Chamomile tea

This type of tea’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties don’t just work when ingested, applying the tea bags directly onto affected areas could also do the trick!

After squeezing out excess water and letting them cool, leave the tea bags on the nipples for a few minutes. Remember to wash thoroughly with warm water before breastfeeding!

Other ways to relieve nipple problems are constant air exposure, feeding frequently, changing positions when feeding, avoiding bras that are too tight, changing breast pads often, and avoid using soap, alcohol, or petroleum-based products when washing your nipples.

Medical treatment sore cracked nipples from breastfeeding

A topical antifungal ointment for your nipples and an oral rinse for your infant are the standard treatments for thrush in breastfeeding parents and babies.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for therapy. All over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for you and your baby should be cleared with your child’s pediatrician when you’re nursing.

Antifungals that are commonly used to treat nipple and oral thrush include:

Miconazole Clotrimazole Nystatin Fluconazole

However, it is best to consult your doctor first before trying any kind of medication. Even for home remedies, you may ask your doctor to confirm if this can be beneficial for you or it might worsen the situation.

Have you ever experienced nipple thrush, moms? What method of treatment worked for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Updates by Margaux Dolores

Better Health, Medical News Today, Healthline

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.

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