Crack in the middle of the nipple

The situation of cracking in the middle of the nipple often occurs during lactation and is a very common situation. There are many reasons for nipple cracking, such as incorrect breastfeeding posture, excessive milk secretion, etc. In addition to breastfeeding, stimulation may also cause it to occur. Therefore, we need to understand the main reasons for nipple fissures so that we can solve them according to our situation.

1. Incorrect breastfeeding method

When a new mother feeds her baby, she does not put the areola and nipple in the baby's mouth. The baby sucks on the top of the nipple many times, and the repeated friction may cause nipple cracking. In addition, if a woman habitually lets her child suck the other breast, it can also cause unilateral nipple fissures.

2. Excessive milk secretion

Some women have plenty of milk, and their babies can never finish drinking it all, which often causes milk overflow. The nipples and surrounding skin will be eroded by the milk, causing nipple erosion or eczema. If not treated or treated improperly, it will lead to nipple cracking.

3. Baby's oral factors

The child's brain has not yet fully developed and may suffer from motor dysfunction. Some babies have oral inflammation, which causes nipple cracks due to biting during breastfeeding. After the baby grows teeth, the areola may become cracked if the child does not hold the entire areola in his mouth during breastfeeding.

4. The nipple is too small or inverted

Inverted nipple is an abnormal symptom mainly caused by congenital developmental disorders. Mild inverted nipples can be easily pulled out by hand. Severe inverted nipples will have the nipple completely buried under the areola and cannot be squeezed out. Small nipples are also caused by congenital factors. This situation can easily lead to difficulties for the baby to suck milk. When sucking milk, excessive force will damage the nipples. If not handled properly, it will cause nipple rupture.

5. Soap irritation

Some women attach great importance to nipple cleansing. If they use soap or desiccant-like items to clean their nipples for a long time, excessive cleaning will cause irritation and damage to the nipple skin, resulting in nipple cracks. In addition, improper sexual life, nipple infection by bacteria, and mosquito bites can all cause nipple cracks.

What to do if a woman has cracked nipples

1. When breastfeeding, you should start with the breast that is less painful to reduce the sucking force on the other breast, and let the nipple and part of the areola be sucked in the baby's mouth to prevent the nipple skin from becoming more chapped.

2. Alternate the position of the baby during breastfeeding so that the sucking force is dispersed around the nipple and areola.

3. Breastfeed frequently to facilitate milk emptying and soften the areola, which is easier for the baby to suck.

4. After breastfeeding, squeeze out a small amount of milk and apply it on the nipples and areola. Expose and dry the nipples briefly, preferably near a window in the sunlight. Because breast milk has antibacterial effects and is rich in protein, it is beneficial to the healing of nipple skin. After breastfeeding, you can also apply a thin layer of water-based lanolin on the nipples. It is harmless to the baby and does not need to be wiped off before breastfeeding.

5. Wear loose underwear and bras after breastfeeding, and put the nipple cover correctly to facilitate air circulation and healing of skin lesions.

6. If the nipple pain is severe or the breasts are swollen and the baby cannot suck the nipple well, breastfeeding can be temporarily stopped for 24 hours, but the milk should be expressed and fed to the baby with a small cup or spoon.