Baby's nipple hurts when feeding

Many mothers will experience nipple pain after breastfeeding. This is mainly because the mothers’ improper feeding posture will cause the baby to bite the nipple. Therefore, if the baby has nipple pain when feeding, mothers should choose the correct posture, apply hot towels to the breasts and massage the breasts. This is mainly to facilitate the baby to absorb milk and avoid the baby biting the nipple and difficulty in feeding.

What causes nipple pain when feeding baby

The most common cause of nipple pain when your baby is feeding is due to improper sucking by the baby. When the baby sucks the nipple, he does not take enough of the areola into his mouth, but only holds the top of the nipple. Repeated sucking causes nipple pain.

What to do if your baby's nipple hurts when feeding

1. Before breastfeeding, the mother should take a comfortable position and apply a hot and wet towel to the breasts and areola for 3-5 minutes. At the same time, massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex and squeeze out some milk. This will soften the areola and make it easier for the baby to suck.

2. First breastfeed with the breast that hurts less, and make sure to put most of the nipple and areola into the baby's mouth. Also pay attention to changing the baby's feeding position to reduce the stimulation of the nipple caused by sucking.

3. If breastfeeding needs to be stopped due to other reasons, the mother should gently press the baby's lower jaw with her index finger, and the baby will automatically spit out the nipple. Never pull out the nipple forcibly, as this will damage the nipple.

4. If nipple cracks have occurred, squeeze out some milk after breastfeeding, apply it on the nipples and areolas, and wait for it to dry naturally. Then apply some chloramphenicol eye ointment to help reduce inflammation. You can also apply cod liver oil for your baby on it, because it contains vitamin A, which can help the epidermis recover.

5. If the baby ruptures the nipple, you can boil egg yolk into oil and apply it a few times. Pay attention to nipple care and wipe them frequently with warm water. If you take good care of them, they will not be easily broken by sucking.