What causes cracked nipples?

If a female friend develops cracked nipples during breastfeeding, it is likely that the baby bites the nipples while feeding. At this time, it is necessary to avoid infection of the wound. You can apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area to promote wound healing, and you should switch to feeding on the other side. Mothers can refer to the causes of nipple fissures and adjust their feeding posture during breastfeeding to avoid their recurrence.

What to do if your nipples crack while breastfeeding

If nipple cracks occur, breastfeeding on the affected side should be stopped. You can use a breast pump or hand to express the milk, disinfect it and give it to the baby. Apply cod liver oil ointment or antibiotic ointment locally to prevent infection. Promotes healing.

When you first start breastfeeding, the newborn baby is too small, the mother has no experience, and the feeding posture is incorrect, all of which may cause nipple pain and cracking. It is recommended to apply a few drops of milk on the nipples after breastfeeding and let them dry naturally to prevent cracking. If the wound has cracked, you can apply cooked cooking oil to the wound every day to promote wound healing.

Correct breastfeeding posture

Improper sucking by the baby is the most common cause of nipple pain. Mastering the correct breastfeeding posture is the key to preventing nipple pain and cracking.

Before breastfeeding, the mother should take a comfortable position, apply a hot and wet towel to the breasts and areola for 3 to 5 minutes, and massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex, squeeze out some milk, and make the areola soft so that the baby can suck more easily. First breastfeed with the breast that is less painful, and put the nipple and most of the areola into the baby's mouth. If you want to stop breastfeeding, the mother can 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. If nipple cracks have occurred, squeeze out some milk after breastfeeding, apply it on the nipples and areola, and wait for it to dry naturally.

How to quickly recover from cracked nipples

1. You can use a hot towel to apply heat between feedings to help keep the milk ducts unobstructed. Apply some medicine on the cracked nipples, and they will usually heal in about a week. Don't pump, but be aware that expressing your milk is better.

2. Use a bra to support the affected breast at ordinary times. Reduce pain caused by movement. Good breastfeeding habits that do not allow babies to fall asleep on the nipple. The milk should be sucked out every time you breastfeed, and some medicine can be applied locally and removed in time during the next breastfeeding.

If nipple pain is severe and unbearable, you can stop breastfeeding yourself, use a breast pump to express milk, let your family participate in feeding the baby, and let the baby continue to enjoy breast milk.