How to quickly recover from cracked nipples for new mothers

When women just become mothers, due to lack of knowledge about breastfeeding, they often fail to take proper care of their nipples and breasts, which can easily cause nipple rupture. New mothers feel very painful in their nipples. When this happens, they can apply hot compresses before breastfeeding to promote blood circulation. In addition, if it is particularly painful, you can temporarily prevent the baby from sucking the affected breast.

How to treat cracked nipples

1. When the nipples are cracked, apply hot and wet compresses before each feeding, massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex, and then squeeze out a little milk to soften the areola, making it easier for the nipple to connect with the baby's mouth.

2. After each breastfeeding, squeeze out a little milk and apply it on the nipples and areola to keep the nipples dry. At the same time, the protein in the milk promotes the repair of damaged nipples.

3. When the fissure is very painful, do not let the baby suck. Use a breast pump to suck out the milk in time, or squeeze out the milk by hand to feed the baby to reduce the inflammatory response and promote healing of the fissure. But do not give up breastfeeding easily, otherwise it will easily lead to a decrease in milk supply or the occurrence of milk boils and mastitis.

4. When the nipples are cracked, apply hot and wet compresses before each feeding, massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex, and then squeeze out a little milk to soften the areola, making it easier for the nipple to connect with the baby's mouth.

5. When feeding, suck the healthy breast first. If both breasts are cracked, suck the lighter side first. Make sure the baby holds the nipple and most of the areola in his mouth, and change the feeding position frequently to reduce the stimulation to the nipple when sucking hard.

6. After feeding, press the baby's lower jaw lightly with your index finger, and when the baby opens his mouth, take the opportunity to pull out the nipple. Do not pull the nipple out of the baby's mouth abruptly.

7. After each breastfeeding, squeeze out a little milk and apply it on the nipples and areola to keep the nipples dry. At the same time, the protein in the milk promotes the repair of nipple damage.

Can I still breastfeed if I have cracked nipples?

When nipples become cracked, you can still continue breastfeeding, but you must pay attention to correcting the baby's sucking method. The baby should not only suck the nipple, but also the areola.

When breastfeeding, feed the breast that is feeling good first. This is because a hungry baby will use more force when sucking milk for the first time. After sucking one side, then the cracked side, the sucking force will be slowed down and the pain will be reduced. After breastfeeding, you can apply a small amount of breast milk on your nipples. Milk has antibacterial effects, and the rich protein it contains is also beneficial for epidermal repair.