How to heal nipple cracks quickly?

During the breastfeeding period, women will encounter many problems, especially in the autumn and winter seasons, when they are particularly prone to skin diseases such as nipple cracks. If the nipple cracks are more serious, it will affect breastfeeding. The nipples will become very rough and there will be cracks on the surface. In addition, it will cause pain and even bleeding in severe cases. Therefore, nipple cracks are very harmful. So, is there any way to quickly treat nipple cracks?

What should I do if my nipples are cracked?

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.

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.

If the nipples are cracked and inverted and the baby has difficulty sucking, you can use a glass bra with a rubber nipple on it. The baby can suck the rubber nipple (indirect feeding) instead of directly sucking the mother's nipple.

If the nipples are really painful, you can use a breast pump to extract the milk in time to prevent milk accumulation and mastitis.

When nipples are cracked, you should pay attention to the way you feed your baby, allowing the baby to hold as much of the areola as possible, preferably all of it. However, do not force the nipple in the baby's mouth if it is too small to hold it in. It is best to take the opportunity to put it in when the baby opens his mouth, and then pinch the breast with your index and middle fingers to prevent it from falling out due to the baby's inability to suck it in. 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.