Why do nipples crack?

It is the first time for them to breastfeed their babies, and they do not have much experience. In addition, they do not know how to take care of their breasts properly, which can cause their nipples to become too dry and crack. Milk may even remain on the breasts for a long time and not be wiped clean in time, which can cause the nipples to crack due to dryness. Cracked nipples require some methods to be handled and cared for to avoid affecting the baby's normal breastfeeding progress.

Causes of Nipple Cracks

The nipple skin of a new mother is relatively delicate and cannot withstand the stimulation of the baby's sucking, especially when there is insufficient milk or the nipples are too small or inverted. As the baby sucks and bites the nipples hard, the nipple epidermis is soaked in saliva and becomes softened, peeled off, and eroded, forming cracks of varying sizes. In addition, the baby's sucking posture is incorrect, and the nipple and most of the areola are not covered, or the nurse excessively cleans the nipple with soap, alcohol and other irritants, causing the nipple to become too dry, which can easily cause the nipple skin to crack. In severe cases, the nipple may become ulcerated and lead to secondary infection.

Usually, the yellow liquid that seeps out of the crack will form a scab after drying, which is dry and painful. Especially when the baby is feeding, it will feel like a knife cutting and is unbearable. Once bacteria enter through the crack, they will invade the breast and cause mastitis or breast abscess, necessitating the interruption of breastfeeding.

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. When the fissure is very painful, do not let the baby suck. Use a breast pump to extract 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.