What to do with cracked nipples? This is the best way to take care of them

It is common to have nipple cracks during breastfeeding. New mothers should not worry. After breastfeeding, squeeze out a small amount of milk and apply it on the nipples and areolas. Expose and dry the nipples for a short time. It is best to place them near a window in sunlight. Because breast milk has antibacterial effects and is rich in protein, it is beneficial to the healing of nipple skin.

1. Treatment

If nipple rupture occurs, in addition to paying attention to the posture of mother and baby during breastfeeding, the nipple should be warmed up before breastfeeding, massaged and a small amount of milk should be released to soften the nipple. The following methods can be used to relieve nipple pain and promote the healing of chapped nipples.

(l) When breastfeeding, you should start with the breast that is less painful to reduce the sucking force on the other breast, and let the nipple and part of the areola be sucked in the baby's mouth to prevent the nipple skin from becoming more chapped.

(2) Alternate the position of the baby during breastfeeding so that the sucking force is dispersed around the nipple and areola.

(3) Breastfeed frequently to facilitate milk emptying and soften the areola, making it easier for the baby to suck.

(4) After breastfeeding, squeeze out a small amount of breast milk and apply it on the nipples and areola. Expose and dry the nipples briefly, preferably near a window in the sun. Because breast milk has antibacterial effects and is rich in protein, it is beneficial to the healing of nipple skin. After breastfeeding, you can also apply a thin layer of water-based lanolin on the nipples. It is harmless to the baby and does not need to be wiped off before breastfeeding.

(5) After breastfeeding, wear loose underwear and bras, and put the nipple shield in the right place to facilitate air circulation and healing of skin lesions.

(6) If the nipple pain is severe or the breasts are swollen and the baby cannot suck the nipple well, breastfeeding can be temporarily stopped for 24 hours, but the milk should be expressed and fed to the baby with a small cup or spoon.

2. Nursing

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.

6. If the fissure does not heal for a long time or recurs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and you can also receive traditional Chinese medicine treatment. For mild cases, you can apply cod liver oil drops for children, but the medicine must be washed off before breastfeeding. For severe cases, you should ask a doctor for treatment.