What to do if your nipples crack during breastfeeding

For female friends, breast diseases are common diseases, such as pain and swelling caused by hyperplasia. For breastfeeding mothers, problems such as milk engorgement and lumps are more likely to occur at this time. Nipple cracks are also common. In addition, the long-term and repeated sucking of breastfed children often aggravates the condition. So below we will provide mothers with some care measures for this problem, hoping to help everyone.

For breastfeeding women with nipple fissures, in mild cases only cracks will appear on the surface of the nipple, while in severe cases there will be local exudation and bleeding. If it does not heal over time and recurs repeatedly, it is easy to form small ulcers, and improper treatment can easily cause mastitis. 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, and a small amount of milk should be squeezed to soften the nipple. At the same time, 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.

The above lists five measures for the care of nipple fissures for breastfeeding mothers. It should be said that for this problem, as long as it is handled properly, the breast wound will heal quickly. The key is to pay attention when feeding the child. Of course, if the pain is severe or the milk swelling increases, then direct feeding needs to be stopped and the child should be fed through a breast pump.