Breastfeeding nipples are hard and a little painful

During breastfeeding, the nipples become hard and a little painful. This is often because the nipples are damaged when the baby sucks on them, which often leads to dry, painful and swollen nipples. At this time, you can use some anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. For example, you can use aloe vera gel to improve the skin of the nipple area. Mothers should strengthen breast care and clean it every day. Let’s take a look at this aspect.

Breastfeeding nipples are hard and a little painful

This situation is caused by nipple damage, biting by the child or drying and cracking. Guidance: It is recommended that this situation is caused by the child eating frequently, and the nipple is easily damaged. It is best to apply some aloe vera gel, which will not affect the child!

Precautions for breast care during lactation

1. Breast care during lactation - daily breast cleaning

Pay attention to breast care before and after the first breastfeeding. Apply clean vegetable oil on the nipples to soften the scabs on the nipples, and then scrub the breasts, nipples and areola with warm water. This is done to thoroughly remove the dirt and bacteria hidden deep inside the nipple to avoid gastrointestinal infection in the newborn.

2. Breast care during lactation - unblocking mammary ducts

When there is breast pain and lumps, it is necessary to unclog the milk ducts and prevent mastitis. Apply hot compress to the breasts for about 5 minutes, then rub the nipples lightly with your fingers and gently pull them outwards. Repeat this operation for 2-3 minutes. After the nipples soften slightly, hold up the breasts with one hand and use the palm of the other hand to massage from all sides of the breasts toward the nipples. The technique should be gentle. The milk discharged during the massage can serve as a lubricant to avoid damaging the skin.

3. Breast care during lactation - bra

During lactation, the breasts become fuller and the weight of the breasts increases suddenly. A suitable bra can support the breasts, reduce excessive stretching of the breast ligaments, and prevent breast sagging. During lactation, nipples often leak milk, so you should choose a loose, soft, and absorbent bra to avoid damage to the nipples caused by friction with hard objects.

4. Breast care during lactation - long nails are prohibited

Dirt is easily accumulated in the gaps between nails, and it is easy to scratch the baby's delicate skin. It is forbidden to grow long nails, and hands must be washed before feeding. Expressing the remaining milk by hand or using a breast pump will help with milk secretion. Squeeze out a few drops of breast milk and apply it on the nipples and areola to protect them.