What should I do if my nipples are scratched?

Since breastfeeding, the mother's nipples sometimes become very itchy. At this time, the mother will choose to scratch them with her hands. As a result, if she scratches too often, the nipples will be scratched, causing pain and even bleeding. When encountering such problems, mothers should not worry too much and just handle them normally. So the question is, what should you do if your nipple is scratched?

First of all, you should apply a hot towel to your breasts frequently. If your milk is swollen, remember not to apply it to the nipples, but apply it around the breasts. If your milk is not engorged, you can apply it to your nipples, but the towel should be very soft. Some people say to apply it before breastfeeding. Of course, if conditions permit, it is best to apply it before breastfeeding. Personally, I think you can apply it whenever you have free time.

Secondly, there are some things to pay attention to when dressing. If your nipples are broken, it is best not to wear tight clothes, or clothes made of hard materials or of poor quality. Secondary pain is easy to occur, so choose some light and soft clothes.

Also, if your nipples are broken, never use nipple stickers. You may feel good when using them, but after using them it will only aggravate your wound and make you very dependent on them. Also, don't rely on a breast pump, as it will cause nipple edema and deformation. Then, after each feeding, apply sesame oil (preferably black sesame oil, because sesame oil can be eaten raw, and you don’t need to wipe it off every time you feed. Rapeseed oil is also good, but it needs to be cleaned, otherwise the baby may have diarrhea after eating it)

Finally, nipple pain will usually last until the baby is about one month old. At this time, the breasts are already accustomed to feeding. You can rub some after-feeding milk on the nipples after each feeding, and there is no need to apply sesame oil.

ps If the environment at home allows, you can let the nipples come into contact with the air more often to speed up wound healing. I have done this by cutting two holes on the chest of my home clothes.