World Breastfeeding Week 2018: Sore nipples? Go au naturel

Breastfeeding moms, do you know that applying your own breast milk can heal your sore and cracked nipples?

By: Aishwarya Vaidya | | Updated: August 6, 2018 1:28 pm

Breastfeeding is one-of-a-kind experience for any woman unless it turns out to be painful. Your happiness can turn into nightmare if you suffer from sore nipples while breastfeeding your baby. There are many reasons due to which you may suffer from sore and cracked nipples. Also Read - World Breastfeeding Week: 6 tips to care for your breasts while nursing

Due to the incorrect position of the baby during breastfeeding, moms may experience sore nipples which can hurt. Moms, you will take the time to understand the right position to breastfeed your baby and you may be worried whether you have done it correctly. Your baby may suck strongly and this too can cause sore and painful nipples. So, if you also suffer from the condition called sore nipples, just visit your lactation expert and seek medical advice. This will help you to determine the cause and act accordingly. Furthermore, if your nipples are bleeding make sure that you inform your expert as the blood shouldn’t go into your baby’s mouth. Also Read - Want to make your breast milk more nutritious for your baby? Exercise more

For cracked, bleeding or painful nipples, try these home remedies:
• Breast milk: To heal sore, dry or cracked nipples, you can apply your own breast milk. After breastfeeding your baby, apply it 4-5 times a day.
• Ice cubes: Put a few ice cubes in the clean cloth and place it on your nipples for some time. This will relax and relive you.
• Apply aloe vera gel: This can help you as aloe vera has soothing properties and when you apply the gel on your nipples, it can help you to calm down.
• Basil: It has healing properties and can be a boon for your skin. Grind the basil leaves and add a little honey. Apply this paste on your nipples and then you can wash it off after some time. This will help you to tackle your sore nipples.
• Maintain a good personal hygiene: Keep the area clean and wear a good quality bra which will not irritate your nipples.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C which contain antioxidants: Eating fruits and veggies like broccoli, kale, oranges, guava, kiwis and so on can help you to treat your sore and cracked nipples.
• Avoid using soaps and chemicals on your nipples: If you experience sore and cracked nipples, then avoid using harsh soaps with chemicals. Moreover, avoid using powder or deodorant on your breast. Also Read - Lactation helps reduce risk of maternal postpartum diabetes: Other benefits of breastfeeding

These are a few tricks which you can try and if the problem still persists, seek immediate medical attention.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published : August 6, 2018 10:02 am | Updated:August 6, 2018 1:28 pm

Read Disclaimer

Did you know? Uterine defects during menarche cause fertility problems

Natural ways to deal with irregular heartbeat

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Did you know? Uterine defects during menarche cause fertility problems

Natural ways to deal with irregular heartbeat

Breast cancer: Male sex hormones can effectively help in treating this condition

Androgen therapy proposed as alternative treatment for breast cancer: How it is different from endocrine therapy?

Breast cancer in men: Warning signs and symptoms to look out for

Beware! Dimples on breast could be a sign of breast cancer

Gut bacteria may increase the risk of some breast cancers: Study

About The health Site

Useful Links