Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : October 9, 2014 5:08 PM IST
Breastfeeding is often a challenge for new mums, especially during the initial days post childbirth. Sore or cracked nipples are one of the common complaints that most women suffer from during early breastfeeding days. There are various reasons for the same. Some common mistakes that mothers make during breastfeeding that could lead to cracked or sore nipples are,
Improper latching: Attaining a perfect latch during breastfeeding is a trial and error process. However with continuous practise and spending more time breastfeeding your baby, you get the hang of it soon. Improper latching, where your baby isn't suckling on to your breast the right way, can lead to cracked nipples that can turn to be painful and hinder a smooth breastfeeding experience.
Prolonged breastfeeding sessions: It is true that a breastfeeding session can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, at least during the initial days after birth. While it is important to comply with the demand of your child, but remember prolonged suckling from one breast for too long can lead to the same fate. It would be ideal to break the latch if you feel too uncomfortable during a feeding session and offer the other breast instead. However, once your baby has latched perfectly, comfort suckling is great.
Fungal infections: Oral thrush that is common in newborns after birth can at times be the reason behind cracked nipples in the mothers. Thrush is a fungal infection which can be passed on from the baby to the mother or vice versa. Timely treatment in babies can save you from the pain.
Artificial nipple introduction: Introducing the child to artificial nipples like a pacifier or a teat can lead to nipple confusion in the baby that affects proper suckling at the breast and leads to cracked or sore nipples.
Here is how you can deal with the same:
Practise proper latching techniques: One of the sure ways of saving yourself from cracked nipples is to help your child latch correctly at the breast. To do so, ensure that you hold your child right and keep him close to your chest. Your baby's head should rest on the crook of your arm, and he should have enough of the areola inside his mouth, which will initiate proper suckling and lessen the chances of cracks or soreness at the breasts. To know how to do it right read our step-by-step breastfeeding guide for help.
Use a natural moisturiser: Avoid using OTC products to deal with cracked nipples. Instead, apply a coat of ghee after the feed and wash it off before you offer the next feed to your child. Applying a dab of your breast milk can also help the sensitive area to heal faster. To treat infection or bacteria build up due to the cracked nipples wash the area with warm water and salt. Rinse it well with plain water soon after. Apart from cracked nipples there are other breastfeeding troubles too; here is how you can deal with them.
Maintain high hygiene levels: That being said you don't have to rub soap on your affected area. Just taking proper bath is enough. If you are using disposable pads to counter leaky breasts ensure that you change them every three hours to avoid infection. If possible allow your nipples to dry after a feeding session before covering them up.
Continue breastfeeding: Though it would be painful for you to do but continuous breastfeeding is encouraged by experts even despite cracked nipples and soreness. It promotes faster healing of cracked nipples and keeps your baby satiated too.
Get treated for thrush: If the nipples crack because of thrush, talk to your doctor and get treated. Remember if it is contagious and can spread from the mother to the baby and vice versa. So ideally get checked simultaneously to deal with the problem.
Image source:Getty Images
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