I have cracked nipples, what can I do?
Cracked nipples are one of the common problems a breastfeeding mother might encounter. But what causes cracked nipples? How can these nipple injuries be prevented? What's the best way to treat cracked nipples? Are there any natural solutions? Let's find out.
What are cracked nipples?
A cracked nipple is a nipple with lesions or wounds on the nipple or areola. These lacerations are very painful and can compromise breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding should never hurt. Nor should we try to get used to pain, or even minor discomfort. In this case, a cracked nipple, while not uncommon, shouldn't be considered normal. If you have this type of injury, you should look for the cause in order to solve the problem. Remember that Breastfeeding is a moment of well-being for both the baby and the mother. Numerous hormones, such as prolactin and oxytocin, are secreted during breastfeeding, and breastfeeding is synonymous with well-being, not pain.
What are the causes of cracked nipples?
No, Breastfeeding is not the cause of cracked nipples.. Again, cracked nipples, while common, are not a normal consequence of breastfeeding. However, an improper position, a poor grip, or the presence of a sublingual frenulum may cause injuries to the mother's nipples.
In cases of poor positioning when feeding, it's common for the baby to latch onto only the nipple and compress it with their gums, between their tongue and hard palate, or pull on it. This ultimately leads to... formation of wounds or sores after a few takes.
On the other hand, the frenulum sublingual, which is nothing more than the a short frenulum causing the tongue to be attached to the floor of the mouth, It prevents the baby from making the necessary movements to feed effectively and without compromising the mother's well-being. Even so, before intervening on the baby's tongue-tie, it's essential to confirm that this is the cause of the discomfort, as not all babies with a tongue-tie experience difficulties extracting the necessary milk. It would be appropriate to check if the baby is feeding with their mouth wide open, lips turned inward, nose and chin touching the breast, close to the mother, and with the baby's ear, shoulder, and hip aligned.
In summary:
There are three main causes of cracked nipples:
- Inappropriate position.
- Poor grip.
- Presence of sublingual frenulum.
You need to make sure that:
- The baby feeds with its mouth wide open.
- His nose touches his chest.
- His chin touches his chest.
- It is completely attached to the mother.
- Her ear, shoulder, and hip are aligned.
How to prevent cracked nipples?
Cracked nipples often appear in the first few days of breastfeeding. If you're a breastfeeding mother and have already passed the learning curve, congratulations! It's very unlikely your nipples will become sore during breastfeeding. However, if you haven't breastfed yet and have chosen to do so, there are some things you can do to prevent cracked nipples.
- Consult a breastfeeding expert (super tip: this is the most important step and should be the first)
- Recognize a good grip.
- Avoid using pacifiers and teats.
- Do not wash your breasts after each feeding.
- Use appropriate discs.
Although breastfeeding is instinctive, its basic principles have been documented so you don't have to experiment by trial and error with something as essential as feeding your baby and maintaining the integrity of your nipples. Consult a lactation expert It's a great help in preparing you for this new terrain. It will help you recognize a good grip and encourage it so that your baby's feedings are as safe and satisfying as possible for both of you. Avoid pacifiers or bottle nipples This is also essential. The suction exerted by these products is not the same as that exerted on the nipple; your baby can develop a bad habit and end up damaging your nipples. Of course, a daily shower is necessary to maintain good hygiene, but that will be enough to wash your nipples. Washing them too much will only irritate them.. The non-specific creams they will only do that the glands that moisturize the nipple stop producing milk, and we don't want that. Finally, Unsuitable discs can cause irritation The nipples. It's better to use soft, reusable cloth ones.
How to heal cracked nipples?
Healing cracked nipples is easier than it seems. If you've already addressed the underlying cause of your cracks, all that's left is to pamper your body a little more than usual to get your nipples in optimal condition for the next feeding. Your body is wise and will recover quickly. Remember: no pain! Try our 3-step routine
- After each feeding, apply a nipple bath with Dead Sea salts.
- Apply a nipple balm (preferably natural).
- Air dry
Nipple baths with enriched salts They will help heal the cracks. A teaspoon of salts in a glass of warm water is enough to apply to the nipple. You can also do it with a water flosser. And afterwards? Air dry.
Once dry, ideally you would apply a nourishing balm with calming and regenerating properties. Our favorite, with almond, olive, jojoba, and avocado oils; calendula, gotu kola, and chamomile extracts. Lanolin-free and fragrance-free. A gem, because you can apply it not only after your healing routine, but whenever you want, even before taking a meal. Plus, it's vegan.
