Did you know that up to 96% of moms experience sore nipples when they first start breastfeeding?
You too?
Sore nipples can take the fun away from breastfeeding. And there seems to be almost no escape.
Every break between feedings seems to be so small when nursing is only possible with pain.
A feeling of sensitivity is completely normal in the first week after birth is super sensitive. Your hormones are all over the place.
Your nipples have to get used tp the new sensation and the nerves have to communicate that with the brain, where the amount of milk production is primarily controlled.
But your brain cannot filter between “necessary” and “unpleasant” stimulation so you feel everything in a very special way.
The difference between “sensitivity” and “pain” can be small.
Of course, it’s best if you can prevent nipple pain and you don’t get sore nipples at all!
4 steps to effectively treat sore and sore nipples
So I’ll show you what you can do and why it’s important.
1. Search for the cause
There are many causes of sore and painful nipples.
Relieving the pain and treating the sore nipples is very important to help you get better quickly.
Without finding the root cause, breastfeeding pain will usually come back quickly or never really go away.
“Cause” does not necessarily mean that YOU are doing something wrong when breastfeeding!
2. Improve breastfeeding technique between you and your baby
Dont think that you’re doing anything wrong, but maybe your technic is not the best.
But how are you supposed to do it better if no one has explained it to you in peace so far?
A first step is to start triggering the milk ejection reflex prior to latching. Your baby sucks differently depending on whether milk is flowing. With a gentle massage, the flow of milk is present within a few minutes.
Your baby will choose a sucking technique that is less painful. In addition, the breastfeeding time is shortened.
A similar principle applies when using the breast pump.
The 2 most common recommendations for proper latching are
1. place the baby 1-2 cm further from you
2. to choose a breastfeeding position that is more suitable for both of you
3. Use these hygienic measures
When we talk about hygiene, the first thing we think of is washing hands.
That’s not wrong at all. Because especially in the hospital, where an incredible number of people touch the doorknobs, the hand is the number one carrier of germs.
Disinfectant has the advantage that it contains moisturizing substances and your skin is protected from drying out and cracks.
Your breast also needs good hygiene if the nipple has been injured. This can lead to the penetration of germs and infections.
That doesn’t mean to put disinfectant on your nipples bu you can use this
* 0.9% saline solution
* pH-neutral soap washes and
you can drastically reduce the number of germs on the skin of your breast.
4. Give your nipples a chance to fully heal
In order for your nipple to heal, it needs to have good blood flow. This is the only way for your body’s own self-healing process to develop fully.
This requires pressure relief, for example, by using a loose-fitting bra.
You could also try moist wound healing. To do this, a large amount of highly purified lanolin is applied and covered under a compress after every feeding.
The pain relief occurs quickly because your nipple is covered and protected.
Please make sure that you do NOT use pharmacy lanolin – alcohol may be added there.
Irritation of the nipples during breastfeeding is normal.
Pain that persists for several days or even weeks should be discussed with you by a professionally qualified lactation consultant.
You can try the first steps towards better healing today. If they don’t improve, then get in touch for individual support.
