Do breastfeeding mothers get nipple soreness? (Nipple Soreness) Don't worry, let's talk about this!

There is no greater experience than breastfeeding as a new mother . It strengthens the bond between you and your little one. Breast milk also provides your baby with all the nutrients they need. But sometimes, especially in the early days, this wonderful experience can be a little difficult when your nipples start to hurt and become sore. This is a problem that many mothers face, so first of all, know that you are not alone. Let's take a look at why this happens, and what you can do about it.

How to properly care for nipples during breastfeeding?

While you're breastfeeding, you should make it a habit to regularly check your breasts and nipples. This will help you identify any problems before they arise.

Here are some things to remember:

• Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before feeding your baby. Only touch the breast with clean hands.
• Choose the right bra: Always wear a bra that is clean, fits well, and has good support. Nursing bras are especially easy to use. Cotton bras are best because they are breathable.
• Avoid using soap: Do not use soap, shampoo, or body wash to wash your nipples. Clean with water only. This is because soap strips your nipples of their natural oils. This natural oil is what keeps them from drying out and cracking.
• Breast milk care: After each feeding, take a few drops of your own milk and apply it to your nipples. This will keep your nipples moist and prevent infections.

Why do nipples hurt after breastfeeding?

In fact, breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful. So if one or both of your nipples are sore after you finish breastfeeding, it could be a sign that your baby is not latching on properly . This is the main cause of nipple pain.

Imagine, if your nipple hurts after your baby finishes feeding, or if it looks flat, changed shape, or pale, it means that your baby is not latching on properly.

When you adopt this posture, sore nipples will begin to heal quickly.

Other reasons why a baby may not latch on properly

In addition to the baby's posture being incorrect, there may be several other factors that affect it.

• Tongue-Tie : This is when the frenulum (a membrane under the baby's tongue) becomes too short, making it difficult for the baby to move the tongue. This prevents the baby from latching on to the nipple properly.
• Nipple infections: Sometimes nipple infections can occur.
• Skin diseases: If you have skin diseases like `(Eczema)`, `(Dermatitis)`, or `(Psoriasis)`, you may experience pain while breastfeeding.
• Vasospasm : This is a condition in which the blood vessels around the nipple become constricted.
• Blocked mammary glands or Mastitis: A blocked mammary gland in the breast can cause a lump to form. If this becomes infected, it can cause a condition called ``Mastitis``.

What can you do for sore nipples?

If you've taken care of your nipples as mentioned above, but they're still sore, there are a few things you can do at home.

• Change wet nursing pads: If you use nursing pads, change them as soon as they get wet. Try not to use ones with plastic linings.
• Let it air dry: Do not wipe your nipples after breastfeeding. Let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes.
• Painkillers: If the pain is unbearable, you can ask your doctor about taking a safe painkiller like `(Acetaminophen)` or `(Ibuprofen)`.
• Lanolin Cream: Apply 100% pure Lanolin cream to the nipples with a clean cotton bud after breastfeeding.
• Nipple Shield: This is considered a last resort. You can use these if your baby has a problem like `tongue-tie`, if your nipples are `inverted`, or to reduce pain until the sores heal. However, these should only be used short-term. Always consult your doctor before using these.

Nipple Fissures - This is a bit painful.

Painful cracks in the nipples, called ``Nipple Fissures,'' can occur. This is experienced by 80-90% of mothers, especially first-time mothers. This is due to the excessive strain on the nipples.

The reasons may be:

• The baby is not latching on to the nipple properly.
• Breasts become full and hard with milk (Engorgement).
• Using incorrect settings on the breast pump.

The symptoms of cracked nipples are a little different than normal pain.

• Dryness or peeling skin
• Red color
• Inflammation and itching
• Severe pain

Sometimes, cracked nipples can also be caused by thrush, a common oral fungal infection in babies. This infection can be passed from baby to mother. If this infection occurs while the nipples are cracked, the pain will be even worse.

Tips for healing cracked nipples

• Until the pain subsides, pump milk and bottle feed.
• Reduce breastfeeding time a little and increase bottle feeding.
• Don't put weight on just one nipple, but alternate sides when breastfeeding.
• Use hot compresses or gel pads.
• Apply a little of your own breast milk to the nipple. It has antibacterial properties.
• If your breasts are full of milk and hard, massage them gently.

What do you do when your baby chews while breastfeeding?

This is also a problem that frustrates many mothers. There are several reasons why babies chew while breastfeeding. Things like teething, increased or decreased milk flow, fullness, or distraction.

What to do if a baby bites? Let's look at this in a table.

How do you prevent chewing?

• The right latch: If the baby is sucking properly, the baby's tongue is above the teeth. Then, when he bites, the baby's tongue bites. That's why a good latch stops chewing.
• Teething Toys (Teethers): When teething, your baby will need something to chew on. Give him a safe `teether`, not the breast.
• Pay attention: Talk to your baby while breastfeeding, sing songs, and look him in the eye. This will help your baby feel bored and chew less.
• Signs of fullness: When your baby is full, he will stop sucking. As soon as you see such a sign, stop breastfeeding immediately.

When should you definitely seek medical advice?

If you've tried everything you can at home and the pain doesn't go away, if the cracked nipples aren't healing, or if your baby continues to suckle, see your family doctor (doctor) without delay.

He or she can diagnose the cause and give you the treatment you need. You may also be referred to a lactation consultant or midwife. If the cause of the pain is found and treated, you can breastfeed your baby without pain again and happily.

Breastfeeding, Breast Milk, Nipple Soreness, Nipple Fissures, Mother and Baby