When you become a new mother, breastfeeding your baby is a very special and loving experience. However, at the same time, sometimes small difficulties and problems can arise. Do your nipples hurt too? Maybe they are cracked, painful, and feel like they can't even breastfeed? Then this story will be very important to you. We call this condition nipple fissure, or ``Nipple Fissure``. Don't worry, this is something that many mothers experience, and it is also something that can be cured.
What is a nipple fissure?
Simply put, cracked nipples are small, sore, or cut-like lesions on the skin of your nipples. They can occur on one or both breasts. Although anyone can get this condition, it is most common among breastfeeding mothers . The pain caused by these cracks can be so severe that some mothers even consider stopping breastfeeding. However, the good news is that with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, these uncomfortable symptoms can be reduced and your nipples can heal.
Who is most affected by this situation?
If you are breastfeeding, especially for the first time , you are at higher risk of developing cracked nipples. This is because, in the early stages, it can be difficult for your baby to latch on properly. This can cause your nipples to become sore, sore, and eventually cracked.
Also, athletes – especially joggers, cyclists, and surfers – can develop cracked nipples. This is also called "jogger's nipple."
How common is this?
Between 80 and 90 percent of breastfeeding mothers experience sore and cracked nipples. Most often, these symptoms appear around the second or third week after the baby is born.
Is it normal to have cracked nipples?
No. While cracked nipples are common, they are not normal . A cracked nipple means that your nipple tissue is under a lot of pressure and strain. By taking steps to prevent further damage and help the tissue heal, you can prevent the complications that come with cracked nipples.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
When a nipple becomes cracked, it is usually accompanied by pain or tightness .
How does it look outside?
- You may see a crust, peeling skin, or a lump on or around the nipple.
- It becomes red and dry . Sometimes the tip of the nipple may also turn dark red.
How does it feel?
- The nipple may feel flaky, cracked, and dry .
- Discomfort such as itching, pain, and burning may also occur.
Sometimes, cracked nipples can be a symptom of another condition called thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is common in newborns. When you breastfeed your baby, this fungus can spread to your nipples, causing cracks. If you already have cracks, thrush can make them worse. A doctor can prescribe antifungal medications to treat thrush.
What causes this?
Most often, cracked nipples occur during pregnancy or after you start breastfeeding. In addition, it can be caused by friction during exercise or a skin condition.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Changes in your body during pregnancy and, in particular, improper breastfeeding techniques are common causes of cracked nipples. These include:
- Engorged breasts: During pregnancy, your breasts may become engorged with milk . This excess fluid can cause the nipple tissue to stretch and eventually become cracked.
- Incorrect breastfeeding technique: Most of the time, cracked nipples are caused by the baby not latching on properly. The baby doesn't get enough milk, and the baby's efforts to suckle put too much pressure on the sensitive nipple tissue. Think about it, the baby needs to suck on the nipple and the dark area around it (called the areola). Otherwise, the nipple will be damaged if you suck on only the tip of the nipple.
- Incorrect use of a breast pump: If the suction power of the breast pump you are using is too high, or if the flanges/breast shields you are using are the wrong size, nipple pain and cracks can occur.
Other reasons
- Friction during exercise: When you exercise hard, sweat, and rub your nipples against your clothing, your nipples can become cracked. This is common among runners and cyclists. Surfers can also get this condition because their nipples rub against the surfboard. This friction is especially strong on cold days, when the nipples are erect.
- Skin conditions: Some people may be allergic to chemicals in things like soaps, lotions, and washing powder. Also, skin conditions like eczema can make your skin dry and cracked. These skin changes can also cause cracked nipples.
How do you recognize this?
Your doctor can examine you and diagnose whether you have cracked nipples. It doesn't require any major tests.
What is the treatment for this?
Unless there are complications like infection or the crack is not healing, you can treat it at home.
Treatment for cracks caused by breastfeeding
To treat cracked nipples, it is important to follow proper breastfeeding techniques. By getting your baby to latch on with their mouth wide open and fully covering the areola, you can reduce the pressure on the nipple. This is also called an asymmetrical latch. A lactation consultant can teach you these techniques.
It is also important to have a trained professional examine your baby's mouth to determine why it is having difficulty latching on properly. Often, a condition called tongue tie makes it difficult for the baby to latch on properly and suckle using their tongue.
While you're breastfeeding, staying in a comfortable position , without having to change positions, also helps cracks heal.
If breastfeeding is too painful, don't worry. Try these things:
* Limit the time you breastfeed and express the rest with a breast pump.
* Avoid putting too much pressure on just one nipple, feed both breasts alternately.
* Express milk and bottle feed for a few days or longer, until the nipples heal.
Ask your doctor or a lactation consultant how long you should breastfeed and how to properly use a breast pump to avoid sore nipples.
In addition to breastfeeding properly, you can also do these things:
- Take some of your own milk and apply it to the cracked areas. Your own milk has antibacterial properties. It will moisturize the cracked nipples and help them heal.
- Allow your nipples to air out and dry. Nipples that are too moist can become sore easily. Wear a bra that is breathable and has soft fabric pads. It's also a good idea to keep your upper body uncovered when possible.
- Massage your breasts regularly when they are full of milk and hard. This will reduce the pain. If your breasts are full of milk and it is difficult for your baby to latch on, first express a little and then remove the breast to reduce the pressure. This will make it easier for your baby to suckle.
- Apply warm compresses or gel pads to reduce pain. Gel pads applied to the nipples can help relieve pain and speed up healing. A homemade compress made from a cloth soaked in warm water can also help reduce pain and speed up healing.
Treatment of cracks caused by other causes
Here are some things you can do to treat exercise-related nipple cracks:
- Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection.
- Change your exercise routine a little until your nipples heal.
- To protect against frequent contact with exercise clothing, cover your nipples with soft gauze pads or waterproof bandages.
If the cracks are caused by a skin condition, avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction. Nipple creams and antiseptics can help heal the cracks.
What complications can arise from this condition?
If left untreated, cracked nipples can cause the following:
- Bleeding: A cracked nipple may become more injured and start to bleed.
- Infection: Bacteria can enter your body through a cracked nipple. In some cases, bacteria that enter through a cracked nipple can cause an abscess (abscess) to form, causing a breast infection (lactational mastitis) . In addition to giving antibiotics, your doctor may also need to drain the abscess if there is any.
How can this be prevented?
You can prevent nipple cracks by following proper breastfeeding techniques and reducing friction between your nipple tissue and workout clothes.
Prevent cracks caused by breastfeeding
Before you try to breastfeed for the first time, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant. They can teach you the following:
- Correct posture: You shouldn't have to change your position or move your body while you're breastfeeding your baby. Your baby shouldn't have to turn his head to find the nipple.
- Correct latching: The baby should take the nipple and most of the areola into their mouth and suck the milk. This will prevent the nipple from putting too much pressure on the nipple.
Avoid friction during exercise.
You can do the following to prevent cracked nipples from friction during exercise:
- To avoid damaging your skin, wear clothes made from specially designed, soft fabrics.
- Wear well-fitting workout clothes. A sports bra should be loose-fitting but still comfortable.
- When exercising, avoid wearing bras with seams over the nipples.
- Before exercising in very cold weather, long runs, or any other exercise, apply petroleum jelly or balm to your nipples.
- Before putting on a shirt or bra, cover your nipples with waterproof tape or a piece of gauze.
What should we expect with this situation?
Although cracked nipples are painful, they can be treated . While you're trying to figure out what's causing the problem and treating it, it's important to take good care of your nipples until they heal.
How long will this situation last?
Nipple cracks can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to heal, but the pain may subside much sooner.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor in the following cases:
- If the cracks do not heal with home treatments alone.
- If you see signs of infection – for example, if the nipple is hot, swollen, pus-like discharge appears on or around the nipple, or if it is inflamed, hard, or red.
- If you are having difficulty breastfeeding or expressing milk due to nipple pain or cracks.
Cracked nipples are unpleasant, but they can usually be treated without a visit to the doctor. Before you leave the hospital with your newborn, learn about proper breastfeeding techniques. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, never hesitate to see a doctor or a lactation consultant for help.
Finally, remember this.
Cracked nipples are something that many mothers experience, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding. It's not your fault, and you're not alone.
* The most important thing is to learn how to latch on properly. If necessary, seek help from a lactation consultant.
* Keep your nipples clean and dry. Apply a little of your own milk and let them dry.
* If the pain is too much, take a break and give expressed milk from a bottle.
* If you have signs of infection, be sure to see a doctor.
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Remember, this discomfort is temporary. With the right remedies, you will be able to breastfeed your baby again, pain-free and happy.
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