🤱 Nipple Problems While Breastfeeding

😣 Sore Nipples

Sore nipples are a common problem among breastfeeding mothers. This is often caused by the baby not latching on properly. It can also be caused by engorgement, which makes it difficult for the baby to latch on. The best thing to do is to ensure that the baby latches on properly. If the baby is experiencing pain while breastfeeding, it means that he is not latching on properly. This problem can be avoided by paying attention to the way the baby is latching on and how he is feeding. Other causes of this can be tongue tie, Candida infection/thrush, or nipple spasm.

How are sore nipples managed?

It's important to stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible (keep your back well supported). And baby needs to suckle. There are a few things you can do to help:

• Try breastfeeding in a "Chest to Chest, Chin on Breast" manner.
• Breastfeed in different positions. (Check to see if the baby is latched on properly in each position.)
• If one nipple hurts a lot, start breastfeeding on the side that hurts less.
• Before breastfeeding, express a little milk with your hand. This will soften the nipple and make it moist. Avoid using drying agents (e.g. menthol spirits, soap, tincture of benzoin) and moisturizing creams and ointments. These may contain unwanted chemicals and germs .
• If your baby is having difficulty latching on, remove the suction by inserting a finger and then reinserting the nipple into his mouth.
• Never pull the nipple away when your baby is finished drinking. If you want to stop drinking, remove the suction by inserting your finger.
• Place an ice pack (Covered Ice) on the nipple to reduce pain.
• Keep your nipples dry. This means leaving them uncovered for a while after breastfeeding. Or use a hair dryer on low heat.
• If you wear a bra, keep a soft nipple shield like the Cannon Shield inside the bra. Do not wear a bra at night.

😢 Cracked Nipples

Cracked nipples are often caused when a baby does not take the entire nipple into their mouth as they should, but only the tip of the nipple is chewed. Another cause is not drying the nipple properly after breastfeeding, but using soggy breast pads . Untreated nipples can become painful, sore , and cracked.

What are the symptoms ?

First, the crack may be so small that you can't see it. This crack is either on the nipple or where the nipple meets the areola. If you experience sharp pain in the nipple when you breastfeed, it means you have a crack there. Breastfeeding can be very painful. There may be bleeding.

How are cracked nipples managed?

If the baby is latched on properly and is breastfeeding, cracked nipples will often heal on their own. They should start to heal within a day or two.

• Do the same things as mentioned for nipple pain.
• Do not breastfeed on the injured side. Give that side a rest for 1 to 2 days.
• Squeeze the milk on that side with your hands and remove it.
• Give that expressed milk to the baby.
• When you start breastfeeding again, give it little by little, at short intervals.
• If you need help with these things, ask someone who knows about them. Someone who is an experienced breastfeeding mother, a midwife, or a lactation consultant can help you. They can observe you breastfeeding and teach you how to do it right.
• A pliable nipple shield can be used for a short period of time.
• If the problem doesn't get better, see a doctor.
• To reduce pain, take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen shortly before breastfeeding.

🙃 Inverted Nipples

What is an inverted nipple?

This means that when the baby tries to suckle, the nipple turns inward instead of coming out. When the dark part (areola) is pressed, the nipple turns inward.

What is the treatment for this? (What is the treatment?)

• While you are waiting for your baby to arrive, rolling and stretching your nipples with your hands can help. Your partner can help by gently touching and stimulating your breasts and nipples.
• The Hoffman Technique is a simple treatment that can be done from the beginning of the seventh month:
  1. Mentally draw a cross, going through the middle of the nipple, with lines running across and up.
  2. Place your thumbs or index fingers opposite each other on either side of the line you drew in your mind, that is, on the edge of the black area (areola).
  3. Squeeze and pull your thumbs (or index fingers) to the sides. This will pull the black part.
  4. Then put it on top and bottom, and pull it up and down.
  5. Do this about five times a day. Then the nipple will come forward and be easier to pull out.
• After your baby is born, start breastfeeding as soon as he or she is able to suckle well, meaning that his or her sucking reflex is strong. Also, start breastfeeding when your breasts are soft.
• Before feeding, express the nipple, either by hand or with a breast pump. Check to see if the baby is latching on properly. In most cases, this problem will go away with time as the baby continues to breastfeed.

Remember this well. Then it will be easier for you to breastfeed. The baby will also be able to drink milk well and be happy. 😊💖