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Breastfeeding Pain Relief for Nipples

If you are breastfeeding mummy for the first time, it is perfectly normal to encounter many hiccups along the way. This is a learning process and it may not be pleasant when you sometimes experience pain on your nipples. Let’s look at some of the commonly used strategies by mummies  on breastfeeding pain relief for nipples

Sore Nipples

It is normal to encounter discomfort and nipples soreness in the first few days of your breastfeeding journey. Newborns tend to have a very strong suck, especially for the first few days to draw out the colostrum from your breast.

To let the soreness go away, you have to ensure that your baby is latched correctly. Most hospitals will have lactation consultant to advise you on this. By day three to day four, you should start to feel more comfortable for each feeding. As your milk supply increases between day seven to ten, the newborn will not need to suck as strongly to draw milk from your breast. 

Can you still breastfeed if your nipples are bleeding

This is not normal as nipples bleeding should not happen while breastfeeding. You can still breastfeed but give some time for the nipples to heal.

How do I stop my nipples from cracking while breastfeeding

You have to ensure that the baby is latched on properly while breastfeeding. If you are using the cradle or cross holds, ensure that the baby completely faces you or you are holding him/her close. This position helps the baby to get most of the areola into the mouth. 

What is the fastest way to heal sore nipples

The fastest way that works for me including applying nipple cream after a feed or squeeze some breast milk on nipple and let it air dry. New research has shown that breast milk contains bioactive ingredients known to help wounds recover fast. (Source) They also are known to help to fight infections.

Home remedies for Sore cracked nipples from breastfeeding

If you are still struggling to have sore nipples, the following are some recommendations to improve the situation

• Massage your breasts to express a few drops of colostrum to coat your nipple. The antibacterial properties may help to heal a sore nipple
• Bring your baby to the breast with his/her mouth wide open. The mouth should be centred over the areola when latching. If you are feeling any pain, use your finger to gently pull down his/her or slowly roll out the lower lip.
• Increase the feeding frequency to your newborn so he/she is not overly hungry. This can reduce the scenario of him/her pulling at the nipple during feeds.
• If possible, do not introduce pacifiers or artificial bottle nipples in the early stages. They may confuse the baby and cause him/her to suck incorrectly at your breast.
• If your nipples are still not healing, consult your lactation consultant or health care provider to observe one of your breastfeeding sessions.

Expert Tip

If your breast does not typically leak, you can save money on disposable breast pads. If you need it and want to go for a cost-effective option, go for washable nursing pads.

When you are feeding on the left side, place the pad on the right breast to absorb any milk leakage and vice versa. The good thing about using breast pads is that you will be able to keep track on which side your baby just fed on.

Engorgement

Besides sore nipples, another situation you may encounter pain is engorgement. This is a swelling situation caused by an accumulation of breast milk and increasing blood flow to the breasts.

This will normally happen 2 to 6 days after giving birth. Do note that not all mummies will face the same situation. Some will encounter rock solid breast while others notice a supple fullness.

If you are already suffering from engorgement, avoid using any breastfeeding supplements To increase milk supply and breastfeed exclusively. Feed your baby often without limiting time for him/her. ( We have also written a guideline on how much breastmilk should a newborn eat.) 

The period of engorgement can vary with each individual from a few days to a few weeks. The following are some useful tips to treat engorgement.

• If your breast is feeling hard, use a manual or electric breast pump for a few minutes to soften it. Do not overuse the breast pump to prevent milk oversupply. If you plan to breastfeed for a longer period of time, find out what are the supplies needed for breastfeeding. 
• Use heat before feeding helps to soften the tissue and helps the milk let down. A warm shower or warm compresses using a towel may help
• After feeding, consider using cold compresses like frozen vegetable bags or ice packs. This will help to relieve some of the swelling and pain
• Do some massage on your breasts and express out some milk to relieve the pressure
• There is an ancient effective way used for many years which is applying cabbage leaves to your breasts in between feedings. Cool the cabbages and cut them into half. Remove the leaves and use on the breast for up to 30 minutes. If you feel milk leaking then it is time to feed the hungry monster
• Increase the nursing frequency during this period of time to around 9 – 11 times a day. Do not go longer than 3 hours per feed even for night feeds.
• Consider changing the position you breastfeed your baby. Try the football hold position which may promote more milk removal. 

To conclude on Breastfeeding Pain Relief for Nipples

I have gone through this process in the past and in some instances, you feel like giving up on breastfeeding. However, what will help you pull through is understand that the breastmilk nutrients is most beneficial to your little one. You also get to build bonding with your newborn when he/she is latching on directly.

Get support from your spouse and family members or join some mummies group to pull through this difficult period. Some mummies may also face the same problem as you. Make new friends, support each other and share useful tips.  What is your strategy for breastfeeding pain relief for nipples? Leave a comment below.

You may also be keen on When can I start pumping if I’m breastfeeding and How Fast Does Food Affect Breast Milk.