Page 128 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

126 COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS

Cracked nipples

Many new mothers develop sore, tender nipples during the first few weeks of breast-feeding. One or both
nipples may be painful, red, and ridged and may bleed if the skin cracks. Cracked nipples tend to occur
when a baby is not positioned properly at the breast and sucks only on the end of the nipple. Women with
flat or inverted nipples are susceptible. Sometimes, cracked nipples are due to a yeast infection.

See also Feeding problems, pp.144–145.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TIPS
Arrange to see your doctor promptly if:
● Your nipples are red and shiny and have Breast-feeding holds for sore
nipples Holding your baby higher and well
a white deposit on them
● There is a red, tender area on your breast supported will reduce painful tugging on a sore nipple.
● Cradle your baby’s head high in the crook of the
arm with the stomach against your own and the
mouth directly facing your nipple. Tuck your baby’s
What you can do yourself arm around your body and keep his or her bottom well
supported. Make sure your baby takes the nipple and
Cracked nipples should heal once you and your
baby develop a good breast-feeding technique. the darker area around it (areola) into the mouth.
● As an occasional alternative, try the football hold
● Check the way you hold your baby at the breast to even out sucking on sore nipples. Using a pillow
(see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE: SUCCESSFUL BREAST-FEEDING, for support, tuck your baby under your arm with the
p.144). Using a new hold may help to reduce pain feet toward your back (like a football player).
(see PRACTICAL TIPS, right). Maintaining
good support
● Feed your baby on demand and offer the nipple
Hold your baby
that is least sore first, when your baby is sucking with his or her
hardest. Breathe deeply as your baby latches on: front against
a sore nipple is most painful for the first few sucks. your body, and
support him or
● For flat or inverted nipples, use a lightweight
her securely.
plastic nipple shield to help pull out your nipples.
● Try using a lanolin ointment to help heal deep,
painful cracks (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).

● After each feeding, wash your nipples with
warm water and dry them carefully. Don’t use
plastic-backed breast pads; they trap moisture.
Expose your breasts to the air whenever you can. DRUG REMEDIES
● If your nipples are very painful, take
acetaminophen (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). Lanolin ointment (see p.185) formulated
for breast-feeding mothers will soothe sore nipples.
Rub in a little to protect the skin and help cracks
to heal. You don’t need to wipe it off before feedings.
Seek further medical advice
Acetaminophen (see p.177) will reduce
Consult your doctor or breast-feeding advisor if: discomfort and help you relax while your baby feeds.
Take a dose 30 minutes before a feeding.
● Your nipples are not healing within 2–3 days