Cracked Nipples in Nursing Mothers

Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way of feeding a baby, which not only provides everything necessary for growth and development, but also strengthens the bond between mother and child. However, despite all the benefits of breastfeeding, some women face the problem of cracked nipples, which can lead to pain and even infection.

Cracked nipples can form for various reasons, including improper feeding technique, insufficient preparation of the mammary glands during pregnancy, hypovitaminosis and general weakening of the woman’s body. They can cause pain and make breastfeeding difficult. Therefore, to avoid cracked nipples, you must follow some recommendations.

Firstly, it is very important to keep your breasts strictly clean. Before each feeding, it is necessary to wash the mammary gland with warm water and soap and dry it with a soft, clean towel or gauze. You should not wipe your breasts so as not to injure the skin, but rather blot it dry. You should not use alcohol solutions to disinfect the skin of the nipple, since alcohol dries out the skin greatly, and such a degree of sterility is not required at all. You need to wash the nipple and the area adjacent to it with a 2% soda solution (one teaspoon per glass of boiled water) or just boiled water. It is better to express the first few drops of milk in order to clean the outer sections of the excretory ducts of the mammary glands from microorganisms that have entered there.

Secondly, lanolin-based ointments or oils should be used to soften the nipples, which will help prevent cracked nipples. Other oils (vaseline, vegetable oil, etc.) can cause allergies in the child and digestive upset, so they should not be used. The oil should be smeared onto the breasts after feeding, then it will be partially absorbed into the skin and partially washed off with water.

Thirdly, it is necessary to place soft sanitary pads in the bra on the nipple area and change them regularly in cases of spontaneous milk release between feedings, since high humidity can provoke skin damage and the development of pathogenic microbes.

If you already have cracked nipples, then you need to take measures to treat them. In this case, you can use special creams or ointments that will help heal the wounds and reduce pain. In addition, you should always consult with your doctor, who may prescribe other medications or procedures.

I hope these tips will help you avoid or quickly heal cracked nipples so that breastfeeding is enjoyable and comfortable for you and your baby.