Remedies to relieve sore nipples during breastfeeding

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of age and lengthening it as far as possible past that age, combining it with another type of feeding. Many studies show the benefits of this type of diet over any other: it favors growth to a greater extent, symptoms such as infant colic are reduced , the number of antibodies that prevent diseases and infections is increased, it favors bonding and attachment with the mother … No formula has (and will not) have a formula like breast milk.

However, despite this recommendation based on all these benefits, breastfeeding exclusively during the first half year of life can be difficult, given the woman’s employment situation and the often difficult reconciliation of family life with the job. But, in addition, there are another series of complications that can make breastfeeding difficult.

SORE NIPPLES

Most women are able to breastfeed their babies without nipple pain. However, in certain relatively frequent cases, women may experience discomfort or even severe pain in the breast when breastfeeding, which makes breastfeeding difficult and ends up stopping.

CAUSES OF SORE NIPPLES

There are different reasons why breastfeeding can be uncomfortable for women:

– Many suffer pain when breastfeeding, while the baby sucks, without an apparent cause.

– There may also be discomfort as a result of the skin being either very dry or too wet.

– It is possible that the baby tends to chew on the nipple, especially when the teeth begin to appear and that the grip is painful.

– Breast engorgement , whereby blood and milk accumulate inside the breast, can also cause discomfort and even severe pain. The chest becomes hard and very tender. Pain, anxiety or stress can in turn make this congestion more difficult.

– Breast infection, such as that caused by candidiasis, causes a lot of discomfort and fever in the mother. Even with this symptom, breastfeeding can be carried out and will be beneficial in reducing maternal symptoms. In any case, to prevent this, it is better to consult a specialist beforehand . If it is herpes, passing it on to your baby can have serious consequences.

– The whitening of the nipple after breastfeeding should not be considered as something normal, among other things because it is usually accompanied by pain. It can be caused by multiple factors, such as vasospasm, constriction of blood vessels or by what is known as Raynaud’s Phenomenon .

As we can see, the causes that can cause pain in the nipples are very varied. These and other reasons can discourage mothers from breastfeeding. However, as we mentioned at the beginning, breastfeeding our baby does not have to be painful. Even when there does not seem to be an apparent cause, some reason is given that causes these complaints.

SOLUTIONS FOR SORE NIPPLES

Women should not put up with continued nipple pain or give up breastfeeding for this reason. Every time there is a stronger movement in order to promote breastfeeding in an appropriate way and, for this, it is necessary to surround yourself with good professionals. There are lactation consultants who can teach women to breastfeed without pain. It is advisable to receive these tips before giving birth, so that the woman prepares and is ready to breastfeed her baby properly from birth.

The moment to start breastfeeding for the first time is key so that breastfeeding continues to develop normally during the following months. These professionals will help the woman, for example, to position the baby properly to promote a good latch.

BABY’S POSTURE MAY BE MAKING LATCH ON DIFFICULT

The poor grip of the baby when sucking may be due to another cause, in addition to the position. It may be that the lingual frenulum, if it is too short, hinders the movements of the child’s tongue and, therefore, the suction. The appropriate professional should estimate the need to carry out a small intervention that consists of cutting this frenulum.

As we mentioned, in cases of nipple whitening, accompanied by pain, the causes can be varied. It is usually accompanied by a temporary deformity of the nipple, which often takes the form of a lipstick after the baby sucks. In these cases, it is convenient to find the exact cause of this symptom to be able to give the appropriate solution. One way to distinguish Raynaud’s Phenomenon is that in this case the symptoms generally occur in both nipples simultaneously , regardless of which one the baby is nursing from. In any case, for vasospasms, applying dry heat to the nipple after breastfeeding is usually relieved to avoid drastic temperature changes.

Cases of dermatitis and skin discomfort can be caused by the materials with which the nipple comes into contact. Either the underwear, the hygiene products used or the materials in order to avoid the dripping of the breasts. It is convenient to use products with natural compositions and avoid synthetic ones.

To treat skin problems, whether due to dermatitis, psoriasis, dryness or other causes, there are many natural remedies. Some of these “grandmother’s tricks” involve applying olive oil on the nipple , creams based on rosehip, raw cabbage or cabbage leaves, salt baths … The remedies are endless but, as always, the most It is advisable to consult with a lactation consultant.

GET OVER THE PAIN

What the woman should be clear about is that, although certain discomforts are normal and common in the first moments of breastfeeding, this should not be a painful process. Living breastfeeding is important for both mother and baby in many different ways and doing it the right way, with the right support, will promote this unique experience.