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How to Relieve Painful Nipples  

Breastfeeding is supposed to be peaceful and enjoyable. However, some breastfeeding mothers will feel pain on their breasts and nipples. The intensity of the pain varies, from mild to very important. But rest assured! In general, the problem can be avoided or solved!

Prevention

To avoid sore nipples, make sure that baby is positioned and latched correctly from the start. In most cases, sore nipples are caused by an incorrect position of the baby when suckling. The best treatment for sore nipples is prevention.
 
What to do?
Here are some suggestions to relieve pain in nipples:
  • Use relaxation techniques before and during feedings, such as deep breathing and listening to soft music.
  • Breastfeed from the less painful side first.
  • Express some milk before feedings.
  • Gently massage your breasts during feedings. This promotes the flow of milk.
  • Wear a cotton bra and use only nursing pads without plastic linings.
  • Avoid wearing a bra that is too tight.
  • Use a small amount of lanolin-based ointment on nipples if they become painful or cracked. This forms a barrier against moisture and helps them stay dry.
  • Try to extract a little milk if your breasts become engorged. By extracting a small amount of milk manually or with a breast pump, you soften the aerola and your nipple will erect. Latching will then be easier for your baby.
  • When baby has finished suckling, extract a few drops of milk and gently massage on your nipples.
  • Between feedings, expose your breasts to air as much as possible. When this is not possible, plastic shields can be used to avoid friction with clothing.
  • Change position at each feedings. The baby's mouth will exert a pressure on different locations of the nipple. Sit down for a feeding, then lay down for the next.
 
When it gets complicated…
 
The pain should go away after a few days. If it continues or if you notice any other problem (cracks, presence of blood, etc.), you should contact a health professional, a lactation consultant or Ligue La Leche.
 
Act quickly so that breastfeeding can become painless once again and no longer be a problem.

 



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Health report


Breast milk or infant formula : how to choose?
Diaper rash
Gestational diabetes
How to express and store breast milk
How to Relieve Painful Nipples
Milk allergy or lactose intolerance?
Oh no! Hay fever!
Teething
What to do if baby has diarrhea

Do you need additional information?
Consult the following articles on other related topics.
Active or Hyperactive?
Breastfeeding
Baby Blues and Post-Partum Depression
Channelling Your Children’s Energy
Giving Medicine to Your Baby: Not Always Child’s Play!
Diaper Rash
Fever in Children
Bedtime for Tots and Grown Ups!
Infant Formula
Medications During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Head Lice
When Baby is Teething
Happy Breastfeeding
A Bad Tasting Medicine


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