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Ten Nipple Care Tips for the Breastfeeding Mom

After giving birth to your child, you’ll feel that your breasts have become larger and heavier. And as they start making milk, they will become tender as well. This is because your breast tissues are swelling while your body starts making more milk.

Similarly, when you start breastfeeding your baby, you’ll experience pain from nursing. This often happens when your baby is not being positioned, latched on or removed from the breast properly. In no time, such situation can lead to painful, sore and cracked nipples.

Breastfeeding should not cause any discomfort. As such, it is important to ensure that the baby is latching on properly at the start of breastfeeding. Likewise, you must learn the proper ways of taking care of your nipples.

Here are ten nipple care tips:

  1. Do not use any soap, disinfectants or other substances to clean your breast and nipples. This could lead to dry or damaged skin. Let your nipples secrete natural substances that will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
  2. Keep products such as perfume, lotion, and alcohol away from the nipple area. These can still cause them to dry out and crack.
  3. You don’t need to clean or wash your nipples before or after feeding. This can only lead to skin irritation. Gently wash your breasts along with your body while taking a shower or a bath.
  4. After breastfeeding your baby, express a few drops of milk then massage it to your breasts and allow them to air dry. Doing this often will serve as daily treatment to your nipples. Breastmilk provides natural protection to you and your baby.
  5. Avoid bras that are too tight and will prevent your breasts from breathing. While breastfeeding, wear a cotton nursing bra. As they air dry quickly, harmful bacteria can be prevented. Likewise, do not use bras with under wiring which can block ducts and cause mastitis (inflamed breast tissues).
  6. If you are using nursing pads, choose cotton breast pads. Do not use non-breathable breast pads with plastic lining. Also, it is important to change breast pads often.
  7. If your breasts feel uncomfortable, take a warm shower or bath before breastfeeding your baby. Putting warm, wet towel over your breast can also help you make more milk easily. Warm compresses can also ease the tenderness of your breasts.
  8. To avoid clogged ducts which cause sore breasts, use a breast pump to help draw out the clogged milk. Likewise, pumping can also heal cracked or sore nipples. If you feel there’s still a lump in your chest and other symptoms surface, immediately consult a physician.
  9. To prevent sore nipples, make sure that your baby is latching properly. The baby must have the whole nipple in his or her mouth. While breastfeeding, do not pull the baby off your breast. Also, breastfeed your baby before he or she gets too hungry. This way, you’ll prevent him or her from biting harder than usual which can result to painful nipples.
  10. It’s also important to vary your breastfeeding positions. Doing so can help drain the milk from both of your breasts. Always find a position that will be comfortable for you and your baby.