Post Date August, 06 2023
After the occurrence of nipple cracks, many new mothers are particularly troubled, which not only affects their own health, but also affects the baby's breastfeeding. We must respond immediately.
Can I still breastfeed with cracked nipples
After the occurrence of nipple cracking, it is generally not necessary to immediately stop breastfeeding. Continuing breastfeeding can prevent bacteria from invading breast tissue through cracks, avoiding the occurrence of mastitis and breast abscess. However, attention should be paid to correcting the baby's suction method, not just sucking on the nipple, and trying to make the baby contain areola as much as possible.
If the mother is breastfeeding with cracked nipples on one side, it may be caused by the baby using excessive force when they first start breastfeeding when they are hungry. It is recommended to let the baby suck on the intact side of the nipple before sucking on the cracked side. When sucking on the cracked side, the sucking force will slow down and alleviate the pain. If both breasts have cracks, the baby can first suck on the lighter side, while paying attention to keeping the baby holding the nipple and most of the areola, and frequently changing the feeding position. After breastfeeding, a small amount of milk can be applied to the nipple.
If there are cracks in the mother's breasts on both sides and the pain during breastfeeding is unbearable, breastfeeding can be suspended for 1-2 days, but after sucking out the milk, the baby can be raised in a container.
What to do with cracked nipples
1. When cleaning nipples, avoid using alkaline soap, detergents, or medicinal oils, and generally clean with warm water.
2. Continue breastfeeding the baby while improving their attractive posture. Mothers can first feed painless breasts and let the baby suck on their areola to prevent excessive nipple friction or biting. After improving the feeding posture, pain usually improves quickly and dry cracks heal quickly.
3. During breastfeeding, try to expose the cracked nipple to air and sunlight as much as possible to help heal the cracks. After breastfeeding, try to wear loose underwear and bras, correct the nipple mask, and cure the damaged nipple through air circulation.
4. After each lactation, leave a drop of milk on the nipple. The milk contains antibacterial factors that help crack healing, and is rich in protein that also helps with epidermal repair. However, please be careful not to do too much. If milk spills, please clean it immediately.
5. After some mothers improve their feeding posture, nipple pain still persists, or breast swelling prevents the baby from consuming enough milk, which can worsen the accumulation of milk. Therefore, it is best to squeeze out the milk before the cracks heal.
5. When nipple rupture occurs, infection and inflammation should be avoided. Mommy can first wash the ruptured nipple with warm water, and then apply 10% cod liver oil bismuth or compound benzoin tincture to the affected area. You can also use traditional Chinese medicine such as Huangbai and Baizhi to grind and apply them evenly to the cracks with sesame oil and honey. It is worth noting that whether using traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, it is important to wash and feel the medication before breastfeeding. It is best to protect the nipples with a nipple mask or disinfectant gauze after breastfeeding.
7. When the degree of nipple rupture is severe, it is best to stop breastfeeding for 1-2 days. Alternatively, use a glass breast mask to suck out milk and feed it to the baby, avoiding contact with the milk as much as possible. Meanwhile, if there is not enough milk, other mothers and friends who have plenty of milk can help breastfeed by feeding 1-2 times a day. If not, you can give the baby and formula milk. After persisting in this way for a day, the dry and cracked nipples have improved, and normal breastfeeding must be resumed immediately.
8. If the cracked area persists or recurs, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible or seek treatment through traditional Chinese medicine. Mothers with mild symptoms can apply children's liver oil drops, and should pay attention to cleaning during breastfeeding. A mother with severe cracks needs to seek medical attention.
9. Due to the slight degree of nipple retraction, mothers can use negative pressure suction and manual traction with suction nipples. While breastfeeding after nipple retraction, pay attention to cleaning the nipples after breastfeeding. If the cracks are severe, milk can be squeezed out and fed to the baby through a bottle. If the nipple is severely inverted or too small, surgical treatment can be performed with the advice of a doctor, while paying attention to crack care.
Nursing care for cracked nipples
1. During breastfeeding, it is best to gently wipe the nipples with a towel dipped in water to make the skin on the surface of the nipples proliferate and thicken. However, it is important not to use alcohol and soap to wipe the nipples.
2. Before breastfeeding, mothers should wash their hands, shorten their nails, and avoid carrying bacteria to infect cracked nipples.
3. When breastfeeding, not only should the majority of the areola be placed in the baby's mouth, but also attention should be paid not to forcefully pull out the nipple from the baby's mouth after breastfeeding, to avoid damaging the nipple if too much force is applied. Gently press the baby's chin with your fingers, and the baby will open their mouth and gently withdraw the nipple.
4. Avoid letting your baby fall asleep with their nipples on. Babies' saliva is immersed in soft nipples, and the cracks in the nipples can worsen or worsen. After breastfeeding, cover the cracked nipples with a handkerchief or gauze, support the breasts with a bra, and protect the nipples with breast protection.
