Breastfeeding is a wonderful time between mom and her baby
with many proven health benefit to the baby. Nothing special if mothers get
hurt somewhere at their breasts, especially in the first few weeks of nursing.
There are some home remedies mothers can try to reduce discomfort.
Breastfeeding is a
wonderful time between mom and her baby
Position
Almost sore nipples happened because of improper position.
Be sure your baby’s mouth totally open and center your nipples in there. After
that most of the areola area is in her mouth, not only the nipples. Proper
nursing positions can reduce uncomfortable feeling in a few days.
Benefits of air and light
Air crying nipples can reduce cracking from moisturizing
regularly. Instead of drying nipples by using towel, leave the bra open until
your nipples are dry. Experts suggest using a hair dryer at low temperature and
exposing your breasts to sunlight for a few minutes.
Natural ointment
Nipple dermatitis (the nipple is red, feels hot and is
slightly swollen) can be a reaction after rubbing something over your nipples,
such as lanolin and Vitamin E ointments. Experts recommend using the breast
milk instead and letting it air dry, since breast milk has antibacterial
properties.
Nipple can be a
reaction after rubbing lanolin over your nipples.
Compresses
Warmth will ease the uncomfortable feeling mothers have when
nursing. Put a heating pad over your breasts. If you don’t have one, use a
warmed-in-microwave towel instead. Sitting in a warm tub often can cause your
breast milk to let down and ease the pain. If you prefer cold feeling, try cold
towel or soothies which are gel pads that are stored in the refrigerator and
worn between feedings.
If you prefer cold
feeling, try cold towel or soothies.
Warnings
If your breasts or nipples are sore persistently, contact
the doctor. Your breasts are sometimes cracked and your baby may ingest some
blood at her stool or spit up. Even though it may be unharmed, whenever you see
it, contact your pediatrician.
