How can I get rid of sore and cracked nipples during breastfeeding?

Question

This is baby # 3 and I have never had this problem. She is 7 months old and it is getting very painful to nurse. I have used lanolin but it offers only short term relief and the cracks never get better.

Answer 1

Cracked Nipples During Breastfeeding

Answer 2

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Note that:
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Answer 3

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Note that:
If the yeast infection doesn't respond to over the counter treatment, prescription medication will likely be necessary. Similarly, if the symptoms return after two months of being treated, you should contact the doctor for professional treatment rather than resorting again to home treatment. If this is the first time you have experienced a yeast infection, you should schedule an appointment to have the condition treated by a doctor instead of resorting to home treatment
Source(s):
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Answer 4

When I was breastfeeding my babies, I talked with a lactation consultant and they told me to use lanolin (which you said isn't working) and they also told me to express a little breast milk and rub it around my nipple.
I searched thru several articles for help with your problem. The most common cause of sore or cracked nipples is poor breastfeeding technique. In many cases the baby is sucking only on the nipple.
Sore cracked nipples can also occur in infants with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). Infants with a tight frenulum, especially if it attaches to the ridge of the gum and causes a heart shaped indentation at the tip of the tongue, may be able to suck only on the nipple due to limited tongue movement. This causes poor latch on and sore cracked nipples.
Women who have moderate to severe nipple pain, along with cracks, fissures, ulcers or exudates on the nipple, and good technique, may have a bacterial superinfection (most commonly Staphylococcus aureus).

I'm not saying that the cause is any of these, but it would be good to consult with your physician or a lactation consultant.
Good luck.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like you have a yeast infection. I have 6 kids, and have had this, without cracking, but if not treated quickly I am sure it could turn to that. Look in your baby's mouth, there is probably little white dots on the tongue and roof of the mouth. Your pediatrician can prescribe cream for you and medicine for the baby.

Good luck!!

Answer 6

Try the lanolin. If that doesn't work then see a doc. A yeast infection caused my sore & cracked nipples. The docs gave me antibiotics & it went away.

Answer 7

You need to get the Medela nipple gel, it works wonders, they also have nipple protectors that you put over you, and they work good, when the baby sucks it's not sucking your nipple raw or dry, and it still lets her get the same amount of milk. Go to Medela.com, or you could also look at Target, they have a lot of their products.

Answer 8

Each baby has its own style and ability to latch on correctly and suckle with the nipple on the back of the tongue. Its probable that this one isnt that great at it. lol.

I'd contact your lactation consultant at the hospital, or get in touch with le leche.

Answer 9

there is a product called lanohlin i might be off by a letter of two but its in a purple bottle in the baby feeding sections or you can use vasoline the good thing abou lanohlinis you dont need to wash it off to breath feed

Answer 10

you need to use the lanolin after every time you nurse or whenever the previous lanolin wears off. Do not wash your nipples with soap... ever.