Ways to fix cracked nipples??

Question

I am breast feeding and my nipples are so bad that there bleeding when she feeds. I have the yellow cream stuff in the purple tube and i have been trying rubbing the breast milk in them has anyone got any other ideas that help to fixing this problem quickly???

Answer 1

* Nipple shields

* Cabbage leaves (washed and cooled)

* Expressing milk by hand (to keep the milk flowing and to keep up your supply) - pumps are not advised when you have cracked nipples, as this can make the matter worse.

* Start feeding again gradually, with short feeds spaced out during the day.

* Express a few drops of hindmilk and smear on the nipple. Leave your bra open for a few minutes until nipples are dry.

Contact a lactation consultant, child health nurse or a breastfeeding counsellor for further help.

Hope this has helped ;-)

Answer 2

Your nipples will continue to be like this for a few more weeks because your milk has come in and swollen your breasts to the max causing a shallow latch. I found that using a breast pump for 5 minutes before each feed "deflated" my boobs allowing bubby to have a deeper latch, it also makes it not so painful to put baby back on plus it will cut the healing time by 50%. Also get some lanolin cream from your local pharmacy, tell the ladies its for you nipples lol, and CAKE it on between feeds after you have had your nipples out to dry for a bit, be sure to wipe it off before your baby gets back on it. If it is really terrible you can just use the breast pump for a couple of days. I know how horribly painfull it is to try to feed your baby when your nipples feel like they are being torn from your body, I cried when I got home because of the hormones and pain working together! It does get alot better though luvvy, just keep up the good work it is so nice to see you persevering with the feeding :D

Answer 3

One of my nipples was cracked vertically, the other horizontally. The solution to healing was feeding her while sitting on one side & laying down for the other. This way, each crack was being compressed shut while feeding. (Instead of re-opening the wound every feeding)
Also, (if possible) leave the nipple air dry a bit before putting it away.

Answer 4

ouch. it sounds like it hurts (i remember it does!)...most important thing is this:

check your latch

second most important thing:

check your latch!

viist a lactation counsellor or call la leche league and have someone check your latch! (is there a theme here or what?)

sore nipples are sign of a poor latch -- correct the latch (and use all the great suggestions for healing your cracked and bleeding nipples) and you'll be nursing painfree (hallelujuah!)

Answer 5

For many new mothers, tender and sensitive nipples are common during the first few days of breastfeeding. However, sore, cracked or bleeding nipples are not normal. The optimal prevention of sore nipples is ensuring that from day one, your baby is well positioned at the breast and is latched on properly.

Observant attention to how your baby takes the breast will help eliminate or minimize most sore nipple challenges.
Before breastfeeding your baby, focus on your positioning first. Are you comfortable? Are your shoulders relaxed? Is your back straight and well supported? Then, as you prepare to breastfeed your baby, whether s/he is in a transitional, cradle or clutch position, be sure that his/her body is in alignment and that you are bringing the baby to you. Your baby should be facing the breast, chest to chest, so that his/her mouth is directly in front of your breast and centered towards the nipple.

Consider beginning feedings on the breast with the least sore nipple. Support your breast, with your thumb positioned on top and well behind the areola and your fingers underneath. Compress your breast in the same plane as the baby’s mouth to make a “breast sandwich” for the baby to latch on to. Tickle his/her lips, wait for a wide open mouth, and then with a rapid arm motion (RAM), pull him/her to the breast so that s/he is able to get as much areola tissue in his/her mouth as possible. As your baby breastfeeds, his/her top and bottom lips should be flanged. If your nipple continues to hurt, or the latch appears to be too shallow, insert a finger into the corner of baby’s mouth, to release the suction and break the latch before attempting to relatch. In the early days of breastfeeding, when you are both learning, it is not uncommon to latch and relatch baby several times at the beginning of a feeding until the latch is correct.

When the positioning and or latch is corrected, you may still feel some tenderness, but the pain should decrease as you breastfeed and as the nipple begins to heal. Additionally, to help relieve sore nipples, feed your baby often. Wearing plastic dome shaped breast shells, which promote the circulation of air around the nipples, can help protect your nipples from rubbing against your clothing. Many mothers have also found that applying a small amount of colostrum or breastmik on the nipple/areola tissue helps facilitate the healing process. Avoid using anything on your nipples may dry them or which can cause nipple damage such as soaps, hairdryers or harsh towels. If your nipple/s are too sore to breastfeed, breastfeed on the least sore breast while you pump your sore side for a day or two. However, be aware that, depending on your sensitivity tolerance, pumping can irritate the nipples if you use too much suction or if you pump for too long. Your expressed breastmilk can be fed to the baby in a cup, spoon or feeding syringe. Avoid giving supplements with artificial nipples. Feeding expressed breastmilk to the baby with an artificial nipple, may make it more difficult for you to resolve sore nipples if latch-on problems are contributing to your sore nipples.

Breastfeeding should be a pleasant and rewarding relationship for you and your baby.


The above is general breastfeeding information, which does not replace the advice of your health care provider, but is intended to help resolve uncomplicated sore nipple challenges. There are instances in which sore nipples may indicate a more intense problem. Please seek professional help if your sore nipples do not resolve quickly. If you have a breastfeeding concern that you are unable to resolve, seek the help of an experienced Lactation Consultant or call your physician.

Answer 6

well this may sound sort of funny...but..... I used to work on dairy farms 20 yrs , we used a product called udder balm , there is a human version of this used to soften the skin , check with the phamacist for a product similar

Answer 7

bag balm found at wal-mart its in a little green tin for about
$6 just be sure to wash before nursing works wonderfully

Answer 8

air them as much as you can. There are also breast shields that keep your bra from rubbing on them. Keep using the lanolin. And check to make sure you don't have thrush. It will look like raised white spots on your baby's cheeks or tongue.

Answer 9

Look at places, sites that sell skin products for pregnant women, I know the "The Body Shoppe" used to have things (creams, lotions, etc.) for new Moms and pregnant women

Answer 10

They way your baby is laching on may have cause that like mine. But to heal it...a warm wet cloth to comfort but time really is the only way.

http://www.clothingfor10.com