NATURAL PREVENTION AND CARE FOR CRACKED NIPPLES
As a new mother, there are plenty of learned skills that you acquire, seemingly by the second. Perhaps the most paramount of these centres on deciding whether breastfeeding is right for you and your child, and if it is.. how in the world is it done?
For some mothers it comes easily, and for others it means days or weeks on end of figuring out the correct position and timing. For a lot of mothers this means dealing with sore, tender breasts and in some cases, cracked nipples.
WHAT CAUSES CRACKED NIPPLES
Cracked nipples can be caused by a number of things, but according to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the leading cause is incorrect latch. They suggest trying baby-led attachment in order to not interfere with what feels natural and comfortable for your baby. This will lead to your baby being less fussy and maintaining a proper latch for the duration of the feed. Sometimes this might mean a side-lying position, or another position that you hadn’t considered. Either way, your baby’s mouth should be fully centred on the nipple with the lips ‘flanging’ out either side.
Once you have established some good breastfeeding practices like positioning your baby comfortably and ensuring correct latch, there are a few other methods for preventing cracked nipples, and caring for them in the event they occur.
GIVE ME SUN
A well known practice is to let your nipples air dry after a feed, to prevent moisture sitting on the nipple which may lead to infections and fissures. Simply leave your bra and shirt off as long as you can after a feed. If you can, go topless in the sun. This is the best way to ensure proper drying and warding off bacteria. Simply stay in the sun for long enough to allow them to dry, and not too long that you inadvertently end up with a sunburn!
CALENDULA AND BREAST MILK ARE YOUR FRIENDS
Anecdotally, mothers have found that squeezing a few drops of breast milk out of your nipple and rubbing it onto the affected area prior to drying them out assists with repairing cracked nipples. One study has found that applying breast milk to cracked nipples can offer antibacterial protection as well as facilitate wound healing, and recommends breast milk for the treatment of sore nipples. Another method is to apply a balm containing calendula. Calendula is a flowering herb with a long history of use in aiding inflammatory skin conditions and healing wounds. Calendula is anti-bacterial, so will help prevent and clear up infections. It also promotes cell proliferation, meaning any wounds heal quickly. Applying a natural balm containing calendula to dry nipples after breastfeeding will help ward off infections, soothe redness and inflammation, and assist with healing cracks. Always patch test any balms or creams on your baby first to check for a reaction, even if not applying before feeding.
SUPPORT YOUR GIRLS
Equally as important is wearing soft, comfortable feeding bras that are breathable, while still offering gentle support. You don’t want any synthetic fabrics, as they can encourage bacterial growth where moisture is present. Organic or conventional cotton is best, as are bras made from bamboo and hemp fibres. Additionally, seek out reusable cotton or bamboo nursing pads, without any plastic backing as these will wick moisture away from the nipple while still allowing some breathability.