sore nipples while breastfeeding is one of the problems general faced by breastfeeding mothers. It is estimated that 9 out of 10 women experience sore nipples while breastfeeding.If you're feeling irritated, here are some tips to ease the pain and help your nipples heal quickly.
Sore nipples during breastfeeding usually occur in the first week after giving birth. Some mothers experience mild blisters that improve within a few days. However, there are also those who experience blisters for weeks. This condition is caused by many things, from the wrong way of breastfeeding or breastfeeding attachment to infection.
Causes of Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding
There are many things that can cause sore nipples while breastfeeding. Some of them are:
- Wrong way of breastfeeding
Although initially it only causes pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, over time this can cause sore nipples.
- Infection breastSore nipples while breastfeeding can also be a sign of infection or inflammation of the breast tissue, known as mastitis. This condition occurs when bacteria infect breast tissue through sores on the nipple or milk ducts. Usually these bacteria come from the baby's mouth and the surface of the skin of the breast. Sometimes, infection or inflammation of the breast can also be caused by blockage or inflammation of the Montgomery glands in the breast.
- Clogged milk ducts
This condition is characterized by the presence of a thin layer of white or yellow skin that grows on the top of the milk ducts.
Clogged milk ducts will make it difficult for milk to come out, as a result the baby will suck harder and eventually the nipple will hurt. In addition, blocked milk ducts can also cause inflammation, so that the breasts and nipples feel sore.
- fungal infection
If the nipple is infected, symptoms will occur in the form of blisters, redness, itching, the surface of the nipple looks shiny, and breast pain during or after breastfeeding.
- tongue strap
Apart from fungal infections, tongue string problems or tongue tie can also make it difficult for the baby to suck on the nipple while feeding, and cause the mother's nipple to become sore or sore when breastfeeding.
- Friction of the breast pump or baby's mouth
Sore nipples can also be caused by improper use of a breast pump or incorrect breastfeeding position. As a result, friction when breastfeeding or pumping breast milk makes the nipples blister.
How to Overcome Sore Nipples while Breastfeeding
So that you can breastfeed your little one comfortably and without pain, here are some ways to deal with sore nipples that you can do:
- Avoid cleaning the nipples with soap, as it can dry out the skin.
- For good air circulation, use a nursing bra made of cotton.
- Change breast pads or breast pad after every feeding.
- When you're done feeding, squeeze out about two drops of breast milk, then rub it around the nipple skin gently.
- Allow the nipple to dry completely before returning to dressing.
- If the skin around the nipple bleeds or looks cracked, use a nipple moisturizer to prevent the skin around the nipple from cracking. The trick, clean the area around the nipples with water, then apply moisturizer to the nipples. Do this after you breastfeed your baby, and make sure the moisturizing products used are safe for your little one.
- Cold compresses can also help relieve nipple pain after breastfeeding. The trick, wrap the ice in a piece of cloth and rub it around the breasts and nipples. Do this compress every few minutes until the swelling and pain are reduced.
If the sore nipples while breastfeeding do not improve or even get worse even though you have done the above treatment methods, immediately consult a doctor. To prevent it from happening again, don't be lazy to take care of your breasts during breastfeeding.