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Breast and Nipple Care

Avoiding and Treating Sore Nipples

Discomfort and Hard Breasts (Engorgement)

What to do with a Plugged Milk Duct

When to Get Help

Breast and Nipple Care

General Breast Care:

● Gently remove baby from your breast by inserting a clean finger into the corner

of his mouth to break the suction. Then lift your baby from the breast.

● After breastfeeding, hand express some breast milk onto your nipples and the

dark area around them and allow the milk to air dry before putting on your bra.

This helps to protect the skin.

● Change your nursing pads when they become moist. Wet nursing pads can

damage the skin and allow germs to grow.

● Also avoid any kind of plastic lining in your bra or nursing pads. A plastic lining

will keep the nipples wet and may causing chapping.

● Avoid wearing the type of nipple shields that are worn during feedings as they will not

prevent soreness.

Avoiding and Treating Sore Nipples:

Although sore nipples are not comfortable they are not reason for you and your baby to miss out on breastfeeding. It is normal to experience slight tenderness when baby latches on in the first three to five days after birth. After that, proper positioning and latch-on techniques prevent nipple soreness. If your nipples are sore or cracked, please refer to the Getting Started section that explains positioning and latching-on.

Positioning

● Many mothers experience rapid relief from nipple pain when they begin to

position the baby properly.

● If your nipples are very sore, it may also help to change positions each time

you nurse the baby; for example, sit up one feeding, lie down for the next. You

can try the “football hold” explained in the Getting Started section.

● Your nipples should not be sucked in by baby, but should be placed far back in

baby’s mouth when his mouth is open very wide to breastfeed.

● To remove baby from the breast, always break the suction first using a

clean finger and then gently press baby’s cheek close to his mouth.

Feeding Time

Allow your baby to nurse whenever she seems hungry. Your baby will suck very strongly if she is very hungry and this could make sore nipples hurt more.

Ointments

Most ointments sold for nipple soreness are not useful and some may be

harmful.

● Avoid any product that needs to be wiped off before the baby nurses.

● Ask your doctor what ointment you should use, if needed.

● Express a few drops of your milk after baby is done nursing and rub it gently

into your nipples; human milk has healing effects.

● Lanolin cream, specifically the brand “Lansinoh for Breastfeeding Mothers” has

been endorsed by La Leche League International for use in treating sore

nipples.

Washing

● Wash breasts daily with plain water and pat dry. Do not use soaps or lotions

on nipples, especially if they are sore. Soap may dry your nipples and cause

them to crack.

● Also be careful not to apply cologne, deodorant, hair spray, or powder near the

nipples to avoid irritating the tender skin.

● It is not necessary to wash your nipples before or after each feeding.

Discomfort and Hard Breasts (Engorgement)

If your breasts become hard, your baby may have trouble feeding. If your breasts feel full or uncomfortable before feeding, you can help to start the flow of milk by:

● having a warm shower with the water directed at your back and shoulders.

● OR Applying a moist, warm face-cloth or towel to your breasts for 10-15

minutes.

● OR Having a warm drink.

● Next, express some breast milk by hand (“How to Collect and Store Breast Milk”)

until the area around your nipple feels soft.

● Then breastfeed your baby. Make sure you breastfeed every 1 ½ to 3 hours

until your breasts are no longer hard.

● After feeding, place a cool wet towel on your breasts for comfort and to help

limit swelling.

If the milk ducts are not fully drained, part of the breast may become hard and swollen. Use different breastfeeding positions to make sure all milk ducts are draining regularly.

If You Have a Plugged Milk Duct:

● Place a warm, moist facecloth on the area for 2-5 minutes.

● Gently massage behind the plugged duct towards the nipple while

breastfeeding. This will help the flow of milk.

● If breast swelling, redness, increased pain, a fever develops and/ or you feel

sick please seek medical attention right away.

Get help right away if you:

● Cannot soften your breasts or are having problems breastfeeding.

● Have a red and painful area on your breast

● Have a fever

● Are feeling sick

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