Becoming a mother means accepting that many changes will happen in your life. Changes in various aspects, starting with your routine, your way of living, how you see the world from a new perspective, and especially physical changes. From your belly growing to small things like a cracked nipple, these changes are also the result of a completely different life, and they require certain care not only for aesthetic reasons but also because they affect a woman’s health. Cracked nipples are a problem considered common among breastfeeding women, especially those doing so for the first time. The main issues are the pain women experience not only during breastfeeding but also due to nipple sensitivity, and many worry about whether this will affect their baby while breastfeeding.

Why Do Cracked Nipples Occur?

The main cause of nipple and breast cracks is an incorrect latch during breastfeeding. That’s because, during breastfeeding, the nipple should be completely inside the baby’s mouth, deep in the back. If the baby’s nipple isn’t deep in their mouth, these cracks can start to appear, often accompanied by pain. To ensure a proper latch, there are a few things a mother can do, for example:

  • Hold your baby’s belly close to yours during breastfeeding.
  • Change the baby’s position frequently.
  • Encourage your baby to take the entire nipple into their mouth.

Besides the latch issue, women with very dry skin can also end up with cracks in their nipples during breastfeeding, so it’s important to take some precautions.

How to Treat Cracked Nipples?

The best way is by properly cleaning your nipples, starting in the shower, washing the nipple well and drying it gently—preferably with a soft cloth towel to avoid irritating your skin. Breast milk itself also helps keep the nipples moisturized, which is important for preventing cracks. Nipple creams, such as lanolin ointment (a substance with effects similar to breast milk), can also be used in more severe cases, but you must create a careful routine to make sure no substances come into direct contact with your baby. Letting your breasts be exposed to the sun or open air for a while can also help heal nipple cracks. It doesn’t have to be for long—about 15 minutes a day is enough for improvement to be noticeable. In addition, if the pain gets very intense, you can take a pain reliever, but always check the medication’s contraindications to see if it won’t interfere with breastfeeding in any way. Seeing a doctor is also a good idea, especially if home remedies are not having any effect. A specialist can tell you the best way to reduce the pain from cracked nipples, investigate the causes, and recommend the best way to prevent recurrence. First and foremost, you should consider alternatives that don’t affect your baby in any way—that is, that don’t interfere with breastfeeding or cause feeding issues. A visit to the doctor will definitely solve this problem and allow you to breastfeed comfortably and without pain.

Can I Breastfeed with a Sore Nipple?

Many women worry about wounds that may appear because of nipple cracks. Usually, the main concern is whether they will interfere with breastfeeding. The first thing mothers should know is that a small amount of blood that may trickle out from a wound will not affect breastfeeding in any way and babies almost never notice. Some may vomit because of contact between blood and their delicate stomach, but even so, there’s no need to worry—this is common and the baby will get used to it. The most important thing is to take care of the nipple so the wound heals as quickly as possible, ensuring breastfeeding can happen in the best possible way. Breastfeeding is one of the moments of greatest connection between a mother and her child, and for this reason it should be a special time—a moment when an act of love takes place. Even if the pain from cracked nipples occurs, it is best for the woman to treat this issue as soon as possible so it does not become a barrier to breastfeeding and so this moment is filled only with affection and the special, unique bond between mother and baby. See also: Early Difficulties and Solutions for Breastfeeding Photo: 102Messmanos