- Sore and tender nipples are normal during the first few days of breastfeeding.
- Prevention of sore nipples:
- Ensure baby is latching on correctly and not pinching or chewing your nipple during feeding.
- A correct latch feels comfortable to you with minimal discomfort.
- Your baby’s lips should be wide open, turned outwards (resembling fish lips) and encompassing most of your areola (dark area around the nipple) rather than the nipple itself.
- When taking baby off the breast, break your baby’s seal by inserting your finger in between baby’s mouth and your breast.
- Wear breast shells in your bra between feeds.
- Do not use soap when cleaning your breast because it can cause dryness.
- Apply breastmilk to your nipples and allow to air dry. Breastmilk has anti-infective properties that aide healing.
- Apply cream (such as Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Natural Nipple Butter, Lansinoh®, or PureLan™) to breast after nursing.
- Change nursing pads frequently.
- Allow breast to air dry after breastfeeding.
