Sore Nips!

​On the first few days postpartum, I often hear mothers say, “it’s supposed to hurt” or “my sister said it hurts so bad” or “my friend’s nipples were cracked and bleeding when she breastfed!”  While some women do report a level of nipple soreness when they begin breastfeeding, many do not.   So, what’s normal?  When do you worry and how do you treat it? Let’s look!
There is such a thing called “transient nipple soreness,” which is essentially when a women’s nipples feel tender in the first days postpartum.  This level of soreness is categorized by:

• Pain with the initial latch and the first few sucks
• Pain does not persist throughout the entire feeding
• Peaks around week 1 postpartum

If a mother’s pain lasts for the duration of a feeding and does not dissipate over time, this may require more investigation.  Some common causes of nipple pain are:

• Ineffective or Improper latch
• Sucking pressure
• Anomalies in the infant’s oral structure
• Nipple shape
• Engorgement or mastitis
• Improper use of breast pumps or nipple shields
• Thrush
• Impetigo or Eczema
• Paget’s Disease, Psoriasis, Poison Ivy, Herpes
• Bacterial infection
• Raynaud’s Syndrome

So, what should a mother do if her nipple pain lasts beyond the first week of life? Contact your OB/GYN and call a Lactation Consultant to assist in assessment of the problem.  Although no one wants a new mom to be in pain, there is no better way to heal anything except for to give it time and care.  Some at-home remedies include:

• Ibuprofen (check with your healthcare provider FIRST)
• Ice
• Gel pads
• Ointment (Lanolin)
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil

Finally, did you know that a mother’s breast milk has healing capabilities?  Therefore, if you experience a cracked nipple, soreness, or blisters, express some of your own breast milk and rub it on the area.  Allow that to air dry and repeat after each nursing session.  Remember you are making a life-saving substance within your own body! It has many talents and so do you! You are doing what is best for you and your baby…you got this mama.

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