Live Life Team
Nipple soreness is one of the most common reasons for new mothers to discontinue breastfeeding, especially during the first week of nursing. However, nipple soreness is only a short-term problem which can be corrected in a matter of days.
Sore nipples occur when the baby is not suckling properly, not latched or not positioned properly. It can also be due to fungal infection (Candida albicans).
Soreness from ineffective suckling and poor latching is very painful. Meanwhile, the pain due to fungal infection, usually described as burning pain, continues while feeding and even after the breastfeeding is over. Cracks or sudden and unexplained onset of nipple pain while feeding may be caused by a yeast infection.
Proper latching on and positioning facilitates effective breastfeeding and allows the baby to manage the milk flow, reducing the chances of getting “gassy”. When a baby is latched on properly, his lower lip covers more of the areola than his upper lip. Finger feeding or training in sucking can help babies, who take time to develop an efficient suckle, improve their feeding.
Heat application on the nipple, right after nursing, decreases and relieves breastfeeding discomfort. Occasionally, the use of oral medication or medicated paste (nitroglycerine) also works. Nipples can also be exposed to air; however, if it’s not possible, lactating mums can wear plastic dome-shaped breast shells to keep the nipples from rubbing on their clothing. If the breast pain is still intense after trying all these measures, mothers can resume breastfeeding after 3-5 days’ cessation. Doing this allows the nipples to heal.
