The Facts on
Soreness..
• Painful nipples create an anxious
mum. Once anxious, her letdown reflex becomes
weak and feeding becomes a bit of a problem
• If the pattern continues, further
problems like engorgement can set in
• It is certainly preventable. Treatment
should be executed promptly if the problem
is already there.
• No soaps, scented stuffs and any
form of abrasion on the breast area
• There are 2 types of soreness: the
mild and the more serious version
• In the mild form, the burning sensation
happens at the beginning for a few minutes
before the letdown reflex begins. Because
there isn't enough milk, the baby will be
tugging vigorously at the breast. The tugging
eases once the ducts start to fill up with
milk. Both the mother and baby start to
feel better when this happens
• Soreness in the mild form is temporary
and tends to wear off unless the nipple
is already bruised. Otherwise the problem
tends to disappear after a few days of routine
and practice
• In the more serious situation the
sensitive skin around the nipple is already
injured with cracks, fissures or blisters.
The whole feeding session hence becomes
painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately they
are fairly uncommon but they do require
treatment
• The main argument is that sore nipples
are caused by babies not latching on properly.
When baby is properly latched on, the baby
will be clamping on the tissue surrounding
the nipple and not the nipple itself. If
the nipple is not erect, the baby faces
problem of putting the whole nipple and
the areola into its mouth. The mother's
position and engorgement further act as
deterrents.
Sore
Nipples is Preventable
• The mother should vary her positions.
She can try the 'football' position for
instance instead of the standard sitting
positions, now that she has nipple discomforts.
Pillows can be used to prop the baby to
a suitable height and angle so that baby
can reach for the nipple without much effort
• Correct latching is very important.
Basically it will prevent baby from sucking
on the nipple alone, causing it to crack
and become sore. Secondly a good milk flow
is ensured.
• Don't pull the baby off after its
feed; carefully break the suction by putting
your finger in your baby's mouth
• Some babies need to suck on and
on. Offer your little finger or your partner's
finger between feeds (avoid the pacifier
if you can)
• Nipple shields should be used only
if nothing else seems to work. This is because
these shields confuse the baby in much the
same way as bottles do.
• Expose nipples to air and light
between feeds. Rub some breast milk around
the nipple, wait to dry and then put on
the bra. Alternatively, you may use the
shields between feeds to allow for ventilation
• Wash the breast and nipple areas
with water only. Avoid scented soaps and
body wash and perfumes for the time being.
Washing agents only dry up the skin and
make it more susceptible to cracks
• In the initial months avoid bottle
feeding and pacifiers. This only creates
confusion for your kid
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