Breastfeeding Problems: Nipple Pain while Nursing

Many nursing mothers are plagued by problems of breastfeeding. They find it difficult to suckle their infant when their breast feel sore, begin to itch or are regularly bitten at. The picture of contentment of a mother peacefully cradling her baby and watching it suckle, remains just that to you. A picture. Speaking for yourself, you may have an irritable baby who only wants to suck a tender nipple when you want a break, and begins to cry when you try to get him to suck.

The most important problem you face if you face difficulties of breastfeeding relates to sore nipples. Why do you face a condition of sore and cracked nipples that begin to bleed or run dry when you try to get your baby to suck from them? What is a sore nipple?

Why Your Nipples are Sore

You may have a case of sore nipples if your nipples continue to be tender beyond the first week of breastfeeding. Moderate nipple tenderness is not severe and should not last more than a couple of days. The most common cause of sore nipples is when the baby is clutching at them improperly or cannot latch on. If in spite you having confirmed that the soreness is not due to improper positioning or poor latch on, you may be experiencing an infection called thrush. Other reasons why your breast could be sore is because you could be suffering blisters, cracking, bleeding and/or pain that is persistent during or in-between feedings. Only a lactation consultant or your doctor might help to remove these problems.

Sometimes you may suffer excruciating pain from a crack or split in your nipple, a condition again caused by improper positioning, or latch-on. For relief until they heal, you could dab them with ointment.

Ointment Salves

It is difficult as a nursing mother, for you to be relying on ointments and creams for sore nipples, and here the only suggestion is that they not be toxic. While there is no evidence of a salve or aid that could heal sore nipples, a few ointments are used to provide some relief. Lanisoh or purified Lanolin, helps take care of the soreness, but it could cause an allergic reaction. If you are sensitive, it is advisable not to use Lanolin. Vitamin E oil is another oft-mentioned remedy, but if you decide to use it, you have to do so sparingly and well before nursing. Being a fat soluble vitamin, Vitamin E could accumulate in your baby's liver, and safe levels for infants have not been determined. So it could be dangerous to use. Petroleum based salves will clog your pores and prevent your skin from breathing while alcohol containing products will drying your skin. It might be better to avoid any special ointment on your breasts. They are not the balm they appear to be.

Nipple Care

You could take adequate care of your nipples and provide relief to your breastfeeding woes by properly positioning your baby, through the following ways:

• Practice holding the baby in different ways called in medical parlance the cradle, football holds etc.. Lay down to find the most comfortable positions for yourself; alternate positions at each feeding. To bring baby up to the height of your breast, you can use pillows to reduce tugging and pulling on your nipple.
• Nurse your baby more frequently as, like this, our baby won't be as hungry and may nurse less vigorously. First, offer the breast that is the less sensitive one.
• Before taking her off the breast, be sure to release the suction by inserting your finger gently into the side of her mouth between your breast and her tongue.
• Rub your nipples with ice before feeding to slightly numb them.
• Keeping your nipples dry and expose them to air whenever you can; Change your breast pads frequently if you are using them, to keep your nipples from soaking in the dampness, are ways to keep off the discomfort. Avoiding the use of soap as it is drying, helps.

The condition of sore nipples may be alleviated through the above-mentioned tips. In addition, there may problems of plugged duct and mastitis when breastfeeding problems are discussed. You can avoid these problems if you provide the right care to your nipples. If they continue to bother you, seek the help of a healthcare provider.