Cracked nipples
The lowdown. This is one of those tricky breastfeeding problems that can be the result of many different things: a shallow latch, pumping improperly, thrush and sometimes even dry skin. During your first week of breastfeeding, when baby is just learning to latch, you may even experience some bloody discharge. Cracked nipples might be a little frightening (and uncomfortable), but this breastfeeding problem is nothing to worry about.
Tackling the problem
Check the latch. Step one is to make sure baby is properly positioned. When your baby has a shallow latch, your nipple is positioned in the front of baby’s mouth, which means your nipple is rubbing along baby’s hard palate. Once you get a deeper latch, your nipple settles farther back in baby’s mouth where the soft palate lies, which is a much more comfortable (and effective) latch.
Home remedies to try. For many any moms, soothing gel pads, nursing ointments and/or taking a mild painkiller like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 30 minutes before nursing can help ease discomfort. You can also suggests letting some milk stay on your nipples after a feeding and air dry to aid healing.
Keep your nipples clean and dry. Cracked nipples can allow for bacteria to enter the breast, wash your sore nipples with soap and water at least twice a day. To help heal your nipples, consider using hydrogel pads on your nipples between feedings. These gel pads provide a soothing, moist healing environment but do not leave any residue on the nipple that would interfere with your baby latching.
Red flags. Any cracks or damage that does not heal quickly with good positioning techniques, gentle washing while bathing or showering, and applying gel pads between feedings should be evaluated further to make sure that no infection is present.
