How to Prevent Sore Nipples When Breastfeeding

Make Sure Your Baby Is Latching on Well

A good breastfeeding latch is one of the keys to successful breastfeeding, and it also helps to prevent sore nipples. When your baby latches onto your breast correctly, he will have your entire nipple as well as some of the surrounding areola in his mouth. Your nipple should be deep inside your baby's mouth.

If your newborn only latches on to your nipple, his gums will press down on it as he tries to get breast milk. When he sucks on just your sensitive nipples, it can cause nipple pain. It can also lead to an always hungry and fussy baby since your child won't be getting much breast milk if she isn't latching on well and squeezing the milk ducts under your areola.

And, if you aren't sure whether or not your baby is latching on and breastfeeding well, talk to your doctor, a lactation consultant, or a local breastfeeding group as soon as possible for assistance.

Breastfeed in a Good Position

A good breastfeeding position will be comfortable for both you and your baby, and it will encourage a proper latch. The cross-cradle hold and the football (clutch) hold work well when you're first starting out since both of these positions give you a better view of your nipple and your baby's mouth.

It may also be helpful to use a nursing pillow and a nursing footstool. These breastfeeding accessories lift your lap and bring your child up to the level of your breast. It's easier to get into a good breastfeeding position when you raise your baby up since you don't have to lean over. Leaning over is uncomfortable, and it can strain your back, arms, and neck.

You can also alternate the breastfeeding positions that you use at each feeding. When you breastfeed in the same position all the time, your baby's mouth is always putting pressure on the same spot on your nipple.

Soften Your Breasts So Your Baby Can Latch On

Breast engorgement is common during the transitional stage of breast production that you'll most likely experience within the first few weeks of breastfeeding. However, your breasts can also become engorged if you miss a feeding or if you have an overabundant supply of breast milk. When your breasts become engorged and hard, it's difficult for a newborn to latch on.

To make it easier for your child, you can remove a little bit of breast milk before each feeding to relieve the tightness and soften your breast tissue. When your breasts are softer, it's much easier for your baby to form a good seal on your breast. And, as mentioned before, a good latch helps to prevent sore nipples.

Breastfeed Your Baby at Least Every 2 to 3 Hours

Newborns have tiny stomachs, and they digest breast milk quickly and easily. So, it's not a surprise that they need to eat frequently. The longer you wait to breastfeed, the hungrier your baby will be. And, when a baby is very hungry, he can have a more aggressive suck.

If you wait too long between feedings, your breasts can become engorged making it more difficult for your baby to latch on well. The combination of a poor latch and an aggressive suck can quickly lead to sore nipples.

Keep the Skin on Your Breasts and Nipples Healthy

It isn't that difficult to care for your nursing breasts. There's not too much you have to do since your breasts are made to breastfeed. You even have little bumps on your areola called the Montgomery glands that moisturize and protect your breasts and nipples. But, you can help to keep your skin healthy and prevent sore nipples by doing a few things.

When you wash your breasts, rinse them with warm water and avoid using any harsh soaps that can dry out, irritate, and crack the skin on your breasts and your nipples. Also, it's not necessary to use creams, ointments, or lotions to try to prevent nipple problems before they start. Many over-the-counter products are not helpful. In fact, they can make painful, sore nipples even worse.

However, if you already have dry, cracked nipples, or if you live in a dry climate, you may benefit from a nipple moisturizer. There are some products such as medical-grade lanolin or Dr. Jack Newman's All-Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) that are soothing and helpful.

Change Breast Pads Often

It may be hard to do, especially if you're one of the many women who experience a lot of leaking, but try to keep your breasts, bra, and ​breast pads clean and dry. Put on a clean nursing bra every day, and change it whenever it gets wet or dirty. If you wear breast pads, try not to use any products that have plastic or waterproof liners because they hold in the moisture.

Instead, choose washable, reusable breast pads made from natural materials, or disposable nursing pads that are breathable, absorbent, and comfortable. Whether you prefer reusable or disposable nursing pads, be sure to change them often.

The growth of bacteria or fungus can cause your skin to break down and lead to sore nipples, thrush, or a breast infection.

Be Careful When You're Removing the Baby From Your Breast

When your child latches on well and breastfeeds, she creates a strong seal between her mouth and your breast. At the end of a feeding, she may release the seal and let go of your breast on her own, or she may stay attached to you even if she falls asleep.

If your baby does not let go of you on her own at the end of the feeding, don't pull her off of your breast. Pulling your child's mouth off of your breast after a feeding can cause pain and damage to your breasts and nipples. Especially if you do it over and over again.

To prevent damaging your nipples, take the time to learn the proper technique for removing your child from your breast. By gently placing your finger into the side of your baby's mouth, you can safely break the suction of the latch. Then, once you break that seal, you can hook your finger around your nipple to protect it from being chomped on as you remove your breast from your baby's mouth.

Be Gentle With Your Breast Pump

Whether you're exclusively pumping, or just pumping occasionally to relieve breast engorgement or boost your supply of breast milk, it's important to use your breast pump correctly.

Pump flanges (pump shields) are available in different sizes, so don't assume that the ones that come with your pump are right for you. Check to see if your pump manufacturer makes alternative sizes or look for a product such as Pumpin' Pal Super Shield Breast Pump Flanges so that you can be sure that your pump flanges fit you correctly and comfortably.

Another common pump problem is setting the pump suction too high. Many women believe that pumping at a faster speed and higher suction level will lead to more breast milk more quickly. But, it's more likely to lead to more pain and possibly less breast milk.

So, to prevent nipple pain and breast damage from your breast pump, use pump flanges that fit correctly and start out with a lower, slower level of suction.