12/02/2022
What can I do for sore ni***es?.
Ni**le tenderness is common in the early weeks of breastfeeding as you and your baby navigate this new experience. However, pain that lasts beyond the first couple of weeks or persists throughout a breastfeed is not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
• Many times, ni**le pain can be a sign that your baby is not quite attached correctly to the breast so this should be the first thing you look at if your ni***es are persistently sore during and after a feed.
• At the end of a breastfeed, hand express a small amount of milk and gently rub it into your ni***es and allow them to air dry for a few minutes, breastmilk has amazing healing properties when used on the skin (also can be great for nappy rash)
• Start the feed on the less sore side and then switch to the sore side after your milk has “let-down”
• When removing your baby from the breast ensure to break the suction with a clean finger to avoid any pulling on the ni**le
• If you are expressing you may find that hand expressing is gentler on your ni***es than an electric pump
• If your baby has a dummy or takes some feeds from a bottle, this can sometimes cause ni**le confusion as the method of sucking on these is different to the breast, this in turn may contribute to ni**le pain
• Some women experience ni**le vasoplasm which can be a burning pain which is worse when they are cold, applying a warm compress to the breast and ni**le before and after a feed may help.
• White spot can be caused by a blocked milk duct right at the end of the ni**le, frequent feeding and changing your baby’s position at the breast can often help to clear these.
• Dermatitis and other skin conditions can contribute to sore ni***es and could be caused by a reaction to soaps or detergents.
• Changes to hormones can also result in sore or tender ni***es and could be caused by your menstrual cycle or pregnancy
• If the pain is too great and you need to rest the ni**le for a day or so, continue to feed from the good side and express (by hand is recommended) from the sore side to avoid engorgement or mastitis and to keep your supply going.
Of course, with all things breastfeeding, if you need more information the best place to get help is the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Their website has loads of information and their 24/7 helpline is a fantastic way to get immediate support from a fully trained breastfeeding counsellor.
If you are wanting one on one support with breastfeeding and general support during the post-partum period in the comfort of your own home, I offer a variety of post-partum packages to support new mums.
www.birthmagic.com.au
Phot credit: Cleyder Duque
