Sore Nipples and Blisters
Most often cracked sore, or blistered nipples are a result from improper latch. When the baby feeds on only the nipple it can cause your nipples to crack and blister. Blistering can also be the result of your nipple being rubbed against the roof of your baby’s mouth or along your baby’s gums. The pain you experience from blisters and soreness can make nursing very uncomfortable, but it is important that you continue to breastfeed.
If you have cracked nipples, you may find that the bleed a little bit. Unless you have other health problems this should not interfere with nursing or harm your baby.
You may wish to check with your doctor or lactation consultant to check how your baby is latching and if the soreness or blisters are a sign of another problem.
While you wait for your appointment you can try the following to treat your sore nipples:
- Ensure that your baby has good latch, your entire nipple and about an inch of your areola should be in your baby’s mouth.
- Try using different nursing positions to vary how your baby is getting latch
- Offer your least tender breast first so your milk will let down in the other breast without your baby creating suction.
- Express some milk with a breast pump before nursing to help decrease the time to let down
- Break suction evenly by inserting a finger into your baby’s mouth. Don’t let your baby slide off your nipple.
- Apply lanolin to the sore nipple, as your nipple will heal more quickly with moisture. You generally do not need to remove the lanolin before feeding.
- Use a breast shell to keep your nipples from rubbing against fabric.
Be sure to avoid using soap on your nipples. The Montgomery tubercles produce natural oils to clean and protect your nipple. Soap may aggravate the situation by further drying out your skin.
