Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Please help!!

I have horrible cracked nipples from breast feeding, I've been using lanolin and/or medela nipple cream and it hasn't been helping. It's starting to really hurt while feeding, what can I do??
16 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I have some of those for baby! I'll try the cool first other wise I'll start leaking like Niagara Falls lol
Helpful - 0
9924471 tn?1419954420
Babiesrus sells ice and heat packs try those to sooth the nipples just be careful not too cold nor too hot
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So I've found relief! What I did was after feeding put the medela cream on, it's smoother and spreads more easily and then I put some of the lanolin on a breast pad since it's thicker and put it on my boobs between feedings so that the scabs didn't come back and my nipples stayed softer and it still hurts a tiny bit with the initial latch but fades after about 10-20 seconds. Thanks for all the suggestions and I'm definitely going to try the hydrogel pads.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
All these suggestions are great and I will try them too. I also found that rubbing my own milk on my nipped after each feed helped and I kept my breasts uncovered in the house as much as possible. Keep at it up doing great
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Whoever said you should not breastfeed while ur nipples r cracked are not correct. The blood will not hurt baby an ur milk supply will go down if you stop to let it heal. If it hurts to bad u could try a nipple shield or at least pump. Baby might be latching a bit different then what he was when u left the hospital I had that problem with my second baby. After every feeding I expressed some breast milk and put it on my nipple after it dried I put coconut oil on it. It healed pretty quickly after I got her to get her to get her latch right. I hope it heals quickly for u I know how painful it can be.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Should breastfeed when situation with breasts gets better..told to do it with a pump or so till better. I dont see a positive if a baby is sucking on ur blood and milk..should treat breasts with proper substamces like coconut oil or so..and when better continue breastfeed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You absolutely should keep breast feeding, lots of women go through a brief period of pain and scabbing. If youre latching properly it will eventually pass. Your nipples are a sensitive area and babies can be aggressive when it comes to eating. I personally went through a period of about two weeks where it was just awful, cracked nipples, painful latch on, then sore after feeding, even though we were doing everything right.

Think of it as breaking your nipples in, though who say breastfeeding should never hurt either haven't breast fed, are very lucky, or totally blocked the pain from memory lol. Keep using the lanolin, it does help, deff use breast pads because you don't want to chaffe and keep feeding. I promise it does get better and easier, good luck(:
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Coconut oil is a miracle worker! I use it on stretch marks, my nipples, and even on my pets!
Helpful - 0
12584065 tn?1436320514
I agree ^the hydrogel breastpads were a lifesaver for me!! Theyre amazing if kept cold.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You absolutely can breastfeed with cracked nipples, it will not harm the baby in the slightest. However it is extremely uncomfortable. I used nipple shields every second feed for a week to give my nipples a break as mine were cracking and reopening when feeding. Best thing I came across was riteaid hydrogel breastpads to relieve pain and heal in between feedings (keep in the fridge, it's soooo good cold). Also, if you're feeling pain during feeding,  then get baby's latch checked. Persevere! It will get better!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You can use a shield to let them heal a bit. Find them online or target. I had to use one with my son because my nipples are inverted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Shouldnt breastfeed while having cracked nipples ( meaning small open wounds, called ragades) as baby can suck small amounts of ur blood as sucking milk.. And it can cause to have black stool etc..
Should give him/her bought supstance addapted for his months ( bebimil, hipp, novalac, etc), and manual take milk out or by pump..till ur breasts dont get better.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'll try it, thanks!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Use Vaseline between feeds. It helps with moisture and should resolve the cracking.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well he's latching correctly I believe, no differently than at the hospital when the lactation consultant showed me. But he went through some with drawl at the hospital and ate for about 4 hours straight with little breaks here and there, and horrible cluster feeding.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There seems tobe prob with proper latching. Check out how to latch on instructions on net.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community

Top Pregnancy Answerers
13167 tn?1327194124
Austin, TX
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.