World Breastfeeding Week 2020: Easy Tips And Techniques For New Mothers To Reduce Breast Pain, Soreness

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World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from 1st to 7th August every year to create awareness about the various benefits of breastfeeding. Though breastfeeding is a healthy practice, the various myths surrounding it make moms hesitant to exclusively breastfeed the first 6 months of an infant’s life. Many moms experience nipple pain and soreness and give up breastfeeding in the first few weeks after giving birth. Granted, breastfeeding can be tricky at times and it may not come naturally to everyone. But proper guidance and helpful tips can help make breastfeeding easier for most new mums.

Breastfeeding pain is real. However, there are a few techniques and tips that you can follow to have a comfortable breastfeeding experience with your little one.

In This Article

1. Check Your Baby’s Position

Check Your Baby’s Position
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If you continue to experience nipple pain or soreness in a particular position, try to switch to another position to see if it provides some relief. Here are a few positions that you can try (1):

  • Cradle:You can try this position while relaxing in a chair. Lay back and put your baby on one of the less painful nipples. Now support your baby using the forearm of whichever side you choose to feed on. Face your baby towards your front and have him/her rest on your arm.
  • Cross Cradle: Another position that is very similar to a cradle, the only difference is here you use a pillow to support your baby’s head.
  • Laid Back:Lie down on a bed, chair, or couch. Rest your baby on your tummy so that your bodies are parallel to each other. Bring your baby’s mouth to your nipple and support your baby’s bottom using your hands.

Other breastfeeding positions that you can try include a side-lying position and clutch position.

2. Ensure Proper Latch

Ensure Proper Latch
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Improper latch could be one of the main reasons leading to a painful breastfeeding experience and sore nipples. When the baby is fussy because of hunger, he/she may not take time to hold a proper latch while breastfeeding. Look for early hunger cues and make sure you create a breastfeeding schedule and stick to it (2).

If you feel that your baby hasn’t latched correctly, don’t be hesitant to break the suction. You can do this by gently placing your finger on your baby’s mouth. In a proper latch, the baby’s mouth will be wide open with the tongue cupped and forward.

3. Use Hydrogel Pads

Use Hydrogel Pads
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Your nursing pads or bra cup may constantly rub against your nipples, worsening your sore nipples. Using a hydrogel pad on your nipples works as a skin barrier and creates a soothing effect to provide some relief (3).

4. Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies
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According to research, warm, moist heat can soothe your nipples and facilitates the skin healing process. Similar to applying a warm compress, you can use a clean cotton washcloth and dip it in warm water. Make sure that the water is warm, but not too hot. Now squeeze out the excess water and place it over your nipples. Repeat the process a few more times (4).

This method is not only effective in treating sore nipples but can help you provide relief from breast engorgement as well.

Another easy method is applying breast milk on your nipples. Breast milk is loaded with immense benefits and can help treat nipple pain and promotes skin healing. Express a few drops of breast milk and apply it over your nipples. Let it dry off completely before putting on your clothes.

5. Creams And Ointments

Creams And Ointments
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Creams and ointments may help create a soothing effect by working as a skin barrier over your nipples even though they may not be as effective in treating sore nipples. It is ideal to use creams that don’t have lanolin as one of the ingredients as it can give off a strong scent or flavor that may cause your baby to refuse breastfeeding. Hence it is ideal to go for creams that have a mild scent or taste. Creams with calendula can help heal skin in addition to a soothing effect (5).

If the pain persists even after trying the above methods or your nipples start to bleed, it’s best to seek professional help by consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.

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