Cracks or painful nipple during breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed the baby from birth. However, the beginnings are sometimes not so simple. Many times they come accompanied by problems and discomforts that can make breastfeeding a painful experience for the mother. One of the most common annoyances among nursing mothers are cr
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed the baby from birth. However, the beginnings are sometimes not so simple. Many times they come accompanied by problems and discomforts that can make breastfeeding a painful experience for the mother.
One of the most common annoyances among nursing mothers are cracks or painful nipples. We tell you what it is and how to solve it.
What is the painful nipple or cracks in the nursing mother
At first, the first days after delivery, the baby spends a lot of time holding the breast, until it gets the amount of milk it needs. The nipple skin is very sensitive, and evidently suffers wear. That sensitive skin, subjected to long hours of friction and moisture, cause cracks to appear. These cracks are really wounds that can be very painful. As the cracks occur in the nipple, this problem is also known as a painful nipple.
Causes and treatment for the painful nipple in the nursing mother
The first thing to do is look for the source of this pain. First check that the baby is properly grasped. Poor posture during breastfeeding may be the origin of cracks in the nipple, since the baby does not suckle correctly. How to know if the baby latches on to the breast correctly? You must suckle part of the areola, not just the nipple.
Another possible cause of cracks is that the baby has a tongue frenulum that prevents him from sucking milk properly. In this case, the baby chews the nipple instead of sucking.
Once we solve the subject of the grip, the cracks, naturally, will be healed. To accelerate this process, it is recommended to leave the chest to the air as long as possible.
