If cracked nipples have set in, it is possible to treat them and speed up the healing process.
It is important to deal with this quickly, because in addition to the discomfort, damaged nipples can allow germs to enter more easily and lead to infection. Don't worry — it is very rare for the germs that slow healing to affect your baby. They do, however, slow down the wound-healing process. So do take care of your health and find the right treatment for your cracked nipples as soon as possible.
Moisturising the affected area
Keep the area well moisturised, particularly the nipples (if they become too dry, they can stretch and crack, making the soreness worse), for example with a drop of breast milk, a small amount of organic deodorised virgin coconut oil, or an organic lanolin-based balm that helps to form a protective barrier. Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for advice. When applying the cream, don't hesitate to use a breast pad to avoid staining your clothes. Pack it in your hospital bag to have it with you right from the start.
Protecting nipples from bra fabric
Aware of the distress felt by new mothers and their tendency to quickly abandon a project that was close to their heart, manufacturers have been very inventive in finding ways to help them heal quickly. From breastfeeding shells to silver or beeswax cups, from hydrogel dressings to therapeutic patches, there are a number of solutions available.
Breast milk dressings
A simple and cost-effective solution is to soak a sterile gauze pad in breast milk and hold it against the nipple using a piece of pre-cut cling film. This moist dressing should be changed at each feed, or at least every hour. A colostrum dressing can also be applied from the very beginning, even while still in the maternity unit, under the supervision of a midwife, for example. Colostrum is particularly rich in antibodies. However, do be cautious with this dressing — in the case of infection it can have a harmful effect.
Using nipple shields
As a temporary solution, you can use nipple shields placed over the nipples. Make sure to moisten their base and press them firmly against the skin so they don't slip. However, these should never be used long-term. They only address the symptom without treating the cause (poor latch or incorrect positioning). Your baby may also get used to them and later refuse to feed without them. They can also lead to a reduction in milk supply (by 20 to 60% according to La Leche League), as the breast is less well drained during feeds. Remember to wash your nipple shields several times a day in warm soapy water.
Take care of your breasts
Leave them to air dry as much as possible after showering. You can also apply a little breast milk to any wounds or cracks. Breast milk contains anti-infective agents as well as agents that stimulate cell renewal. If you are lucky enough to be able to let them dry in the sun, make the most of it! The vitamin D it provides speeds up the healing process.
Applying cold
A breastfeeding compress, or breast pad, can be used warm or cold. Warm compresses help to encourage milk flow, particularly in cases of engorgement, while cold compresses help to soothe the area.
And of course, the first thing to do is to correct the positioning during breastfeeding. Most of the time, simply correcting it is enough to relieve the pain.
If that is not enough, your doctor or midwife will most commonly prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Some mothers also use the healing properties of honey. This works provided one essential precaution is followed: use sterilised honey, which can be found at a pharmacy. Regular honey can contain a botulinum toxin that may cause a neurological condition in babies under one year of age.
