Natural Remedies For Relief From Breastfeeding Pain
Soreness and pain in nipples during breastfeeding is a common condition. Different people observe different symptoms such as a tingling sensation, piercing pain, and soreness due to dry skin.
But, you don’t have to worry as the pain can be reduced easily with some home remedies.
Let’s analyse the reasons behind breastfeeding pain and some home remedies to reduce the soreness.
What Causes Breastfeeding Pain?
While pain during breastfeeding is common when you have just started feeding your baby, there can be other factors too. Here’s a list of reasons that may cause pain while feeding.
- Your baby is unable to latch on to your breast correctly.
- Your child may be too hungry by the time you feed them, which may result in aggressive sucking.
- Your baby has passed on a yeast infection to your nipples through his or her mouth. This yeast infection is known as thrush.
- Eczema or dry skin.
- Breastfeeding with inverted and flat nipples can be painful. The condition is not harmful to your health, but, it is advisable to seek the advice of your gynaecologist for ways to reduce pain.
- Your child may be tongue-tied, which is a condition that restricts proper movement of the tongue. To resolve this issue, consult a doctor as it can only be corrected by surgical procedure or treatment.
How to Relieve Breastfeeding Pain
Basil leaves
Basil leaves contain healing properties which can help you reduce breastfeeding pain. Take a bowl or handful of basil leaves, wash them, and grind them into a smooth paste. Add in a teaspoon of honey in the paste and apply the mixture on your nipples for 30 minutes. Repeat this for 3-4 times a day.
Milk cream
Milk cream or commonly known as Malai in India is a very good soothing agent. Take fresh milk cream in a bowl and apply it on your nipples with a little massage. Leave it on for some time and wash before breastfeeding.
Olive oil
Massaging your breasts with olive oil for 5 minutes before a bath can heal your skin. Alternatively, take a bowl of lukewarm water, add a few drops of olive in it and soak a cotton ball with the mixture. Use the cotton ball to dab the solution on your breasts. Rinse with normal water once the solution dries.
Note: If olive oil is not available, you can also use coconut oil and tea tree oil with lukewarm water for direct massaging.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has natural skin healing properties, which can reduce breastfeeding soreness. Take aloe vera gel and apply it on the affected area. However, it is best to use natural aloe vera. Take aloe vera leaf, cut it open, and extract the gel with a spoon.
Breast milk
One unknown way of healing sore nipples is through breast milk. In this method, you won’t have to worry about your child ingesting the substance. Use your hand to pump some breastmilk and apply it on your nipples.
Breastfeeding with Sore Nipples
Sore nipples or pain while breastfeeding does not affect your child in any way. However, if you observe bleeding or pain even after taking preventive measures, consult your gynaecologist as this can be a sign of improper breastfeeding or other underlying medical conditions.
