5 ways to avoid sore nipples due to breastfeeding

New mothers face this common aftermath of constant breastfeeding. Fungal infections, cracked nipples, and vasospasm are a few causes for sore nipples. Swelling and oozing can become a side effect of the above-mentioned uneasiness.

Here are a few ways in which you can avoid this problem.

1. Latching 

Most times, sore nipples can be an outcome of your baby being unable to latch onto your nipple perfectly while breastfeeding. This might result in dry and lifeless skin around the nipple. Instead of taking the lead, let your baby latch on by themselves without help. Allowing them to adjust on their own will allow them to get a right grip, hence avoiding dryness and sore nipples.

2. Check for fungal infection

Sometimes your child might be the recipient of fungal infection in the mouth that is likely to get transferred to your nipples while feeding them. Your best option is to consult a doctor, but creams and medicines or homemade medicines can curb the seriousness of the infection. Most babies are recipients of this infection, and they are invariably cured in a few days. In case this persists, you can consult with a doctor for a solution.

3. Moisturize

While breastfeeding it is vital for you to moisturise the area liberally, use moisturisers that are okay with your baby’s skin. It might take a while for this to heal, but moisturising is the best thing to do to repair damaged skin.

4. Air them

Make sure you air your breasts often. Doing this will ensure that there is enough space for your skin to breathe. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of an infection or sore nipples. The idea of freeing the nipples is to let your breasts relax.

5. Clothes friction

The clothes that you wear might be a reason for the sore breasts. The constant friction of the fabric from your clothes can cause harm to your skin as well. Make sure you wear clothes with extremely soft texture to reduce the ill effects of soreness. Ensure that you do not use bras with fancy lace or satin texture, as they might look beautiful, but they tend to cause discomfort while breastfeeding. Use cotton bras just for the few months while nursing your child.