Cracked nipples are a big hurdle to overcome in the first weeks of breasttfeeding. The pain can be intense, and can last for as much as 3 weeks.
It's a cruel irony that no sooner have you given birth, you have to deal with the cracking and bruising of such delicate little things.
What can I do about it?
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise after every feed. Use a lanolin based cream that will cling stubbornly to your nipple.
Keep savoy cabbage leaves in your bra - the chlorophyll in the leaves will help numb the pain and keep your nipple moist.
Be careful with your nipples - especially after bathing. Towels have a nasty habit of irritating sore nipples.
Importance of hygiene
When your nipples are cracked, it is vital that you keep changing your breast pads and bras regularly.
If bacteria makes its way through the cracks in your nipple, you may succumb to infective mastitis, as the bacteria finds its way to your lymph nodes. For more information on mastisis, click here.
Fair skin?
If you have fair skin, it can take a little longer for your skin to heal, so don't be too downhearted if it seems to take an age for your nipples to get back to normal.
