Sore nipple management

Sucking is a natural instinct for most term babies, but breastfeeding is frequently found to be a learned skill for most mothers. It is meant to be a comfortable, pleasant experience for mom, but most of us have heard stories of sore nipples. You can avoid this problem most of the time with education and a lot of support from both family and experienced health professionals.

To prevent nipple tenderness, start with a baby in the proper position and latch.

a) Bring baby to breast with pillows for support of mom’s arms and back.

b) Hold baby in good alignment, body facing breast and mother’s body.

c) Tickle infant's lower lip with colostrum dampened nipple until the baby opens his or her mouth in a wide yawn. Bring the baby quickly to nipple with lower lip curled out.

d) Infant's head should be tilted slightly back so mother's nipple is angled to the roof of infant's mouth. This is called a deep asymetrical latch.

e) Mother's nippe/areola area should be soft, flexible and everting.

f) Release the suction before mother removes her baby from her nipple.

g) Place colostrum and small amounts of purified lanolin on tender nipples after nursing.

Mothers having trouble with raw, blistered or cracked nipples should consult a healthcare professional such as their pediatrician or lactation consultant.

(Adaptapted from Medela: Sore nipple management)