Breastfeeding: Sore or Cracked Nipples

November 21, 2009

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

HOT TOPICS

		Pregnancy Symptoms
		Read with Your Kids -- It's Fun!
		Take Our Quizzes
		Play with Your Baby

TOPICS


	Parents are talking about their children. Join the discussion.

Breastfeeding: Sore or Cracked Nipples

by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed and revised by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

Many women note some mild nipple discomfort in the first week or so of breastfeeding each time they offer their baby the breast. This type of mild discomfort does not generally last throughout the entire feeding, and disappears as the nipples become used to the nursing process.

The most common cause of sore nipples
The most common cause of cracked and painful nipples is improper latching on. If your baby sucks on the nipple without bringing the areola (dark area of skin around the nipple) into his mouth properly, he will not be able to express milk, will likely get frustrated and suck harder, and cause your nipples to become sore. The good news is that while you can quickly become sore, your nipples will likely heal quite quickly if you take the appropriate measures.

Tips For Helping Sore Nipples:

If one breast is more sore than the other, allow your baby to nurse on the less painful side first. He will likely suck less vigorously when he gets around to the second breast
Between nursing, allow your breast to be exposed to the open air. You can express some breast milk around the nipple and let it air dry, or use specially designed breast creams on your breast. (Unlike most regular moisturizing creams, these have no perfumes or other additives that could bother your baby). Avoid soaps and perfumed lotions
Most importantly, do not hesitate to seek help from a doctor, nurse or lactation consultant /resource organization to make sure that you don't suffer needlessly and breastfeeding can be enjoyable for you

Yeast infection of the nipple
While not the most common cause of sore nipples, yeast infection of the nipple can cause your nipples to be very sensitive to the touch and easily irritated. They may or may not be red. This type of infection is not always easy to recognize, so if you have persistent nipple irritation, redness, or pain that does not respond to other interventions, discuss your symptoms with your health care provider. This infection is caused by the same yeast that causes thrush in your baby's mouth and yeast diaper rash, so be particularly suspicious if your baby has either of these conditions.

Tips for treating and preventing yeast infections

Your health care provider (or your baby's) can prescribe a treatment (cream or solution) that can be directly applied to your breast without interfering with breastfeeding
If your baby has thrush or yeast diaper rash, the baby's infection should be treated at the same time
Yeast like to live in moist areas, so do not allow your nipples to be kept in contact with moist nursing pads and try to allow them to air dry fully after nursing


RELATED INFORMATION

			Causes of Breastfeeding Pain or Discomfort
			Breastfeeding: Problems

Created May 25, 2000
Reviewed and revised September 18, 2004

| |
| | |

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.