Do you have pain or discomfort while breastfeeding your baby?
- by WONDERMOM
- June 7, 2022
Have you seen a small white or yellowish cyst filled with milk on your nipple? If so, then you probably have one of the most common breastfeeding problems known as blisters or nipple blisters. Fortunately, there are several home remedies to prevent and treat nipple blisters. Popular treatments include
#Olive Oil
Studies have shown that olive oil has a protective effect on the skin. Dip a cotton ball in extra virgin olive oil and place it on the nipple in the bra. Change the cotton ball twice a day. This will help keep the nipple moist and prevent further clogging. Be sure to gently clean the nipple before breastfeeding. Place a cotton ball soaked in coconut oil in your bra over your nipple to soothe the affected area and treat the blister. You can also use coconut oil for sore or cracked nipples while breastfeeding.
#Saline
Saline can help reduce blisters. Mix two teaspoons of Epsom salt (which has detoxifying properties) in a cup of warm water and allow it to cool slightly. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the blister. Do the same three or four times a day until the channel is clear.
Warm Compress
Several studies have shown that warm compresses relieve sore nipples. To make a compress, soak a napkin in warm water and place it on the nipple for up to 15 minutes before breastfeeding your little one. Gently dry the nipple before breastfeeding. The warmth of the compress causes the dead skin to fall off and relieves pain.
#nipple massage
This treatment works best after a shower, bath, or brine bath, as the skin remains very soft during this time. Gently massage the nipple and apply pressure to the area behind. This will help stimulate milk flow and release blockages that are causing a blister. Do not apply as much pressure as this can cause pain and feed the affected breast first.
#Express some milk.
Milk in clogged pores sometimes requires more suction than normal to get out. Use a hospital-grade pump to express thick milk from the affected breast, gradually increasing the force of the pump until the bubble comes out. Expressing milk through a pump allows for a smooth flow of milk and relieves pressure in the milk ducts.
#Soothing ointment
After breastfeeding, rub the affected nipple several times a day with an antibiotic ointment suitable for breastfeeding, especially lanolin or chamomile, or calendula. This keeps the area from drying out, relieves itching, and relieves the pain caused by a blister. However, before using such an ointment, do not forget to consult your doctor.
#Lecithin Supplements
Generally recognized as safe by the US FDA, lecithin supplements are recommended for treating breast blisters. They increase the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce breast milk stickiness and prevent clogging of the milk ducts. However, they should only be used under medical guidance.
#Wear a nursing bra
Ill-fitting bras, underwired bras, or bras made from synthetic materials can cause nipple rubbing and blisters. and relaxed with adequate ventilation.#Breastfeeding Frequently
If possible, breastfeed more often to stimulate milk flow through the milk ducts. More frequent breastfeeding will keep your breasts moist and soft, helping you prevent and eliminate blisters and milk blisters.
#Improve clutch position.
A poor seal causes friction on the nipple, which eventually leads to blistering. If one breastfeeding position doesn’t work for you, try other positions and stick with the one that works best for you and your baby. Consider using a nursing pillow to support the baby up to nipple level and consult a lactation expert if necessary.