Dear Aunty Tina, I have a 2 month old and breastfeed, but my nipples are getting so sore and cracked. What can I do to help or prevent this?
Sore and cracked nipples are more common than you may think and a question I am often asked. First I would recommend getting some Vitamin E capsules. You put the vitamin E on the sores which will help them heal and will not harm your baby. I would also recommend changing the position that you have been holding your baby. This change could be as little as moving your baby’s head to a slightly different position while nursing or changing your hold. For example from the cradle hold (classic breast feeding position) to the football hold (tuck your baby under your arm on the same side you are nursing from).
I would also recommend staying on one breast for each feeding. The first milk that comes in is called the foremilk. This milk is thin and mainly water and will satisfy your baby’s thirst. After about 10 minutes, but this can vary woman to woman, the Hind-milk will come in. This milk is creamy in texture and has the highest fat content. The hind-milk has a relaxing effect on your baby and will help satisfy your baby’s hunger. By doing this your nipples have a longer time between breast feedings to recover and your baby may be getting fuller and therefore want to feed less.
