Cracked nipples are mainly caused by improper teat placement. If your nipple still hurts after the baby's initial sucking, take the baby from the breast and relatch.
Tips
In addition to a good latching technique, there are a few useful tips to prevent cracked nipples:
- Never allow your baby to pull on your nipple, but keep them close enough to reach the breast properly.
- Make sure the baby takes as much of the areola as possible into their mouth, not just the nipple.
- Regularly rub your nipple with a big drop of breast milk and allow it to dry thoroughly. It is the best and cheapest ointment available.
- If your breasts are very hard and engorged, apply heat (cherry stone pillow hot pack) 15 minutes prior to a feeding and gently massage the areola until a little milk comes out and the baby can latch onto the nipple more easily.
- Use a different position for each breastfeeding session. The midwife will assist you with this.
Last edit:
9 November 2023