Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding a baby gives a child the best possible start in life. As well as being a complete source of nutrition for infants, breast milk also contains antibodies that help protect infants from a wide range of bacteria and viruses. This means that breastfed babies tend to enjoy better health than bottle fed babies.

For the mother, breastfeeding helps with post pregnancy weight loss and provides a great opportunity for a new mum to bond with her child.

Whilst there are many great reasons for a woman to breastfeed, some women find that their breasts become so sore that they feel they have no choice but to stop.

Here are a few tips to help relieve painful, sore breasts and nipples so that you can continue to breastfeed until you and your baby are ready to stop.

Tips to prevent cracked nipples and sore breasts

• Make sure your baby is breastfeeding properly. The number one cause of sore nipples is when a baby is not latching on properly. If you experience pain during breastfeeding, you should take your breast from the baby’s mouth and start over again.

• Try sunbathing topless. This sounds a little odd, but many women who sunbathe topless for a few minutes, a few times a week in the run up to giving birth find that their skin is not so susceptible to getting cracked. Obviously though, you should use SPF cream and not overdo it.

• Applying ice on the breasts before breastfeeding can ease the pain.

• Take your time. If you try and rush a feed then you may prevent the milk ducts from emptying completely, which can cause pain and swelling.

• Let your nipples air dry between feedings, letting the milk dry on your nipples.

• Change your bra pads frequently and avoid pads lined with plastic.

• Use an express pump until your let down reflex occurs. This will prevent the baby from sucking as hard since the milk will be more available.

• Offer your baby the nipple that is the least sore first as babies tend to suck harder during the first few minutes of a feed.

• Daily massage around the nipple area will help to strengthen the skin during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

• Breastfeed or express milk frequently to help prevent the pain associated with engorgement.

• Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms fever, aches, overfull breasts, redness, sores or pains in a specific area on the breast.

• If you have any more questions or concerns about breastfeeding, call the National Women's Health Information Center at 800-994-9662 or on the web at www.womenshealth.gov/Breastfeeding.