What to Do About Nipple Pain When Starting the Breastfeeding Journey

Breastfeeding is a skill that we learn on the job and can it can take some time to get to get use to. In the early weeks of breastfeeding, sore, cracked and bleeding nipples are a common complaint that most mothers will experience, this is usually due to the baby not attaching correctly.  

While nipple damage should be expected, the pain that it can cause is one of the reasons that mothers give up breastfeed and turn to pumping or formula.  Now feed is best, but if you want to continue with the breastfeeding journey and give yourself and your baby some time to learn how to self-attach correctly, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the nipple pain that’s associated with breastfeeding.  

Here are a few tips to help deal with sore nipples: 

Before Placing Baby on the Breast: 

  • Know your Baby’s Feeding Cues – Sucking on their hands, turning head from side to side, wriggling or acting restless and crying is the late cue you want to avoid. 
  • Get Comfortable – Try and find a comfortable position breastfeed can take time. 
  • Relax – Try and be as relaxed as possible when breastfeeding, your baby will take cues from you. 
  • Warm Your Breasts – Apply a warm washer or compound and gently massage your breasts to help get your milk flowing. 
  • Express Some Milk – This will help to soften the areola and lubricate the nipple naturally. 
  • Choose the Right Breast – Choose breast that is least sore first. 

While Baby is feeding: 

  • Latching to The Breast – Make sure baby has latched correctly. If you’re not sure contact a health professional for guidance and support. 
  • Attachment – If it doesn’t feel right after 30 secs, gently break the suction by placing your finger in corner of your baby’s mouth and try again. 
  • Different Feeding Positions – Experiment with different positions so that your both comfortable 
  • Comfort Sucking – If your nipples are tender, don’t let your baby use to for comfort sucking.  Gently break the suction by placing your finger in corner of your baby’s mouth. 

Once Baby has Finished Feeding 

  • Check Your Nipples – Always check your nipple for signs of stress, such as redness or a squashed appearance. 
  • Express Some Milk – Express a few drops of milk and smear on the nipple. 
  • Let your Nipple Dry – Leave your bra open for a few minutes until nipples are dry. 
  • Use Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs – Once your nipples are dry, use the Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs over tender nipples to stop clothes rubbing and allow your nipple to heal 

SoWhat Are Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs?  

Hydrogel dressings are water-based treatments designed to provide a moist environment to accelerate the healing process. When applied to a wound, the hydrogel creates a barrier to protect against bacteria and excessive fluid loss.  Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs provide instant relief to discomfort and pain experienced with breastfeeding and have been used by breastfeeding mothers with great success. 

A first-time mother of one used the Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs and here’s what she had to say about them: 

I found breastfeeding really hard. Within the first 48hrs of my daughters birth, my nipples were so sore, they were cracked and bleeding and it seemed it was only getting worse once I got home. I was about to give up on breastfeeding when my sister popped in for a visit with the Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs. I was in so much pain I was a little sceptical that they would work as I had tried everything from creams, ointments and cabbage leaves eventually giving up and walking around the house all day braless and shirtless.  The first day I used the Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs, I was so surprised by the instant relief that they provided. I used them every day, after every feed and within 3 days my nipples had made a 90% recovery. I didn’t take them off except when I was about to breastfeed, I’d removed the Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs, give my nipples a wash, feed my daughter and quickly grab a new pack to place on after her feed.  I’m so grateful that my sister suggested this wonderful product and have recommend it to many mum’s that have had nipple pain or damage 

Adding Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs as part of your breast care when breastfeeding can make all the difference with sore tender nipples and can help you with continuing your breastfeeding journey. Recommended by breastfeeding mothers and lactation consultants Australia-wide, the Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs cool and soothe sore nipples, creating the optimal environment for healing broken and inflamed skin. 

Rite Aid products are available in most major retailers and pharmacies Australia-wide.  

Visit: www.riteaid.com.au