Sore and Cracked Nipples

Breasts are the organs that play vital role in femininity. In fact, we can also take them as hallmark or an identical mark of the woman. They not only serve as the organs that supply life (breastmilk) but breasts are often considered as unbeaten tools to flatten any men on this earth! Who would keep quiet seeing topless woman! Male hormone start dancing seeing them and they are the ones that mesmerize any aged man on this planet.

But then, when the breasts fall diseased, they are troublesome and bother a lot. Breasts have two other parts namely; nipples and areola. They too play vital role in constructing and maintaining the breasts’ beauty. Unfortunately, these attractive organs can face many health ailments, sore and cracked nipples, being one of them.

What are sore and cracked nipples?

Just like sore throat, there are sore nipples. They pain and burn. The woman feels uncomfortable and they are really tender to touch. Even the touch of clothe troubles many times and hence, women feel totally out of mood. They are the organs that she cares a lot and when they are painful, you cannot expect charming smile on her face. The tenderness, soreness, and cracking of the nipples are very commonly seen during the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
 
Causes

As said before, post-natal period is very high risk period for having sore and cracked nipples. There could be many reasons like an improperly positioned newborn or a baby with a very strong suck can result into sore nipples. Sore nipples, over the times, can turn into cracked nipples. 

Improper care or hygienic condition can also result in this troublesome situation. Nipples, if remain dry is prime factor that contribute in soreness and cracking. Any wound’s ignorance can lead to such condition that again requires major attention before it turns biggie.
 
What all you want to know?

If nipples could scream, this is when they would do it. Soreness and tenderness can make the woman dreadful to feed their infants next or in many cases, even the next suck! However, the situation could improve fairly and rapidly if proper care is taken. Generally, as you become master of breastfeeding and proper positioning (and as the nipples with tolerance get toughen up!), the things get clarified. Some of the most unlucky women may experience cracking with bleeding but need not afraid to, since this could be temporary and generally responds well to simplest treatments.
 
What can be done?

• Make sure that the baby is properly positioned and has a proper hold on the areola, not the nipple. 
  
• Make sure that baby always faces the breasts, but try varying the nursing position, mean to say that a different part of the nipple would be compressed every time.
  
• Always give both of the breasts during each breastfeed, even if it seems a bit hard work for many women! Since they need to shift the newborn and then again to adjust properly! Oh, so troublesome task! It is not, changing breasts will not only make the sucker happy since they get full amount of milk each time they are shifted but also decreases the chances of getting sore and cracked nipples.
  
• Tension might hinder woman’s letdown. Less milk, unluckily, means that the newborn baby has to suck harder getting it, so take some minutes to relax before beginning the breastfeeding. One can also express a few drops of milk to get things going before putting the infant to breast.
  
• One should not be so quick to button up. Instead, the real method is to briefly expose the nipples to the air after each feed.
  
• When it comes to the skin, climate does matter. If the woman lives in a dry area, try to add moisture. After a feeding, leave any milk onto the breasts to dry instead of wiping it off or simply express few drops of milk and rub it onto the nipples at the end of every feed. If the woman lives in a humid climate, she should try to wave a warm hair dryer onto the nipples (with considerable distance) for a few minutes after each feed.
  
• One can also apply tea bags soaked in cool water regularly. They are to be applied directly since many times this helps soothing sore nipples.
  
• Breast shells (and not the breast shields), help the nipples healing by protecting them from scratchy clothing. Ask the gynecologist or check online for authentic sources.
  
• If the breasts are leaking, one can change the nursing pads frequently.
  
• One should not use nursing pads that has a plastic liner since such pad traps moisture close to the skin and may irritate the nipples making them sore.
  
• One should only use the plain water for washing the nipples. Chemical soaps and alcohol irritates the skin.
  
• Consult the healthcare provider before using any creams or lotions. However, you can go to some of the proven products such as St.Botanica Breast Products that not only enhances the breasts but can also support female body internally.