Nipple blisters while breastfeeding – After giving birth, now you are really a mother. Now you have a duty and responsibility to care for your little one, including breastfeeding him. Breast milk (ASI) plays an important role for the growth and development of babies. From breast milk baby get the nutrients needed to support growth and development.
During the breastfeeding process, it is not uncommon for mothers to experience obstacles. One of the problems often experienced by women when breastfeeding their babies is sore and sore nipples. This situation often causes the mother to delay the breastfeeding process. Blistered nipples, of course, should not be left alone, it is important for breastfeeding mothers to deal with them immediately so that they do not get worse and can breastfeed their babies normally again. Now, to find out how to deal with sore nipples while breastfeeding, see the discussion below.
Causes of blisters when breastfeeding
In order to know how to deal with or treat sore nipples, you must first identify some of the conditions that can cause sore nipples as below.
Fungal Infection
This situation will occur if there is a fungus in your little one’s mouth which will then stick to the mother’s nipple when breastfeeding. As a result, the mother’s nipples will experience fungal infections and blisters. In addition, this condition is usually accompanied by other symptoms or signs such as itchy nipples, redness, shiny surface of the nipple and sore breasts when breastfeeding or before breastfeeding.
Clogged Ducts
This situation is characterized by the presence of a thin layer of skin at the top of the milk ducts. This thin layer of skin can be white or yellow. If the milk ducts are blocked, it will make it difficult for the milk to pass, so that your little one will suck the milk more strongly to meet their needs. Eventually the nipple will hurt. (See also: 1500+ Series of Modern Islamic Baby Boy Names )
Tongue Strap
The tongue strap is a membrane that connects the floor of the mouth to the lower tongue. If this membrane is stretched too long or too short, the baby’s breastfeeding process will experience problems and cause the mother’s nipples to become chafed.
Nipple blisters
Chafed nipples can also be caused by the use of an improper breast pump or the wrong breastfeeding position. The friction that occurs when pumping breast milk or breastfeeding will cause blistered nipples. This condition will be characterized by pain when breastfeeding. In addition, the blistered nipple will usually discharge in the form of blood, yellow or clear.
Improper Breastfeeding Process
Apart from the aforementioned causes, sore and sore nipples can be caused by improper attachment during the breastfeeding process, where the nipple and around the breasts do not enter properly into the baby’s mouth. As a result, your little one will suck the nipple instead of the breast. Initially this situation will only make it uncomfortable and painful. However, if it continues like this it will certainly harm your nipples.
How to Overcome Chafed Nipples
Chafed nipples will usually heal on their own, provided good and proper care is carried out. Here are some ways to deal with sore nipples while breastfeeding. (Also read: The Right Way to Breastfeed a Baby )
- When the condition of the nipple is blistered, you should keep the nipple so that it is not too dry. Avoid using soap on the nipples. Using soap can cause sore nipples. Because soap contains soda which can make nipples chafed. When bathing, you just need to clean the nipples using water, without soap.
- We recommend using a cotton bra so that air circulation is good. Avoid using bras with a plastic lining on the inside. Because a bra model like that can be the cause of nipple blisters.
- Keep your breasts clean by always changing breast pads after breastfeeding.
- After you have finished breastfeeding your little one, you can express about two drops of breast milk. After that you can rub it around the nipple gently so it feels comfortable.
- Before you wear clothes, it’s best to let your nipples dry completely.
- Eat foods that contain vitamin C. As well as being good at preventing cold coughs, vitamin C can also help prevent infections and heal sore skin faster. You can eat fruits such as kiwi, oranges, strawberries, lemons and rapsberries.
- Another effective way is to apply warm compresses to the affected area of the breast as it will help soothe the skin.
If the condition of the nipples gets worse, even hindering the breastfeeding process, consult a doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend the right treatment for your condition.
The Right Way of Breastfeeding So that the Nipples Are Not Scuffed
Not a few mothers, especially young mothers, do not yet understand proper and correct breastfeeding techniques. Wrong breastfeeding technique is a major factor in the pain and sore nipples. This situation will certainly cause problems during the breastfeeding process. Children will not get enough nutrition because breast milk will not come out optimally. How to breastfeed properly and properly should be done by alternating between the two breasts. Don’t focus on just one breast while breastfeeding. Well, here is the correct way to breastfeed so that the nipples are not scuffed.
- When breastfeeding you must pay attention to the proper breastfeeding position. Don’t keep your little one’s body away from you. Your baby’s chest or stomach should stick to the mother’s chest or stomach.
- The baby’s face is positioned towards your breast. Try not to turn your little one’s neck or face forward. This position is called chin to breast. In this position your little one’s chin should be firmly attached to the mother’s breast.
- Position the baby’s body facing you. Your little one’s ears should form a straight line with their arms and neck.
- You have to support your little one’s body properly, not only the head and neck that must be supported but the baby’s entire back as well so that the breastfeeding process is safe and comfortable.
- The breastfeeding process can be a moment to increase bonding with the baby. So that while breastfeeding you can make eye contact with your baby.
- You have to pay attention to the position of the baby’s head. Make sure the position of your little one’s head is correct. The baby’s head should be on the arm, not on the elbow.
Chafed nipple problems when breastfeeding usually will not cause complications. But even so that doesn’t mean you ignore this condition. If your breasts are swollen, they don’t even decrease even after a warm compress, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Breast milk has g
ood benefits for the health of the child or mother. From breast milk, your baby’s nutritional needs can be met. Therefore, the condition of sore nipples should not be used as an excuse not to breastfeed your baby. The way to deal with sore nipples while breastfeeding is expected to help you. Hope it is useful.
This article is reviewed by Midwife Pevi Revina sTR. Keb
