Cracks from breastfeeding, painful nipples : all you need to know to get relief

A. What are cracks from breastfeeding?
A.1. How do cracks from breastfeeding appear and how do you prevent them?
A.2. Incorrect breastfeeding position for your baby
A.3. Incorrect suction by your baby
A.4. Excessive friction between your nipple and breastfeeding bra
A.5. Too rapid latching off
B. Relieve cracks from breastfeeding and painful nipples
B.1. Gently clean your breasts with water
B.2. Natural dressings
B.3. Use breastfeeding shells
B.4. Use nipple shields
B.5. Apply special ointment to nipples
B.6. Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible
B.7. Take food supplements

Cracks from breastfeeding are (more or less deep) fissures on the nipples. They occur frequently when you start breastfeeding. Painful most of the time if they are not treated rapidly, they can often lead to bleeding.

There are several reasons why cracks appear:

Incorrect breastfeeding position for your baby

If their head is not positioned opposite your breast, they may pinch and nibble your nipple to latch on as firmly as possible.
If this is the case, it is essential to correct yours and your baby’s position to ensure you are in the right one. You can use a breastfeeding cushion to improve your posture. Get our advice on the recommended breastfeeding positions.

Incorrect suction by your baby

This is often caused by the shape of their palate which may be hollow, a short frenum of tongue or even a short tongue. We recommend you consult your paediatrician if this is the case. They will know how to advise you best.

Excessive friction between your nipple and breastfeeding bra

Remove your bra and wear ample clothing in this case as much as you can to avoid contact between the fabric and your nipples.

Too rapid latching off

Once your baby has finished feeding, if you move back too quickly a vacuum effect between your breast and your baby’s mouth occurs, causing cracks to appear. To avoid this, it is necessary to delicately insert a finger in your baby’s mouth to gently remove them from the breast.

Despite all these precautions, cracks from breastfeeding can sometimes appear. Fortunately there are several ways of treating them and providing relief:

Gently clean your breasts with water

Know that you do not have to always clean your nipples before and after breastfeeding. Your breasts are self-cleaning thanks to an antiseptic substance produced by the tubercles on your nipples. For effective hygiene and so as not too put too much strain on them, you can simply rinse them with clean water when you shower. We do not recommend using alcohol or soap which can cause irritation.

Natural dressings

A natural dressing is simply a gauze compress wet with breast milk. By placing it on your nipple, it will not rub against your breastfeeding bra. To keep it damp, you can add a square of cling film over the dressing. If you get the impression the pain is worse using this technique, the crack may be infected. You should see your doctor rapidly in this case.

Use breastfeeding shells

The alternative to the natural dressing is the breastfeeding shell (among the essential accessories for breastfeeding in peace.) There are different types, the main function of which is to avoid contact between the nipples and clothing and sometimes also to collect milk. The shell materials (seashell, silver, honey beeswax…) reduce pain but also accelerate healing of wounds. To choose the best type, we recommend you ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Use nipple shields

These are silicone shields which are placed directly on the nipple. In the event of deep and painful cracks, they can be used during breastfeeding, while the crack is healing.
It is recommended using them over a short period. Using them leads to less efficient suction which could, in the long-term, affect lactation and especially lead to a decrease in milk production. As a precaution, we recommend using them as advised by your doctor and according to your needs.

Apply special ointment to nipples

This special ointment is lanolin based. A small amount applied to the painful nipple after breastfeeding will promote healing of minor wounds and ease the pain, by forming an emollient and protective film.
Before using for the first time, we recommend you test the product on a small area of skin (the hand for example) to ensure you have no reactions. As a general rule, lanolin based balms or ointments are safe for your baby even if they ingest a little while feeding if there are some residues on the nipple. However as a precaution, don’t forget to ask your pharmacist for advice or check on the product packaging that it is non rinse or not.

Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible

It is not always easy but if it is tolerable, it is important to continue to breastfeed your baby even if you have cracks. In effect, continuing breastfeeding prevents breast engorgement, which means the milk stagnates in the mammary glands and which can be very painful. However, if the pain becomes too much, you can use a breast pump until the cracks have healed.

Take food supplements

Even if breastfeeding is a special moment for mother and baby, it is not always a bed of roses. During this time, specific food supplements can help you, such as:

CALMOSINE Breastfeeding, a formula developed with the help of midwives to help you produce enough milk and also to recover from fatigue and promote your well-being.

It contains:

• Fenugreek, a plant known for a long time to improve lactation. It helps stimulate and maintain milk production and to facilitate recovery after birth.
• Passion flower to help restore calm by easing tension, sensations of nervous fatigue and irritability.
  Rose hip, used for centuries to combat fatigue.
• Biotin (vitamin B8) which helps keep the skin and mucous membranes healthy.
• Magnesium helps reduce fatigue and contributes to normal nervous system function (psychological functions)

Even if cracks are fairly common during breastfeeding and are generally temporary, they must never be taken lightly and you should see your doctorin any case. Depending on your medical record and your needs, they are in the best position to help you and point you to the best solutions to provide relief.