My opinion on nipple pain and treatment.

Nipple salves, ointments, creams, balms, silver covers, oh my!

Understanding Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding
Nipple pain is a common concern for many breastfeeding mothers and addressing it effectively is crucial for supporting a positive breastfeeding experience. When experiencing nipple pain, it's essential to assess and address the underlying causes to ensure successful and comfortable breastfeeding.

Key factors to consider when addressing nipple pain include:
1. Latching Technique: Ensuring a deep and proper latch is crucial for preventing nipple pain. Getting help with positioning and attachment can significantly reduce discomfort.
2. Assessment for Tongue Tie: In some cases, restrictive tissue in the baby’s mouth can lead to ineffective milk transfer and cause nipple pain. Collaborating with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider to assess and address any tongue tie issues is important.
3. Addressing Engorgement: Engorgement can lead to nipple pain, making it important to manage your milk supply and know therapeutic techniques to reduce swelling around the nipple. An IBCLC can help you with this.
4. Seeking Support: Ongoing support, encouragement, and access to resources such as breastfeeding classes or support groups can help you navigate and overcome nipple pain challenges.
5. Nipple Care: Proper nipple care is what we are here for, so take a look below for my recommendations!
6. Sufficient Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition is essential for overall breastfeeding wellness, which can also impact nipple health.
7. Professional Lactation Support: Seek the guidance of a professional lactation consultant who can provide personalized support and strategies for addressing nipple pain specific to your situation.

So, what do I do for my clients for their nipple pain? First, I will assess what is going on with your unique breastfeeding experience. Do you have flat or inverted nipples? Is baby experiencing tension that is causing them to clamp down or “chomp” on your nipple? Is there evidence that baby was sucking/thrusting their tongue on a thumb or wrist? So, many things that could be causing your nipple pain beside just a “bad latch”, “bad” positioning, or a tongue or lip tie.

If there is nipple damage when I arrive at a consult, I will ask what the mother has been doing to care for her nipples. I assess what “products” she has and advise for or against those products. I can say with confidence that Lansinoh is off of that list. Did you know that Lansinoh was listed as the # 1 allergen of 2023? I am ok with natural products that utilize ingestable things such as; calendula, avacado, coconut, or olive oil, marshmellow root, and purified bees wax or honey (taste it first). Any ointment, balm, salve, etc. should not have a flavor or a fragrance and should be safe for your baby and not contain anything you could be allergic to.

Now, let’s talk silver nipple covers… do you know how many times I see mother’s take those things off and on, and off and on, over and over without washing them?? GROSS! They always have a touch of old milk in them. ALSO…as someone who generates my own Colloidal Silver, I know that silver has to be “polished” occasionally to continue having the antimicrobial properties. How many people do you think take a scotch brite pad to their silver covers? I have seen SEVERAL true yeast and bacterial infections from these covers that keep your nipples in a continuous dark, damp environment that is not washed well, or repolished… Just save your money! Same goes with breast shells.

Remember, this is my OPINION! My favorite way to heal nipples is first, correct the latch, however that occurs, be it position changes, bodywork for mom and baby, nipple shield, tongue tie release, etc. Second, utilize your own breast milk! It has everything you need in it, it really is a miracle!! Third, gel pads. They protect your sensitive nipples and help heal. Last, if things persist, check for bacterial or yeast infection, Raynauld’s type symptoms, or if pumping, have a flange size fitting (which your IBCLC can do for you. .

It is NOT normal for nipples to hurt. They may get a little chapped, or sensitive, but severe pain and damage is a major red flag. Nipples should come out of the baby’s mouth or the pump ROUND, not compressed, creased, like a new tube of lipstick, bruised, blistered, bleeding, white or purple.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing nipple pain, PLEASE have them reach out to an IBCLC like me!

KATIE :)