Home Remedies To Treat Cracked & Bleeding Nipples

The most common problem the breastfeeding mother all over the world face is sore and cracked nipple that bleeds. In fact, nearly two-thirds of women suffer from it during their lactating phase. However, breastfeeding is supposed to be an enjoyment rather than causing pain. The pain and cracked nipple indicate an underlying issue that needs correcting. It is important that you identify the problem and solve the underlying cause so that you can continue nursing your baby with pleasure. Sometimes all that is needed will be a minor adjustment of positioning and latch-on.

What Causes Cracked Or Bleeding Nipple During Breastfeeding?

There are several factors that make the nipple cracked and bleed during breastfeeding:

1. Trouble latching:

   If your baby is not latching on to your breast properly, then it can cause cracked and bleeding nipples

2. Forceful sucking:

   If you miss your baby's hunger cues and leave the baby over hungry, during breastfeeding the baby starts to suck aggressively. This can damage your nipple can bring about cracking and bleeding

3. Thrush:

   Constant nipple pain in the early weeks of breastfeeding, or cracked nipple and bleeding that appears after several weeks or months of pain-free nursing, can be brought about by thrush. Thrush, a yeast infection in the baby's mouth can pass on to the mother when you nurse him thus causing nipple damage

4. Extremely dry skin:

   If you already have an extremely dry skin, you have more odds to experience cracked and bleeding nipples

5. Flat or inverted nipples:

   If you have flat or inverted nipples, then breastfeeding will not be an easy process. This can also lead to cracked or broken nipples

6. Tongue tied baby:

   A tongue-tied baby normally is not able to lift his tongue. Therefore, the baby will not be able to latch properly. The baby tends to latch onto the nipple and chew it. This can cause nipple damage, bleeding, and pain

How To Treat Cracked And Bleeding Nipple During Breastfeeding?

If you have cracked or bleeding nipples, feeding your baby will turn out to be an agonizing experience. You can't apply for all medicines over there as your baby needs to be fed frequently. However, here are seven home remedies that help you to alleviate the pain and get rid of the cracked and bleeding nipple.

Note:

1. Aloe Vera:

   Aloe Vera has a natural pain relieving property.

   What to do:

   Cut open a leaf of Aloe Vera plant. Remove the sticky gel and apply it on the sore nipple. Allow it to dry. Then, clear it off with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Do it at least 4 times a day. Note: Make certain the Aloe Vera is washed off completely before feeding the baby. Aloe Vera can bring about diarrhea in small babies

2. Basil leaves:

   Basil leaves have healing properties that help cure many types of skin problems, including sore nipples, dryness, cracks, pain, and even bleeding.

   What to do:

   Take a handful of basil leaves. Wash and then crush them into a paste. Apply this paste on the nipples. Let it dry. Now, wash off the paste thoroughly. Repeat this three to five times daily for about a week

3. Breast milk:

   Yes, you read it right. Your breast milk is an effective remedy for cracked and sore nipples. Do you know that your breast milk is the best antiseptic and moisturizer?

   What to do:

   All you need to do is express a little breast milk by hand and apply a few drops of this expressed breast milk on your nipples continuously for a few days. And here comes the best part, you need not have to worry about your baby ingesting it!
4. If you have thrush, this remedy should be avoided as the yeast thrives fast in human milk.

    

   • Apple cider vinegar:
   • Apple cider vinegar has a strong antibacterial property. It is well known in treating sore nipple.

     What to do:

     Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water. Dip a sterilized cotton ball or clean and soft cloth in this mixture and apply in the nipple and areola after feeding the baby

   • Oil massage:

     Massaging with oils like olive oil, coconut oil, clarified butter or ghee, or almond oil is good for treating cracked nipple. The moisturizing property of these oils will help to keep the affected area from further drying.

     What to do:

     Heat a small amount of the oil of your choice until warm. Apply the warm oil on the nipples and massage gently. Repeat several times a day

   Note:

   Before breastfeeding, make sure every bit of the oil is thoroughly cleared off with warm water.

5. Salt water rinse:

   Rinsing with a homemade saline solution will accelerate the healing process of the cracked and sore nipple.

   What to do:

   Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. For best results, soak the nipples in a small bowl of this warm saline solution for about one minute after every breastfeeding. You can also soak a clean cloth in this solution and swab the area. Either way, pat dry the area thoroughly

6. Chamomile:

   The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of chamomile are highly effective in treating sore and cracked nipples.

   What to do:

   Steep 1 or 2 tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes. Take out the tea bags, allow them to cool till tolerable temperature, and squeeze out the excess water. Apply these moist tea bags on the sore and cracked nipples for a few minutes. Besides the above home remedies, increase the intake of vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables. Also applying a hot compress and ice cubes to the site also helps to relieve that pain due to cracked and bleeding nipples

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