Breastfeeding is a precious and rewarding experience, but it can sometimes come with its challenges, such as cracked nipples . This blog post will help you better understand, recognize and effectively relieve cracked nipples to make feedings with your baby more enjoyable. We also present our natural products to repair stretch marks and firm your breasts while breastfeeding at the end of the article.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life.

What is a breastfeeding crack?

Breast cracks are small, painful cracks/chapped nipples that appear on the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. They can be caused by poor breastfeeding position, incorrect sucking by the baby, or dry, irritated skin. Although common, these cracks can make breastfeeding extremely painful if not treated properly and promptly.

How to recognize a breastfeeding crack?

It is important to recognize the signs of a crack as soon as they appear to prevent it from getting worse. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Severe pain when breastfeeding
• Presence of cracks or cuts on the nipple
• Bleeding or crusting on the nipple
• Nipple redness and tenderness
• A slight swelling

If you experience these symptoms, it is essential to act quickly to avoid complications.

10 Tips to Relieve Cracked Nipples

To quickly heal a cracked nipple , it is important to take care of your nipples and follow a few simple steps. Fortunately, there are several care tips and tricks to relieve cracked nipples and promote healing. Here are some natural tips to relieve your nipples while nursing:

1. Make sure you have a good breastfeeding position : A good position is crucial. Make sure your baby takes a large part of the areola into his mouth and not just the nipple and that his chin touches the breast .
   
   
2. Apply breast milk or shea butter : Breast milk has antibacterial and healing properties. After each feeding, apply a few drops of breast milk to the nipple. You can also make breast milk dressings. To do this, place a compress inhibited by breast milk on your nipples and hold them with cling film. Another alternative: shea butter is an excellent healing, moisturizing and nourishing agent! To avoid disturbing your baby during breastfeeding, clean your nipples beforehand with a cotton pad soaked in your breast milk.
   
   
3. Avoid engorgement : Breast engorgement can make already cracked nipples even more painful. To avoid engorgement, consider alternating sides while breastfeeding and using an electric breast pump to relieve pressure if necessary. Milk ejection can be helped by your baby's sucking reflex, but if your baby is not latching effectively, manual stimulation or using a breast pump may be a temporary solution.
   
   
4. Use nursing pads soaked in breast milk to soothe them. Breast milk has antibacterial properties that can promote healing.
   
   
5. Use soothing products : After each feeding, you can also apply a lanolin-based cream or a restorative ointment to your sensitive nipples. These creams are very effective in moisturizing and protecting the skin of the nipple.
   
   
6. Avoid irritating soaps : Clean your nipples with clean water and avoid soaps that can dry out and irritate the skin. Don't hesitate to leave your nipples exposed to the air to promote healing and recovery.
   
   
7. Change breastfeeding positions regularly : Vary breastfeeding positions to avoid constant pressure on the same areas of the nipple.
   
   
8. Apply a cold compress: If the cracks are very painful, you can also use cold compresses to relieve the pain.
   
   
9. Treat yourself to nursing shells: Nursing shells provide continuous hydration of the nipples with breast milk and promote healing of cracks. They prevent tissue friction on sensitive nipples. They can be used for the treatment or prevention of cracks.
   
   
10. Consult a lactation consultant or midwife : To help you find the best position to breastfeed your baby and get the best advice.

Remember that every mother and every situation is unique, so it's important to tailor these tips to your specific needs.

How to avoid cracked nipples?

There are several preventative measures you can take to avoid these uncomfortable cracks and ensure a peaceful and enjoyable breastfeeding experience. Here are some essential tips to prevent cracked nipples:

• Check mouth position : Your baby's mouth should be wide open and covering a large portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
• Use a comfortable position : The Madonna position, the reverse Madonna position, and the lying position are good options to try. To support you during feeding, equip yourself with nursing pillows to better position the baby.
• Wash your nipples after each feeding : Use warm water to clean your nipples. Avoid scented soaps and harsh chemicals that can dry out and irritate the skin.
• Change nursing pads regularly : Make sure to change them frequently to keep your nipples dry and prevent infections.

• Wear loose clothing : Avoid tight clothing and bras with seams that can rub against your nipples. Opt for a nursing bra that fits and add nursing shells.

• Use breast pumps : If your nipples are particularly sore, consider using a breast pump to extract milk and give your nipples a break.

How to breastfeed with a cracked nipple?

Breastfeeding with a cracked nipple can be painful, but it is possible to continue by following these tips.

• Start with the less painful breast : Begin each feeding with the breast that is less affected, then move on to the other breast once the sucking reflex is well established.
• Use nipple shields : Silicone nipple shields can reduce friction and allow for more comfortable breastfeeding.

How to take care of your breasts?

Breastfeeding also brings its share of physical changes, particularly at the level of the chest. Indeed, the increase in breast volume during breastfeeding can sometimes lead to the appearance of stretch marks.

Téane Laboratories offer you a selection of certified organic products, with natural and effective active ingredients, all compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.

To prevent these stretch marks, it is recommended to use the 1st Stretch Mark Treatment Cream which will help maintain the elasticity of the skin and protect the skin from the effects of hormonal variations thanks to a patented Cassia Alata active ingredient. Applied daily, this certified organic cream nourishes the skin in depth and prepares it for volume variations.

If stretch marks do appear, there are solutions to reduce them. The SOS Stretch Mark Balm is ideal for reducing the appearance of red stretch marks that are already present. Rich in regenerating active ingredients, this restorative balm helps repair the skin and fade colored marks on your chest, but also on your entire body.

In addition to these treatments, the Fresh Firming Milk can also play a role in maintaining a firm and toned chest. This treatment is concentrated in firming, smoothing and toning active ingredients! It will be perfect for awakening the firmness potential of your skin after giving birth.

We invite you to read the article to discover all the benefits of breastfeeding for your health !