8 natural home remedies for cracked nipples

Breastmilk provides ideal nutrition for newborn infants and, also the sole source of nutrition for a child for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding is something mothers can do for your child once he/she is born. It should be a pleasant experience for both mother and child. A healthy, full-term infant is likely to know instinctively what to do at the breast. In the first three to five days after birth, if you experience nipple soreness beyond a slight tenderness when your child latches on, it may be a sign that something isn’t right with the child’s latch, position, or sucking.

If your child can’t take a big mouthful of your breast when they latch on, your nipple may become squashed in your child’s mouth. It can get squashed between your child’s tongue and the roof of their mouth (hard palate). This will make your nipples sore, and before long, cause them to crack and bleed. Thus, adjustment to the latch or positioning can help you and your baby to be more comfortable. Correcting poor positioning or latch-on can often alleviate sore, cracked nipples and allow healing to begin. There are several natural remedies that can help mothers to treat sore and cracked nipples if you have them.

1. Warm and damp compress

1. To apply, dip a washcloth in warm water and squeeze out excess water.
2. Place the washcloth over your nipple and breast for a few minutes.
3. Gently pat dry. Do this treatment a few times in a day or before each feed.

2. Apply your own breastmilk

This is a unique way but sometimes breast milk itself may be the best remedy for sore nipples. This is because breast milk has anti-bacterial properties and can help heal sore, dry or cracked nipples.

Make sure to wash your hands before gently applying some breast milk to your nipples. You may do this treatment after feeding your baby about 4-5 times a day.

3. Sonnentor organic camomile tea bags

Place the steeped tea bags into the fridge and place it on your nipples after feeding. This is really a soothing process.

4. Florame or Why Not? organic virgin coconut oil

Apply organic coconut oil to your nipples and breasts after shower. Organic virgin coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Besides that, it is known for nourishing properties which can bring healing and soothing too.

5. Florame organic tea tree floral water

Spray this flora water to your nipples after each breastfeed. Tea Tree flora water has anti-bacterial properties and healing properties for sore nipples.

6. Sonnentor organic calendula flower and Florame organic calendula oil

Mix calendula flower with calendula oil to make it as paste. Apply it on your sore nipple and let it dry on its own. You can also apply calendula oil onto your nipples.

7. Florame organic aloe vera gel

You can apply this gel to sore and cracked nipples. Organic aloe vera gel is renowned for its moisturizing and soothing properties.

8. Latching correctly during breastfeeding

The most common cause of sore nipples or cracked nipples is improper latching of your baby during breastfeeding. Firstly, position yourself comfortably with back support, pillows supporting your arms and your baby. Next, position your baby close to you, his face and nose should be facing your nipple. Support your breast so it is not pressing your baby’s chin with his chin touches your breast first, then his nose. To maintain a correct position, ensure that your baby has the entire nipple and part of your breast in his mouth so that the nipple is close to his palate. If this position is maintained and you use less support with your hands, you will see that at most times, the baby will latch on well. You can try breastfeeding pillows if you want to get the correct position.