Breastfeeding your baby is painful, are you worried that cracks will appear? Here are some tips to avoid them!
Cracks are among the recurring problems encountered by women during breastfeeding. Generally, these are small, very sensitive cracks which appear following a bad attachment of the breast during feedings. As a result, putting the baby to the breast becomes more and more difficult for the woman. It is also important to note that his wounds affect milk secretion and promote insomnia and anxiety in the mother.
In the majority of cases, cracks form at the start of breastfeeding. The breast is not well positioned in the baby’s mouth: the nipple is stretched and pinched between her gums, or rubbing against her palate bone. A wound, called a “crevasse”, then forms as you feed. We speak of a “mechanical” crack. Fortunately, there are a few techniques to avoid them, we explain to you.
Find the right position for breastfeeding
The cracks often appear following a bad position of the child during breastfeeding. The latter does not allow him to correctly grasp the nipples, he will then nibble it or even pinch it to succeed in suckling. So to prevent micro lesions from occurring, it is important to ensure that the infant’s entire body is positioned facing the mother. For an optimal latch, the child must have a wide open mouth, and suck with a slow and regular rhythm. Once all these principles have been adopted, all positions are possible.
At the end of the feed, it is advisable not to remove the breast too abruptly from the baby’s mouth. Always in a principle of prevention, remember to alternate the breasts from one feeding to another and vary the positions. Thus you do not reinforce the stretching of the nipple, always on the same zone.
Use your milk as a natural care
Breast milk contains anti-inflammatory substances, epidermal growth factors (EGF) and anti-infective factors (leukocytes, lysozyme, lactoferrin, etc.) which promote nipple healing. So to relieve her breasts after feeding, the mother can use it in two different ways. First of all, by applying a few drops of milk to the nipple like a moisturizer. Or she can make herself a breast milk bandage. For this, it suffices tosoak a sterile compress in breast milk and hold it in place on the nipple (using cling film for example) between each feeding. Note that these breast milk poultices should be avoided in case of candidiasis.
Avoid nipple maceration
Poor drying of the breast and nipple between two feedings can also be the cause of the appearance of breastfeeding cracks. Hygiene is important, however, be careful not to overdo it. It is not necessary to wash or rinse the nipples before and after each feedingsuch practices even seem to increase the incidence of nipple pain and cracking. A daily shower is enough.
Remember to wash your hands before each latch. After a feed, wipe your nipple with a clean cloth to remove the moisture. For optimal comfort, let your chest air dry and wear loose clothing.
If you still have cracks after breastfeeding your baby, there are solutions to relieve you such as lanolin-based cream, nursing shells or sweet almond oil. If you are in too much pain, consult your doctor, your midwife or breastfeeding professionals (such as La Leche league) who will be able to give you the right advice to relieve you.
Since May 2021, Pauline has joined the Aufeminin team. A journalism student, Pauline is currently on a work-study program and writes for the Aufeminin and Parole de Mamans websites. Curious and passionate, she…