Cracked, dry bleeding nipples Oh My!!

Julia - posted on 08/12/2010

I would bet money it is the latch. Nonetheless, see lactation.

Nayyara - posted on 08/09/2010

well i faced somewhat the same problem though not so severely. I used to apply olive oil or clarified butter after each feeding. it helped me a lot and since these are edibles I needed not to worry abt toxin.

Carol - posted on 08/08/2010

I had it a lot during my first four months. I finally started pumping on the side that was cracked to give it a rest. I always use lanolin when pumping too. Try pumping on that breast for a few days to let it rest. I promise your nipples will harden up. Mine still get bruised sometimes, but not cracked anymore . Also, don't use soap on your nipples in tbd shower. And put lanolin on them before you shower. I promise if you stick it out, it will become enjoyable and relaxing to feed your baby.

Danielle - posted on 08/07/2010

I agree with Dorothy. A little of your milk will help heal them. I used a breastshield to protect myself. When you do this and you're healed a bit take a rough washcloth and after you shower every day just rub them on your nipples to toughen them up. It worked really well for me and I haven't had a problem since.

Amber - posted on 08/07/2010

thanks julia!!

i'm really determined to feed my baby by breast even if it hurts i just stick with it, hopefully i can breast feed until he's 1.

wow, i didnt know lanolin can be toxic?? yikes!!! that scares me, yeah i'm thinking of going to see some lactation consultants to see what they say... i'm thinking the problem may be the latch..

Dorothy - posted on 08/06/2010

the best thing for your skin is your own milk. when your little is done eating, express a little milk and use that rather than the lanolin. maybe you could try a breast shield for a few days to let your nipple heal. good luck!

Julia - posted on 08/06/2010

You are a vigilant woman! 4 months now, wow. I feel your pain though. I had the exact same problem with my youngest. At 2 weeks I could not take the pain anymore and sought out my coworkers in lactation. They considered my nipples to not just be cracked & bleeding but actual wounds. The treatment for my wounds....correcting the latch. It boggled my mind that my pain was GONE once my son's latch was corrected. They also gave me these medical grade gel pad nipple covers but they didn't seem to do much. Instead I washed my nipples with warm water (NO soap) and applied Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter with saran wrap over that. (I live in AZ and the climate was sucking any & all moisture out of my skin and the nipple butter. Hence my nipples were stuck to the nursing pads. OW!) The saran wrap created a barrier between my skin & the pad. Beware though, locking the moisture in can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Within 2 weeks I was healed.  FYI - lanolin can be toxic due to the chemicals used in the dipping of the sheep's wool prior to processing. Get help so you can heal!!!

Alix - posted on 08/05/2010

I had this problem when my daughter was first born, but by 4 months your breast shouldnt be tender. The most common reason for sore nipples is an incorrect latch. I would recommend calling a lactation consultant or googling about a correct latch. There is a very specific way that babies are supposed to latch: it helps to see pictures and videos, thats why I recommend googling it. Good luck!