Cracked nipple...how to heal without losing supply?

Megan - posted on 05/31/2009

my nipples got cracked pretty bad and hurt... ohh man... but i would try pumping more often with a little less suction and for less time. I used extra virgin olive oil on my nipples and it helped alot! plus my baby could nurse without me having to wash myself of with soap and water. Also try hand expressing for a few minutes before you start to pump... and hang in there... it hurts like heck but usually only lasts a couple weeks at most. (oh btw... check to make sure you are using the right size "horn" for your breast.)

Alaina - posted on 05/31/2009

Cracked nipples are literally a pain. Like others have said, use the lanolin every time after you pump and have let your nipples air dry. Exposing your nipples to the sun will also help them dry and heal. Is your flange for your pump rubbing on you at all? If it is you need to get a larger flange that won't rub. I know it hurts, but hang in there. It will heal. Also, be sure not to use any soap on your breasts in the shower. This will contribute to dryness and cracking.

Sherry - posted on 05/31/2009

I suffered from a cracked nipple for several weeks. I used Lanolin ointment frequently, kept my breasts dry and exposed to the air as often as possible (my husband got a kick out of that), and pretty much continued to pump or let baby feed despite the pain (which at times was excrutiating). It took my nipple several weeks to heal. I also visited with a lactation nurse. She suggested using the lanolin ointment while pumping. Put a small amount of the cream into the piece that goes over your nipple.

I tried to use the nipple shields, but I made too much milk and leaked through the shields constantly, so I tossed them. If you go topless around the house I found that tying a towel around my high waist helped to catch most of my leaking keep some of my close dry! :)

I spoke to many friends about this and each experienced the same thing at some point in their breastfeeding experience, including the very painful nipples. Good luck, you're not alone!

Cheryl - posted on 05/30/2009

Always let your nipples air dry and wear clothes that breathe, like cotton, and use nipple creamm it is a lifesaver

Alison - posted on 05/30/2009

Hi i've breastfed both my boys & still in the process of breastfeeding the 7.5month old boy, but I've found that if I've had a/any cracked/sore nipple(s) LANISOH cream is the best because once you've applied it, you can start breastfeeding him/her again straight away, & it's safe & won't harm him/her either, have you heard of it ? Why not give it a go...

Caitlin - posted on 05/30/2009

what kind of pump do you have? are you able to turn down the suction? if not, you can use lansinoh before, after and in between pumpings/feedings, it's good because it fiils in the cracks and soothes your nipples.. the longer you keep at it the tougher your nipples will get and it eventually won't hurt anymore, it took me a good 8 weeks before nursing actually got "comfortable", hang in there you are doing the best thing you can for your baby!! and good luck!! :-]

Julia - posted on 05/30/2009

I had this problem early on. Lanitosh didn't cut it for me. salt water soaks. shot glasses work well, you can form a seal! LOL! looked hysterical but it worked!

Chloe - posted on 05/30/2009

yes definitely get some lonolin cream. I used it and it really helped. You could also try and put it on just before you pump which also helped me. I got really sore nipples as well at first and i used nipple shields for a couple of days while they healed up as well as using the cream. That may help if you are not just pumping all the time.

Danielle - posted on 05/30/2009

Thank you everyone.

Whitney - posted on 05/30/2009

Definitely use the lanolin cream after every time you pump. I was exclusively breast feeding my son before I went to work and had a cracked nipple. I just nursed through the pain, applied the cream after nursing and let my nipple air dry. It worked out really well!!

Sharon - posted on 05/29/2009

I have used the madela pump and style and loved it! I also used the lanolin cream after each use. It keeps them from cracking and when you do have cracking it will heall realatively quickly. Hold off on pumping that side a few times at your intervals. You shouldn't loose your milk supply if you continue to pump within a day. Consult a lactation consultant if you are really worried. Good luck!

Charlotte - posted on 05/29/2009

That is a good pump, probably one of the best available. And yes, it's the breastmilk that's the most important, not the container. :) However, I havn't had good results with pumping either...so I hope someone who knows more about pumping can help you.

Sabrina - posted on 05/29/2009

Like Lucy said use the lansinoh. put a good amount on all the time through the night and day. i posted yesterday about the same problem but was bleeding too. some other moms told me to use this and it healed in less then 24 hours no problems now but will continue to use it to help prevent future issues.

Danielle - posted on 05/29/2009

I tried hand expressing and that was so hard

Danielle - posted on 05/29/2009

Exclusively pumping, we had some latch issues and it was not easy for us, so I decided to pump. As long as he gets it doesn't matter what the container right, lol. I use the medela pump in style.

Charlotte - posted on 05/29/2009

One thing that really can help a cracked nipple is dipping it in salt water. The salt promotes healing and I didn't find it hurt at all (even though I kind of expected it to).



Does baby nurse at the breast at all or are you exclusively pumping? What pump do you use?

Charlotte - posted on 05/29/2009

What kind of pump are you using? Does baby latch on and nurse at all? You could try hand expressing as that way you wouldn't be pulling at the sore to make it worse, but I personally haven't had very good results with hand expressing.



One thing that really can help a cracked nipple is dipping it in salt water. The salt promotes healing and I didn't find it hurt at all (even though I kind of expected it to).

Lucy - posted on 05/29/2009

sorry, thats lansinoh!

Lucy - posted on 05/29/2009

Get some lansinog lanolin nipple cream!