Some nipple sensitivity is normal in the beginning. Wait it out; it just takes time for your nipples to get accustomed to nursing. In the meantime, pure lanolin and other natural nipple creams should help relieve normal, sensitive nipples.
You can ease the pain of sore nipples by applying ice wrapped in a soft cloth or by using other cold treatments (cold compress). The Lansinoh breast therapy pack is recommended.
You can also try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Tylenol, which are safe to take during breastfeeding.
Also, try rinsing your breast with clean water and salt after every breastfeeding session. This will wash your baby’s saliva off of your nipples so that they do not crack and become sore.
A mother’s milk gently rubbed into the wound is just as soothing and accelerates healing and relieves nipple pain as well! Not to be used during a thrush infection.
Lansinoh Lotion for breastfeeding mothers is excellent for applying just before you breastfeed or even when pumping and prevents sore broken nipples.
If you have pain inside your breast, before and during the entire time you are breastfeeding, you should see your Doctor in case of thrush or mastitis.
Burning pink, itchy nipples are a sign of thrush too. Thrush is a yeast infection.
Some mothers suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon (blanching of the nipples) without realizing it!
How Can You Stop Your Baby From Biting Your Nipples?
Sometimes this happens because your baby wants to use you as a teether. Use any teething remedies you find work the best, and unlatch your baby when biting occurs.
Some babies have sucking problems due to oral problems, like a cleft lip.
Let your baby know that you are unhappy if bitten! When your baby stops sucking, unlatch your baby with your fingers by putting your finger between the corner of your baby’s mouth and your breast before they get a chance to bite.
If your baby latches correctly, you are less likely to experience sore, cracked, painful nipples.
Tracy
I’m Tracy Behr, a qualified wellness and nutrition coach, breastfeeding advocate, and homeschooling mom of two. For over sixteen years, I’ve been helping mothers navigate breastfeeding challenges through my website breastfeeding-problems.com I combine evidence-based knowledge with real-life experience to help parents feel more confident in their breastfeeding journey. I’ve experienced firsthand that breastfeeding isn’t always as easy as we expect. When I had my babies, I faced my own challenges and quickly saw just how much support and clear guidance moms truly need. That’s why I started this website—to share what I’ve learned, offer encouragement, and help other moms feel less alone on their breastfeeding journey.