Mother & Baby
Cracked Nipples & Nipple Care
Sore nipples ain’t fun, and can sometimes be caused by
sub-optimal breastfeeding position or technique, so it is always worth checking this with your midwife or lactation consultant.
- Zinc is beneficial for nipple health, and adequate zinc stores are essential for all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Keep nipples clean and dry, avoiding soap or plastic-backed nursing pads.
- Aloe Vera: you can buy the Gel (without parabens!), or use fresh from the plant, either can be kept in the fridge. This will be cooling, soothing and healing.
- Healing creams and ointments can be apllied, such as the Quintessence Healing Cream. Creams should be washed off before the next feed.
- Hypericum Oil can be applied straight to the nipple.
- Quintessence Wheatgerm Oil is good maintenance to keep the nipples strong and supple, but once they are damaged or traumatized, use Hypericum Oil which is more strongly healing and helps reduce pain also.
• While baby is hungrier, feed from the less painful breast, so use the stronger breast first and the sorer one second, when baby’s suckling is less aggressive. Also due to this, make sure baby gets enough to drink so they aren’t too ravenous next feed!
- If an infection develops, take the steps mentioned in the mastitis section.
- If a full crack has developed, avoid feeding from this side until healed. Apply herbal tinctures neat to the area and once healed, ointments such as Kiwiherb Calendula Ointment may be used.
Baby Whispering DVD
Healing Cream
Immune Tonic
Adrenal Support
