Nipple Cracking

The Lansinoh Lanolin works wonders. There are also breast pads out called Soothies (or something to that effect) that I've seen at Walmart. My doctor recommended pumping one side if I was unable to feed from both, it allows the nipple time to heal.

Hi,

Lansinoh makes an ointment that will help with cracking. They have a new one out with water added that my friend swears by. I think it's best to not put the ointment on until you are completely dry. They sell it at CVS as well as probably everywhere else.

If you go back to the doctors they have a special cream made for that and its safe for the baby too.

I just had to say really quickly that if you are allergic to wool...do not use lanolin (or Lansinoh)! Check your latch, change your position....and if your not allergic to wool....get the Lansinoh!
Good Luck
J.

I know everyone has already said it but the lanolin can work, but before trying that I would express a little milk and rub that on your nipple first. Make sure you double check your latch and if you continue to have problems talk to a lactation consultant. I had a ton of problems nursing both my children, and eventually had to take any antibiotic because I had a yeast infection in my breast that I got from my son. If your baby has had yeast anywhere on her, you may want to get that checked too.

Many people have already mentioned it, but the Lansinoh brand lanolin (it comes in a purple tuble) is really amazing! One will be more than you'll ever need.

Ugh! the other girls had great advice for you. Just make sure you keep an eye on because there is a chance it can turn into a yeast infection which is not fun to deal with at all.
This is a great site here. http://www.kellymom.com It helped me while I was bfing my son.

Hope you are feeling better soon!

Jen

old fashion remedy ready??????? Bag Balm !! used it in my nursing career and I swear by it you can find it in the drug stores but I think its a little pricey but it works... good luck :)

Hi, S. here. I was given LANSINOH brand lanolin. It was highly recommended, and you can even put it on the baby's lips when they are chapped. Let me know if you have tried this or if it helps. Best of luck!

Buy pure lanolin...you can get it at the drugstore. It works perfectly. My nipples were awful and this really helped plus its ok for the baby to injest so you don't have to worry about washing it off before you nurse....Hope this helps...And congratulations on your baby girl!!!

Hi A.,

One of my girlfriends turned me on to Lansinoh (sp?) ointment. It definitely helps, I had a bout of thrush,which left me very dry after it cleared up, and this ointment was a savior. I probably would have given up nursing then otherwise.

Good luck,
M.

Been there! My daughter (now 18 months) RIPPED ME TO SHREDS. I was in tears every time I went to nurse. And pumping hurt, too, since it was basically the same sucking sensation. I called the maternity ward at the hospital I delivered at, since the nurses there were all so great and told me to call if I ever had a problem. The lactation consultants there suggested brewing up a few tea bags (2 or 3 for each nipple), letting them steep for a while, and then once they cool, putting the tea bags directly on the nipple and sit back & relax like that for 15-20 minutes twice a day until they heal. They also said to continue using the Lansinoh gel. Plus, they gave me nipple shields (which I have since found in the store), which were rubbery-plastic (not quite sure) nipple shaped shields that I wore while she was nursing--that way there was no direct contact between her mouth and my nipple. Those were the GREATEST things I used, plus I was able to guarantee that she wouldn't end up getting any of my blood mixed in as she was sucking.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

I also had this problem. By the time I left the hospital, I had a blood blister on one and the other was cracked the whole way across. It took a month for the one with the crack to heal. But I agree with the other mothers...Lanolin. You can use it and it won't hurt the baby if they get it in their mouth. I would put it on right after my son would finish. I also tried to let myself air dry a little and try to expose my breast to the air a little. I know it is horribly painful. My toes use to curl every time my son would latch on. But keep at it. The pay out is worth it in the long run.

There is a cream called Lansinoh it works good. I used it when i breastfeed my children and it helps alot. I hope it works for you

Try the lanolin ointment, when washing remember NOT to use soap on your nipples, that dries them out. After a shower pat them dry GENTLY, too, that should help!

I agree w/ all, and Soothies were the best! Very helpful, and the cracking/pain stop quickly.

I completely feel your PAIN! I hope your okay!

This is what helped me, and it repaired my cracked nipples.

Lansinoh Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers - 2 oz. tube

http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Lanolin-Breastfeeding-Moth...

I went through horrible nipple cracks with my son. I wouldn't even call them cracks really, more gapping wounds. Really the only thing that got me through it was time, but here is my midwives advice...
After each feeding rub some breastmilk on your nipple and let them air dry then apply lanolin. Wash your hands before every feeding to avoid infection.
Honestly sometimes I did this and sometimes I didn't, it didn't seem to make much of a difference in terms of healing only with pain managment. Time heals all... stick with it. Good Luck.

Lanolin definately helps, they also have a product called "Soothies" that you can find at most drug stores, it looks like a nursing pad and helps to heal things up between feedings. A nurse recommended the soothies to me and I was so happy to find them (they are kinda pricey, but worth it)! Hope this helps.

Ouch A., I went through that with my now 15 month old too. My homebirth midwife also had me work on positioning again. I got a really good breastfeeding book and really worked on making sure my positioning was good. It's amazing how when they're really little even a little slouching and cause them to pull on the nipple and irritate it. Changing your positioning can make a HUGE difference. And the breastmilk works wonders! They could be healed in just a few days. Good luck.

Hi, There's a nipple cream from Mother love. I've used it since my daughter was born and I haven't had any cracking... it's safe too for them to ingest. You can buy it online at motherlove.com

100% lonolin works great and is safe for baby!

Ouch! I feel you! Lansinoh Lanolin Cream worked wonders for me. You can get it at Walmart or any drugstore. It's fairly inexpensive. I applied it after each feeding so it was a pain but it did the job. Good luck!

Your magic cream is lanolin by the company Lansinoh. Purple bottle, can be found at most grocery stores. Again Lansinoh brand lanolin, it actually says For Breastfeeding Mothers and kids can nurse after you apply it. Happy healing!

M. Singer

Use Lanisnoh brand lanolin for breatsfeeding mothers, its the best!

Hi A.-
I know Gerber makes a moisturizing stick for breastfeeding moms. It is safe to use while breastfeeding as well. Like others have said, Lansinoh also makes a lanolin balm. The Gerber one worked great for me.

Ouch! I had the same problem on both sides when I started nursing. My doctor suggested putting ice on my nipples to numb them right before nursing my daughter - that did help a lot with the latch on. Then when she was done I put lansinoh (sp?) mixed with a little antibiotic ointment (bacitracin) to prevent any sort of infection.
You could also pump on that side and give it in a bottle.

Good luck.
I feel your pain!

K.

Oh my do I ever feel your pain! My saving grace was a creme called Lansinoh ( it is 100% pure lanolin) It is perfectly safe for babies to nurse with also so it can help kind of barrier you to a little from that moist little mouth! Good luck!

I agree with previous posting...

after you nurse put a little breast milk on there...there are natural antibiotics in your milk, as well as painkillers.

D.

Hi! A.,
I'm sorry to hear about that, I had the same problem with my daughter she was 2 days old ripped my nipple apart and it hurt and was bleeding at this point I stopped breast feeding I took a luke warm shower then put ice on it and put neosporin on it however if your still breast feeding I would call the doctor and ask them if neosporin is ok and when you should do it so it won't mix with the milk and the baby don't drink it. I hope I was helpful. If you need anyhting further please email me back ____@____.com D.

I would try some type of lanolin. The most popular brand is Lansinoh, and that can be bough at the phramacy, target, babies r us. Our you can use the generic lanolin just make sure its pure. This should definately help. If this doesnt I would contact your local la leche leader, maybe the baby isn't latching on properly.

My son is 10 weeks old and I have been using the Lanisoh lanolin. It is great. I think it will really help you.

YOU CAN GET SOME LANOLIN OINTMENT YOUR PROBLEM IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS OINTMENT IS MADE FOR. IT'S SAFE FOR BABY TOO, MEANING YOU DON'T HAVE TO WASH IT OFF WITH SOAP AND WATER BEFORE YOU NURSE. HOPE IT HELPS FOR YOU AS WELL AS WORKED FOR ME.
A.
____@____.com

Lansinoh is definately a great product which will help. Another thing to do is to express a little milk from that breast after she's done nursing, and spread it on the crack. Let it air dry. It will help very quickly b/c breast milk has healing properties and is sterile.
I hope you heal soon.
-D.

Lansinoh is GREAT! It is endorsed by laleche league and is PURE lanolin. it is expensive for one tube but you use very little for each application. I found it in Target. I am new to BF and it works great. Make sure that she is latching on with an open mouth and not scooting up the nipple with her mouth. I have to do so with my son. Call a lactation consultant if you contiue to have problems if you can. I found their advice to be great.

The best thing I found to use was lanolin. You can buy it at Babies R Us, Target, etc. You don't have to rub it off before you breast feed and can put it on each time you are done breastfeeding. It is very soothing and moisturizing which will help with the cracking.

Best of luck!