Breastfeeding related cracked nipples

How to recognize a crack in the nipple?

It is a word that we sometimes only discover during childbirth preparation classes and childbirth, especially when we are expecting our first child: crevasses. Associated with breastfeeding, nipple crevice means a small crack or crack in the areola of the breast, more precisely on the nipple, where breast milk comes out. This crevice can look like a sore, with bleeding and scab formation, and therefore take time to heal.

Suffice to say that if it is complicated to describe what a crevice is, a nursing woman usually knows how to recognize it, and we quickly understand that something is wrong when it appears. However, some crevices are so small that they cannot be seen visibly. It is then the pain during the feeding which must put the chip in the ear. Because “normal” breastfeeding, which proceeds without incident, is not not supposed to be painful.

How to Avoid Nipple Cracks While Breastfeeding?

We still tend to hear or read that breastfeeding is synonymous with cracks in the nipples, that the appearance of cracks in the breasts is inevitable or almost. In reality, this is wrong: it is quite possible to breastfeed for several months without any cracks appearing.

The importance of a good breastfeeding position

In the extreme majority of cases, a nipple crack appears due to a poor breastfeeding position during breastfeeding. The baby is not well installed, uncomfortable, and does not latch on well in the mouth. The correct position is when the baby has his mouth wide open with the lips turned up and a large part of the areola in the mouth, the chin in the breast and the nose clear. The mother must also be well installed, without any tension on the arm or the back, why not thanks to the support of a nursing pillow.

Note, however, that it happens that a crevice appears when the baby is well positioned, and his mother too. This is especially possible at the start of breastfeeding, the first days, because the baby’s sucking is not necessarily well established, the nipples are out, etc. The cracks are then temporary.

In spite of everything, the problem sometimes persists over time, because of the shape of the baby’s palate or if the lip or tongue is too short. Seeking the advice of a midwife, an association or a lactation consultant may then be necessary to resolve the problem and put an end to the cracks.

Other causes can explain the appearance of a crevice, such as:

• excessive hygiene with too abrasive soap;
• wearing synthetic underwear;
• congestion;
• an unsuitable or badly used breast pump (teat too large or too small for the nipple, suction too strong, etc.).

How to treat a crack caused by breastfeeding?

It would be a shame if a crevasse marks the end of breastfeeding which, until then, had been going without a hitch. To avoid forced weaning, but also infection or even mastitis, there are remedies and good actions to adopt as soon as the crack appears.

If you want to continue breastfeeding the affected breast despite the pain, you can occasionally opt for nipples or expressing her milkwith a breast pump, then give it by another means (bottle for example, teaspoon…). But in all cases it will be necessary to resolve the cause of this crack, especially if it is a recurrence, to prevent it from reappearing.

Which cream to apply in the event of a breastfeeding crack?

If you are breast-feeding you have probably heard of lanoline (also called wool fat or wool wax), of which there are vegetable alternatives for vegans. It must be admitted, lanolin works miracles on a well-established crevasse, and has the advantage of being edible and safe for babies: no need to clean the breast before feeding. If you choose this cream to treat a crack, apply a tiny bit of lanolin to the nipple after each feeding on the affected breast.

Another solution, less expensive and accessible to all breastfeeding women: applying a little breast milk immediately after feeding. It is also a reflex to have even upstream, to prevent the appearance of cracks, because breast milk has indeed healing and protective properties. Occasionally, you can even make yourself a soaked bandage, to leave on for a few hours. Moisture is then an asset for the healing of the crevice. In the same idea, you can also use a nursing shell or nursing shells.