For newborns, you should try to do eight to twelve feeds every 24 hours, keeping the feedings consistent and close to the same time. This will prevent your baby from sucking too hard due to hunger. If your newborn baby is not feeding every three hours, you should hand-express out the milk or pump the milk out into bottles. This will prevent your breasts from becoming engorged. Engorged breasts can lead to the development of flat nipples, which will make it more difficult for your baby to latch on and feed.
This will also prevent your sore breast from becoming more irritated and allow your baby to get used to feeding from both breasts.
Another way to view this positioning is to ensure your nipple is pointed towards your baby’s nose. This will allow them to open their mouth and tip their head back, sliding the nipple towards the roof of their mouth.
If your baby does not seem to be able to self-latch, you can encourage them to open their mouth wide by using your nipple to tickle their lips. Say “open” as you do this and make sure your breast is almost touching their nose. They should then allow you to attach your breast to their mouth.
You should also make sure your baby maintains an open mouth during the feeding and their chin is indenting the lower portion of your breast.
If you need to remove your baby from your breast at any time during the feeding, use a clean finger to do this. Place the finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth or between your baby’s gums to break the seal between your baby’s mouth and your breast. You can also try pulling down lightly on your baby’s chin or pressing down on your breast, next to your baby’s mouth, to break the seal. [6] X Research source Never just pull the baby off without breaking the suction first. This can damage the nipple.
You can buy feeding bras that are made of natural, breathable fibers so they do not irritate your breasts. They are usually also made so you can unhook them easily for feeding time. You can also buy breast shells, which are donut shaped plastic shells that you can place on your breasts to protect your nipples. These can be placed inside your bra or your shirt to protect sore nipples.
Another option is to pump your breasts for a few minutes using a hand pump to get the milk flowing. This may then make your nipples less sore and sensitive during feeding. This can also help elevate flat nipples and allow the baby to latch better to help prevent sore nipples.
You can also try applying a warm towel to your breasts to soothe any discomfort and help stimulate milk flow.
Avoid using a strong breast pump to do this, as breast pumps can make your nipples feel sore or become cracked.
You can check to see if your baby can stick their tongue out past their bottom lip. You should also note if they can lift their tongue to the roof of their mouth when they cry. If they cannot make these movements, you should have your doctor check them for tongue-tie. If your baby has tongue-tie, your doctor can clip the membrane that is restricting your baby’s tongue. This can then lead to more effective feeding sessions with your baby.
Your doctor can confirm you have thrush and prescribe treatment.
If you have a breast infection, known as mastitis, your doctor can give you oral antibiotics that are safe for use while you are breastfeeding.
Avoid using any irritating substances on your nipples, such as soap or shampoo that contains alcohol or creams that contain irritating ingredients. Do not use cream that contains Vitamin E, as this can be toxic for your baby. [16] X Research source You should also be very gentle when cleaning your breasts in the shower. Use mild antibacterial soap and soft towels so your nipples do not become more irritated or sore.
You can also try using medical grade lanolin ointment on your nipples to help with soreness or cracking; however, studies have shown that breast milk is more effective for sore, cracked nipples than lanolin ointment. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You can take a mild pain reliever 30 minutes prior to nursing if your nipples are painful. Mild pain relievers are considered safe for breastfeeding. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications. Do not apply teabags to cracked, sore nipples, as this is a folk remedy that has been shown to be ineffective.
