Why does it happen?
Undergoing the stretching and friction that comes with breastfeeding is a big transition for your tissues, especially if you have never nursed before. Sometimes the root cause of nipple problems is an issue with the baby’s position or latch, if problems are severe or don’t improve with comfort measures consider getting help evaluating you and your baby’s technique, often as simple little tweak will fix the problem and make you both so much more comfortable.
What can you do?
Change your baby’s nursing position often instead of using the same one every time, this will help distribute the stress instead of concentrating it on one area. Nurse on the other side that is the least sore first so, the milk lets down more easily and your baby won’t have to suck as much on the sore side. Rub a little breast milk onto each nipple and air dry after each feeding find a silver or cream that you like to apply to your nipples after nursing.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bleeding and Sore Nipples
1. Breast Milk
Use your own breast milk to heal cracked, sore and bleeding nipples. Breast milk has healing properties and antibacterial properties as well which will help you to treat sore nipples. Just apply few drops of breast milk on the affected area, air dry and repeat with another nipple.
2. Warm Compress
A warm compress can reduce the discomfort and helps in healing the bleeding, sore nipples. Take fresh cloth dip in warm water and place it on your breast for 2-3 minutes, do this before nursing your baby. You can repeat this several times to reduce the soreness. A warm heating pad or shower can also reduce the discomfort.
3. Oil Massage
A good oil massage can help you to reduce the pain and discomfort. Use natural oils like coconut oil, olive, sweet almond oil, etc. All these oils have special healing properties which will moisturize and keep the affected area painless and reduce dryness. Additionally, they also help to reduce the tears or chapping or cracked nipples. Heat the oil, apply the warm oil on your nipples and gently massage, do this several times a day. Before breastfeeding clear the oil with water and breastfeed your baby.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is also one of the best ways to treat sore nipples naturally, it has special healing properties which reduce pain and reduce bleeding of your nipples. Take aloe vera gel, apply on the affected area, let it dries naturally. Later clean the area with lukewarm water and clean it with a soft towel. Do this for 3-4 days. Your baby should not take this ale vera gel, it may cause diarrhea.
5. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves cure many types of skin problems, along with skin problems it also cures sore nipples. Basil leaves speeds up the healing process of sore nipples and reduces cracks, pain, bleeding and dry nipples. Take fresh basil leaves and make into a paste, apply on the affected areas, after that wash off. Do this several times in a week.
