33
answers
A.L.
asks from
Hudson, NH
on
October 18, 2006
Nipple Cracking
My daughter just hit an 8 week growth spurt, and one of my nipples is cracked on the unerside. I nursed my other 3 children for 10 months each, but never had this happen. Should I just leave it alone, or put something on it? It is painful when she latches on, or if she breaks the suction. Anyone have luck with creams, lotions? And what should I get that actually will work? I don't want it to bleed, or get any more sensitive than it all ready is.
So What Happened?™
I just realized that I did not get a response back. But all is well. I expressed for 1 feeding a day and gave her the bottle. Did get the Lanolin...worked wonders..now 15 weeks and still nursing with no new issues ! thank you to all who responded !
Featured Answers
J.G.
answers from
Springfield
on
November 03, 2006
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.
D.G.
answers from
Albany
on
October 20, 2006
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.
E.N.
answers from
Burlington
on
October 20, 2006
If you go back to the doctors they have a special cream made for that and its safe for the baby too.
More Answers
H.S.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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!
M.S.
answers from
New York
on
October 18, 2006
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.
D.F.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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.
A.H.
answers from
Boston
on
October 20, 2006
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
C.R.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
My son is 10 weeks old and I have been using the Lanisoh lanolin. It is great. I think it will really help you.
C.A.
answers from
New York
on
October 18, 2006
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.
D.F.
answers from
Providence
on
October 18, 2006
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.
D.T.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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.
C.C.
answers from
Bangor
on
October 19, 2006
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!
K.P.
answers from
New York
on
October 18, 2006
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.
A.C.
answers from
Boston
on
October 18, 2006
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.
D.G.
answers from
Albany
on
October 20, 2006
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.
L.D.
answers from
Burlington
on
October 19, 2006
Use Lanisnoh brand lanolin for breatsfeeding mothers, its the best!
M.S.
answers from
Burlington
on
October 19, 2006
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
A.F.
answers from
Boston
on
October 18, 2006
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!
A.O.
answers from
Hartford
on
October 19, 2006
100% lonolin works great and is safe for baby!
J.R.
answers from
New York
on
October 18, 2006
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
C.J.
answers from
Burlington
on
October 19, 2006
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.
E.N.
answers from
Burlington
on
October 20, 2006
If you go back to the doctors they have a special cream made for that and its safe for the baby too.
R.B.
answers from
Providence
on
October 19, 2006
I agree w/ all, and Soothies were the best! Very helpful, and the cracking/pain stop quickly.
K.D.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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!
C.J.
answers from
Buffalo
on
October 18, 2006
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
D.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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.
M.
answers from
Providence
on
October 19, 2006
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.
S.P.
answers from
Hartford
on
October 18, 2006
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!!!
S.C.
answers from
Springfield
on
October 19, 2006
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!
R.C.
answers from
Boston
on
October 18, 2006
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 :)
J.T.
answers from
Bangor
on
October 18, 2006
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
H.L.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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.
T.C.
answers from
Burlington
on
October 22, 2006
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.
J.G.
answers from
Springfield
on
November 03, 2006
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.
J.K.
answers from
New York
on
October 19, 2006
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.