Chapped nipples commonly develop during nursing and occur when the skin on the nipples becomes too dry or when moisture and friction irritate the delicate skin, causing it to peel or crack. Chapping is usually a temporary symptom that should not interfere with nursing or cause severe pain. Severe chapping that cracks or bleeds or fails to respond to home care within two weeks requires medical attention to prevent infection and determine the underlying cause of the problem.
Step 1
Check that your baby is latching on to your nipple correctly. Your entire nipple plus about 1/2 inch of skin around your nipple should be inside your baby's mouth, and you should hear your baby swallowing regularly while nursing. Sharp or severe pain when latching on, during nursing, or when your baby pulls away from your nipple are signs of incorrect latch-on. Speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant for advice.
Step 2
Wash your nipples in clean, cool water. Soaps and hot water are drying and irritating and can contribute to chapping.
Step 3
Apply modified lanolin to your nipples immediately after nursing your baby. Lanolin will hydrate your nipples to prevent cracking and soothe chapping, and it is safe for your nursing baby.
Step 4
Vary the position in which you breast-feed until your chapped nipples are fully healed. This will help spread the full force of your baby's sucking.
Step 5
Wear a plastic breast shell inside of your nursing bra to keep your chapped nipples from sticking to the fabric of your bra. Remove the shell before nursing your baby.
Step 6
Rinse your nipples in plain water after nursing and then rub a tiny bit of breast milk over chapped, sore or cracked areas. This is soothing and can help prevent infection. Allow your nipples to air dry.
Step 7
Use an antibiotic ointment on cracked nipples to prevent infections. Follow your doctor's instructions as to when and how much to apply. Wash the antibiotic ointment off your nipples before nursing.
Things You'll Need
- Lanolin cream
- Breast shell
- Antibiotic ointment
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