With practice and support, a mother and baby can reap the benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding a new baby is a natural form of feeding, but it doesn't always come naturally for mom or baby. When problems such as nipple irritation arise, a mother should seek guidance from a lactation professional. This breastfeeding issue is a common concern in new and veteran mothers, and can usually be remedied easily.
Irritation
Irritated nipples are usually not a serious concern but they can be extremely painful. Common descriptions of irritation include soreness, tenderness, tingling, burning and itching. The nipple tissue can crack, flake and even bleed if irritation isn't addressed right away. Women who notice discoloration, such as redness or pinkness, should seek assistance from a lactation professional. Some women have sensitive skin or even sensitive nipples and notice more nipple irritation when breastfeeding. Hormones from menstruation can make nipples more sensitive, according to Kellymom.
Baby's Latch
From the beginning of the breastfeeding relationship to the end, the baby's latch is the key factor in a pleasant experience. Many mothers experience some soreness and tenderness early on, but significant pain suggests a poor latch. When a baby is properly latched onto the breast, most or all of the areola — the tissue surrounding the nipple — is inside her mouth. The baby's top and bottom lip should be flanged or completely out of the baby's mouth. The baby's nose should be away from the breast, but her chin should be close. When sucking, the baby's chin should move up and down. When a baby's latch isn't right, numerous side effects such as nipple tenderness, a fussy baby and poor milk supply can arise. Fixing the latch sometimes requires the assistance of a lactation professional or a peer support group.
Yeast Infection
An oral yeast infection, called thrush, can cause irritated nipples. This infection is the result of an overgrowth of yeast fungi either on the breast tissues or in the baby's mouth. This infection usually affects the mother and the baby. Signs that thrush is the cause of irritated nipples include pink nipples or skin, itching of the nipples or redness and white patches inside the baby's mouth. If thrush is thought to be the cause of irritated nipples, seek medical assistance. A prescription medication is often the best course of treatment.
Medical Issues
There are numerous other, less common, causes of nipple irritation in breastfeeding. Some women have inverted or flat nipples that make a proper latch difficult and can inhibit milk flow. There are lactation tools, such as nipple shields, that can correct or improve this problem. Engorgement can occur when the baby doesn't nurse frequently or is unable to empty the breast of milk. This can cause pain in the nipples as well as in the surrounding breast tissue. If it persists, a very painful infection, called mastitis, can occur. This infection causes pain, fever and redness and requires antibiotic treatment. Similarly, a plugged duct in the breast or a clogged pore in the nipple can cause pain and itching. In some cases a baby may have a weak suck, trouble sucking or latching on, or something called a tongue-tie. These issues can only be diagnosed and treated by a medical or lactation professional.
