CRACKED NIPPLES IN NURSING WOMEN

CRACKED NIPPLES IN NURSING WOMEN:-

   The following tips can be very helpful if the skin on the nipple is broken for any reason. The cracked nipple may cause due to shallow latch,  tongue-tie/lip-tie or other anatomical variations, thrush, a bite, milk blister, etc..Increased frequency of feeding, tooth bite and dry humid climate are other predisposing factors.

-Keep in mind that one of the most important factors in healing is to correct the source of the problem.

- Correct latch and positioning during feeding , take proper thrush treatment, etc.

-During the nursing session:

*Breastfeed from the uninjured (or less injured) side first. Baby will tend to nurse more gently on the second side offered.The initial latch- tends to hurt most – a brief application of ice right before latching can help to numb the area.

* Try different breastfeeding positions to determine which is most comfortable.

*If breastfeeding is too painful, it is very important to express milk from the injured side to reduce the risk of mastitis and to maintain supply. If pumping is too painful, try hand expression.

-After nursing:-

*Salt water rinse:-

This special type of salt water, called normal saline, has the same salt concentration as tears and should not be painful to use.

Preparation of saline solution:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Make a fresh supply each day to avoid bacterial contamination. You can also add fresh homemade turmeric powder to this saline which will help in rapid healing as turmeric possess an antibacterial effect.

-After breastfeeding:-

*Soak nipple in a small bowl of warm saline solution for a minute or so–long enough for the saline to get onto all areas of the nipple. Alternately, put the saline solution into a squeeze bottle and squirt it on gently; use plenty of saline, making sure to get it on all areas of broken skin.Avoid prolonged soaking (more than 5-10 minutes) that “super” hydrates the skin, as this can promote cracking and delay healing.Pat dry very gently with a soft paper towel.If baby objects to the taste of the residual salt from the saline rinse, rinse directly before nursing by dipping nipple into a bowl of plain water. Pat dry gently.

*After the salt water rinse

apply expressed breastmilk to the nipples to promote healing–this can be done in addition to other treatments.To promote “moist wound healing” (this refers to maintaining the internal moisture of the skin, not keeping the exterior of the skin wet) apply any healing ointments or natural moisturisers like butter,ghee. Application of frozen butter helps alot..

*If your baby have thrush, follow the saline soak with an antifungal ointment or other thrush treatment.

-Between nursings:-

*Keep nipples exposed to air when possible. Avoid using tight bras and other tight clothings. Some mothers use breast shells to protect the nipple from the dampness and friction of the bra.If there is a specific injury–like a bite–cold compresses (ice packs over a layer of cloth) may help: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off; repeat as needed.

*Once a day, use a non-antibacterial, non-perfumed soap to gently clean the wounded area, then rinse well under running water. Using soap on the nipple area is not recommended unless the skin is broken.

* If you suspect mastitis ie, if there is pain, tenderness or heaviness of breasts, apply frozen  cabbage leaves on the breast for not more than 10 minutes, 3 times a day which will help to reduce the pain, but take care not to exceed the time as  it will sometimes affect the supply.

-Contact your doctor if you notice:Fever, inflammation/redness, swelling, oozing, pus, or other signs of infection. It is possible to have multiple infections (both fungal and bacterial).

-If the nipple is obviously infected immediately consult your doctor.

   Homoeopathy can offer you a rapid and gentle cure for your sore and cracked nipples. Medicines are selected according to the cause and symptomatology.  Important medicines are:-

1. CASTOR EQUI :-Cracked, sore nipples, excessively tender. Swelling of mammæ. Violent itching in breasts; areola reddened. Sensitive even to the touch of clothes. 

2. SARSAPARILLA:- Nipples small, withered, retracted.  itching and humid eruptions. Rash from exposure to open air; dry, itching; comes on in spring; becomes crusty. Rhagades; skin cracked, hard, indurated, summer cutaneous affections.

3. NATRUM MUR:-Painful scars, eruptions and cracks due to dry wind. Child refuses breast; nursing sore mouth. Lancinating pains in breasts.Stitches beneath nipples.Dull stitch beneath right nipple.Breasts sensitive to slightest touch.

4. RATANHIA:- Cracked nipples, burning type of pain with, constricted feeling of  breast.

5. CALENDULA :- clean with diluted calendula  Q and apply  calendula  ointment, 3times  a day. 

      Other important medicines are Silicea,  Graphitis,  Petroleum, Phytolacca,  Hydrastis, Balsamum peruvianum, Hepar sulph,   Sulphur,  Zinc met etc.