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Nipple care during pregnancy and post-delivery is very crucial to ensure one’s breastfeeding journey is safe and happy. In this article we shall talk about some tips that can help keep one’s nipples hale and healthy and protection from sore, cracked nipples.

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Pregnancy Nipple Care 

Issue of Inverted nipples and dry or cracked nipples can be tackled well before delivery by massaging the nipple area with few drops of natural oil and by pulling the nipples outward. It is recommended to do this for maximum 5 minutes and only two times a day. Over simulation when you are close to due date can trigger labor.

Post Delivery Nipple Care Tips

1.  There is no need to clean your breast each time you feed as the bacteria from the surface of the nipple can help your baby’s gut microbiome.

2.  The little bumps – Montgomery glands – on your areola produces an oil that protects nipples from bacteria or infection. This natural lubrication will also prevent your nipples from cracks and dryness, and hence using excess cleaning agents like soaps etc. must be avoided.

3. Wear clean, fresh, cotton nursing bras or any cotton clothing to keep the area breathable and less sweaty.

4. Nursing pads save us from trauma post let down especially when we are outdoors but one must understand it is always filled with sweetish milk, warm and wet which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Ensure to change it every few hours to avoid chances of irritation and infection.

5. After each breastfeed rub few drops of milk on your nipples and air dry, this can protect your nipple from cracks and infection. It is also advised to heal damaged nipples. Also remember you do not need any external nipple care cream regularly.

6. Take care of cracked or bleeding nipples by cleaning them after each feed with warm water and using sterilized nipple shields. If it is too painful take a break from breastfeeding for a day by allowing it to cure and meanwhile try expressing milk and offering to the baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any pain killer medicine or for treating damaged nipples.

7. Maintain good hygiene – even while using nipple shield or breast pump.

8.  If you observe sore nipples post breastfeeding, your baby may not be latching right. Please correct positions or take advice of a lactation consultant.

Remember, we need a specialist a plumber to take care of plumbing issues and not the architect himself. When you have latching issues, there is definitely a need to consult a lactation consultant. Gynecologists can help but lactation consultants can completely treat the issues you face breastfeeding.

Video: How to care for your Nipples – Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

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