Ulcerated nipples can hurt a lot causing a throbbing pain making it almost impossible to feed. Here are a few tips that helped me and will probably help you as well:
Dont's:
- Do not wash them repeatedly through the day. Wetness increases the pain. Washing them once a day during bath is sufficient. You can just wipe them clean after very feed.
- Leave them open to fresh air if you can for a while. It hurts while the ulcerated area rubs against clothing.
- Do not drown the area in ointments.
- Do not apply hot water bag. Dry heat is better than wet heat so do not pour hot water.
- If your baby adjusts or moves while feeding causing you pain, break the suction gently by slipping a finger and reposition him/her to latch on right. I have found improper latching-on positions leads to soreness.
- Do not let him/her suck when there is no/less milk. Sucking on the muscles leads to soreness.
- If the pain is unbearable, pump out the milk and spoon feed the baby. Let the area heal for 2-3 days. This way your baby is not deprived of your milk at the same time you heal as well.
Do's:
- Get medical attention first before anything else. Start using Nipcare before the delivery itself. Placentrex was another ointment prescribed for me that helped.
- Use hair dryer to dry the area after every feed. Dry heat helps.
- The choice of clothing plays a big role. So wear comfortable clothing.
