Motherhood is a different experience altogether, however it is not easy for first-time moms, as they have to go through a lot. New mothers need to feed their babies and breastfeed them from time to time. This is very new for them and it is difficult to determine the correct position for latching and breastfeeding. Many women become very anxious and try to take breastfeeding in a disorganised way, apart from that they face problems such as sore breasts, cracked nipples, mastitis and bleeding nipples. Due to these conditions, a new mother faces challenges to breastfeed her baby. Today, we will talk about some home remedies which first-time mothers can try to treat cracked and bleeding nipples.
What Causes Cracked and Bleeding Nipples?
There could be many reasons for cracked or bleeding nipples. This could be because of poor latching techniques, when the baby’s mouth rubs against your nipples constantly.
It can be because of strong sucking of milk from mother’s milk by the baby.
After giving birth, breasts get swollen with milk, during the time when there is abundance of milk production in your breasts, it causes cracked nipples.
When this process goes for long, it may cause bleeding from those cracked nipples, which can be treated.
Home Remedies To Treat Cracked Bleeding Nipples During Breastfeeding
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
It is rich in antioxidants which can treat and cure the condition of cracked nipples. Apple cider vinegar needs to be applied by mixing it with a cup of water so that it does not remain concentrated. After breastfeeding, dip a cotton piece into the mixture and squeeze it to remove excess solution from cotton. Not dab it over your nipples and areola. This helps in destroying bacteria and keeps nipples nourished. After that take coconut oil and apply it on your nipples to ensure not getting cracked nipples.
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2. Apply Breast Milk
Breast milk itself is a very nourishing substance. It can be one of the best remedy for cracked and bleeding nipples. This is because breast milk has anti-bacterial properties and helps treat cracked nipples. You can slightly rub your breast milk over your nipples, areola and nearby breast area to avoid cracked nipples further. Apply this home remedy 4-5 times in a day.
3. Cold Compress
For soothing painful, cracked nipples, cold compress can work as a natural remedy to treat this condition. As is case of any other injury, cold compress can also relax your nipples and stop bleeding from the cracked nipples. It can also ensure increased speed of healing of your nipples. Cold compress can be done by gently pressing it over breasts and dab it over cracked nipples multiple times for around 10 minutes. You can use this method to get relief from the pain and cracked or bleeding nipples.
4. Tea Bags
This is a home remedy that includes tea bags that are soaked in hot water for a while. It is preferred to use chamomile tea bags for enhanced relaxation. After soaking it in the water, keep it in a cool temperature which suits your skin as well. Now wring the teabags, take out excess water from them and place it over your nipples. Relax yourself for a few minutes and let the tea leaves present in the tea bag to treat your cracked bleeding nipples. Then wash your nipples before breastfeeding your baby again. You can do this 2-3 times in a day for effective treatment.
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5. Salt Water Rinse
Salt water is a saline solution that is beneficial for hydrating your skin and also supports healing process. This salt water rinse needs to be done twice in a day for effectiveness. You can follow these steps to treat your cracked bleeding nipples-
- Take a bowl that is wide and is not too deep.
- First mix half teaspoon of salt in 1 cup warm water.
- Now soak your nipples in this bowl of saline solution for about 1 minute after breastfeeding.
- Pat gently to dry your nipples and breast
- You can use a squirt bottle to apply this solution of all areas of your nipples as well
Make sure to apply only fresh saline solution on your nipples to avoid any bacterial contamination.
6. Change Nursing Pads More Often
Change the nursing pads as soon as they become damp. This will prevent delay or prolonged healing process. Leaving the moisture on your nipples can delay healing process and obstruct airflow as well. Also first-time mom should avoid using nursing pads that have plastic linings. 100% cotton pads are safer and promote healing of cracked or bleeding nipples.
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