Whether you’re a first-time mom or are starting a new breastfeeding period with your second child, there may come a time when you sustain nipple injury while breastfeeding. This can be quite unsettling and disconcerting, especially if the pain doesn’t subside after a few days.
These injuries are not uncommon, and many women who have been breastfeeding for a while have experienced them. In fact, almost 90% of mothers who have been breastfeeding for six months or more will experience breast pain as a result of their child feeding from one breast more frequently than the other. However, this article focuses on general tips on how to deal with different kinds of breast injuries from the same action: breastfeeding.
Blisters or Blebs
The first kind of injuries that we’ll talk about are blisters or blebs. It’s a common condition seen mostly in first-time moms and those who are breastfeeding for the first time. The condition is caused by a break in the skin’s barrier, which is why it leaves the skin open to infections. Blisters that happen while breastfeeding is mostly caused by friction, an incorrect latch, or an undersupply of your breast milk. If you feel a slight burning sensation while your baby is sucking, there could be a blister happening. Blisters on the nipple usually occur when your baby is trying to latch, and the blister is a result of the friction caused by your baby’s sucking motion and your baby’s lip and tongue movement.
Bruises
A bruise is a sign of broken blood vessels under the skin, and it usually happens as a result of trauma or damage to the skin. Bruising is pretty common among breastfeeding mothers, especially if you have rough nipples, have started breastfeeding your child again after a long break, or you’re breastfeeding a newborn. Since they are caused by trauma, bruises are often seen on the breast lobes, where your child is likely to latch. If your child latches incorrectly, the nipple and the skin around it can get bruised, causing a bruise. This is because the suction from your baby’s suckling motion damages your skin.
Nipple Chafing
Nipple chafing is another common condition among breastfeeding women. It happens when your baby is latched on, your nipples get rubbed against your clothes, and you feel a burning sensation. Chafing can also occur if you’re using a nipple cream that is too thick, which causes your baby to tug at your nipple a little more roughly, causing chafing. Chafing can be very painful and can lead to infections. If you notice any redness or irritation on your nipples, you should contact your doctor right away. Nipple chafing can be treated with a soothing ointment or a thick layer of vitamin E. You can also try using a nipple shield to prevent chafing.
Incisions from breastfeeding
Incisions from breastfeeding are, of course, the result of your baby suckling from your breast. These cuts or incisions are usually caused by latch problems and a baby who is learning to breastfeed. Most incisions will heal on their own, especially if you are doing everything correctly, like making sure that your baby is latched on correctly and you’re feeding from both breasts. However, if the cuts look infected or don’t heal after a few weeks, make sure to see your doctor for treatment. If you notice cuts on your breast, don’t be alarmed as long as they are not infected. You can treat them with a topical ointment like Neosporin, vitamin E oil, or calendula ointment.
Scabs or ulcers on nipples
Scabs or ulcers on nipples are the most serious type of injuries you can get while breastfeeding, and they can be very painful. They are mostly caused by an infection in your breast tissue, which is why they are accompanied by redness and inflammation. If your child has a bacterial infection, then he or she may pass it on to you through the milk. Scabs or ulcers on your nipples can be treated with antibiotics. If you notice a discharge from the wound, it means that your infection is bacterial. If it’s just a scab, then it’s likely to be an infection from your milk. You can treat an infection with antibiotics, but in the case of bacterial infections, it’s best if you stop breastfeeding until you have treated the infection.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy form of nutrition for babies, and it’s also a very bonding experience for mothers as well. It’s also normal for breastfeeding to cause some type of breast injury at some point in time, especially in the beginning when a baby is adjusting to the flow of milk and a particular breastfeeding technique. There are many ways to treat these types of injuries, and it’s best to do so as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming more serious. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to deal with most of the nipple injuries that result from breastfeeding.
