13 effective tips for beating blisters on the nipples during breastfeeding

Nipple blisters often occur in nursing mothers. If you know the cause, the condition of the nipples can be avoided. Some things that usually cause blisters on the nipples are:

Attachment to breastfeeding a baby is not fair
Friction irritation
Fungal infections
Adaptation process

Breastfeeding Tips to Prevent Bulb Nipples

Pinching blisters will certainly interfere with the process of breastfeeding. This condition makes it not only difficult for you, but also babies. To prevent and treat blisters, here are some tips for breastfeeding.

1. Check the baby attachment

A mother of course needs time and practice to master breastfeeding techniques properly. Including to understand the attachment of a breastfed baby or the right hook.

Proper adhesion will cause the baby to suck more milk, while preventing pain caused by nipple blisters. Therefore, make sure the baby's mouth has covered the nipple properly.

If that doesn't work, start again by inserting the nipples again when the baby's mouth is wide open. While this problem continues, discuss it with a breastfeeding consultant or midwife.

2. Learn to release the baby's mouth

It is also important to release the baby's mouth after breastfeeding, to prevent blisters on the nipples. Be sure to breastfeed your baby loose before pulling the nipple. Insert your finger into the baby's mouth to stop sucking, then move his head away from the breast.

3. Overcoming baby ties

Sticky tongue or ankyloglossia is a congenital abnormality when the tongue is not free to move. This condition is caused by a frenulum or thin tissue at the bottom of the middle tongue that is too short.

The doctor can do a small operation to overcome the attachment of the tongue, which often causes blisters and makes breastfeeding difficult.

4. Adjust position when breastfeeding

Comfort is the key to successful breastfeeding, including breastfeeding position and how to hold the baby. Use the following tips to get the right position.

Position the baby's face parallel to the breast (horizontal or vertical)
Make sure the baby's stomach touches the mother's body
Position the baby's hips and face in front of the mother
Change position to be comfortable and avoid nipple bulbs
Use a nursing pillow to help
Hold the baby gently on the chest

5. Reduce breast swelling

Swelling of the breast occurs when the amount of breast milk reaches its maximum, due to lack of frequency of breastfeeding or the process of adjusting the mother's body to the baby's needs. A swollen breast will hurt and make the baby difficult to attach. Therefore, it is recommended that you express breast milk and follow the steps below.

Compress the chest with a hot towel
Use a UPS pump to express ASI (save as needed)
Gently massage the breasts while bathing with warm water and let the milk flow

6. Prevent fungal infections (lily of the valley)

Thrush is a fungal infection of the nipple that can be transmitted from mother to child during breastfeeding. Bright pink and stiff nipples may be the hallmark of the lily of the valley. This condition must be treated by a doctor.

To avoid fungal infections, dry your breasts after breastfeeding. When you shower, wash your nipples with soap safely, then rinse thoroughly. If the nipples leak, use a pillow to keep them dry.

7. Use moisturizing nipples

The nipples are very sensitive and can rupture due to dryness. To prevent nipple blisters, use a moisturizer that is safe for the baby for some time before breastfeeding. Clean the nipples before applying.

8. Choose the right breast pump

Make sure the breast pump is the right size to avoid blisters or nipples irritation. Small breast pump bowls can injure the nipple. In addition, inappropriate bowl sizes can make breastfeeding pumping activities ineffective.

9. Use cold compresses

Cold compresses can help relieve nipple pain by reducing swelling. Do not stick the ice bag directly to the skin. It is recommended to wrap the ice wrap in a cloth before compressing it on the breasts, nipples and arms. Compress for several minutes, in 1-2 hours, until the swelling disappears.

10. Check nipple pores

A blocked nipple has the characteristic white or small yellow sores on the nipple. Try massage with olive oil, warm compresses or use the ASI massage technique to clean the nipples. Don't try to peel the pores with your fingers.

11. Wear a special breastfeeding bra

Choose a nursing bra with comfortable material to avoid the nipple bulbs. Avoid breastfeeding bras with a wire under the breast.

12. Use hydrogel foam

You can also compress the blisters on the nipples with hydrogel foam. Before doing so, cool the hydrogel in the fridge. You can use it several times. This product will also greatly help injured or bleeding nipples.

13. Give baby teething toys

If you are still breastfeeding while your baby is teething, make sure your child does not pull your nipples until they become blisters or sores. Give baby teething toys. If the baby is aggressively biting, use the suction release technique above.

Attention to mastitis symptoms

Don't wait too long, when you have severe blisters or worry that your baby is not getting enough milk. Be aware of the dangers of mastitis or inflammation of the breast, which can pose a risk of infection. Symptoms of mastitis include:

fever
His chest is hot
Breast pain or swelling
Blushed skin
Pus appeared
The presence of pain or a burning sensation while breastfeeding

Nursing mothers suffer from normal nipple wounds. Therefore, this condition does not have to be a reason to stop breastfeeding. Because, blister nipples can be overcome by a variety of steps above.

It is also recommended that professional assistance, such as nurses or nursing consultants, be used to support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be a pleasant experience for mother and baby.