Sore nipples? Our top picks in nipple balms!

Breastfeeding is a deeply connecting experience, as your body produces the nutrition your child needs. But it isn't without challenges. Nipple pain is one reason why breastfeeding may become challenging. Usually, nipple pain occurs in the beginning of the journey. It can make you feel like, you just aren't cut out for breastfeeding. That's not true though. With the right tools, you can move through this stage and have a positive experience. 

What causes nipple pain during breastfeeding

Generally, when you have nipple pain it's due to chaffing and frequent feeding leading to a loss of moisture in the upper layer of the skin. To manage this:

1. Modify breastfeeding technique; and
2. Prevent excessive drying by maintaining and supporting the natural skin barrier function with an appropriate nipple balm.

Breastfeeding techniques to help reduce nipple pain

Personally, I am a huge advocate for Natural Breastfeeding methods, as well as seeking support from your midwife, lactation consultant, or la leche league. As a mum, I don't remember being taught about Natural Breastfeeding. However, I do remember having issues in the first week. 

It helped me feel better to learn that 90% of us find this first week of breastfeeding particularly challenging, and it comforted me to learn about new holds that supported my body as well as my baby's natural suckling reflexes.

Nipple balms to heal the skin

At Baby Box we stock only the best for our local parents. These are the balms we carry in our store currently, and in the future if we expand this I am sure we'll have good reasons for doing so.

The Lactation Station boobie balm is 100% lanolin. Lanolin is a natural, wool derived product, which is often recommended by midwives.  This pottle is 20 grams in size and a great price.

Medica's product is also lanolin based, but is blended with other supporting oils including jojoba which is very similar to your body's natural oils.  This helps the lanolin soak into the nipple more readily. This nipple balm is so nice,  I would also use it as a lip balm or on dry hands. You get 30 grams in this pottle.

The Viva La Vulva Boob Balm contains hydrating and healing ingredients including coconut oil, shea butter, calendula oil, and vitamin E. This is a great option for those who do not like, or are allergic to, lanolin. You get 60 grams per pottle.

Other tips to help relieve cracked or dry nipples

• Check your latch with your midwife, breastfeeding specialist, or lactation consultant.
• Keep your top and bra off, and allow your nipples to dry in the sun. Fresh air, and sunlight, both assist healing.
• Change breast pads and bras regularly to minimise the risk of infection.
• Use a nipple shield, to help protect your nipple during feeding until things are healed. 
• Apply squeezed breastmilk to cracked areas to assist healing.
• Breastfeed baby on the less cracked side first. Also make sure that you do swap sides, to minimise damage to one side.
• If you have inverted nipples, consider purchasing a nipple former.

Do you have any tips of your own? Share in the comments.