1. Massage In A Little Breast Milk. Here’s the most natural and easy remedy for cracked nipples while you are breastfeeding. Apply a little breast milk to sore nipples, massage it in gently, and allow it to air dry. Breast milk can heal cracked nipples as it contains compounds which soften skin and antibodies that fight off infection.
2. Air Dry Your Nipples After A Feed And Dress Comfortably. Let your nipples air dry after you feed your baby. This stops clothing from getting stuck to your skin and irritating your nipples. If your nipples are cracked and hurt, using a breast shield that stops them from coming in contact with clothing can help. Also use cotton bras which allow better air circulation. And in case you use breast pads, make sure you change them frequently and that they are kept dry.
3. Apply A Warm Compress. Moist, warm heat can also soothe sore nipples. It can enhance blood flow to wounded areas and promote healing. Prepare a warm compress by soaking a clean washcloth in warm water and wringing out excess moisture. Apply this to your nipples to ease pain. You can also add 1/4 to 1/2 of a teaspoon of salt to the warm water to make a saline solution and use that to prepare the compress. This can clean blisters or cuts if any and boost healing.
4. Apply Coconut Oil. Virgin coconut oil has been traditionally used for wound healing in tropical countries. And studies show that it contains bioactive compounds that can speed up healing. It has also been found to have microbial properties and can fight off infection. Apply a little food-grade coconut oil to soothe and heal cracked nipples. As a bonus, research indicates that this beneficial oil also acts against the fungus which causes thrush. In fact, research indicates that it might be as effective as some antifungal medicines.
5. Dab On Some Ghee. According to ayurveda, ghee or clarified butter has cleansing and detoxifying properties and is thought to promote healing. It has been used to treat wounds, soothe inflammation, and deal with blisters for ages. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend this mild remedy to nursing mothers for treating cracked and dry nipples.
6. Apply Medical-Grade Honey. Honey has traditionally been used for its moisturizing and wound-healing properties. Scientific studies validate this. Research shows that not only does honey have potent antibacterial properties which can prevent infection but it also stimulates the growth of new tissue and the formation of blood cells thus promoting the healing of wounds. But don’t use the honey on your kitchen shelf. If your baby is less than a year old and ingests any of this, it may pose the risk of infant botulism. Be sure to apply medical-grade honey, which has been processed to eliminate botulism spores, to heal cracked and sore nipples. To be extra safe, make sure you clean all residue properly before a feed.
7. Use Hydrogel Pads. Hydrogel pads can also be used to heal cracked nipples. These are thin sheets which go inside your bra and stop cloth from rubbing against and irritating your nipple. They also help keep your skin moist.
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