Nipple Care

After pregnancy it is important to take good care of the baby and even more important to take good care of the mother. The size and shape of breast and nipples changes during pregnancy, so an extra care is require for both, especially the nipples. Because the nipples are going to be the only source of feeding the baby for the early days, it is important that they stay in best condition. Nipples vary in sensitivity. Constant friction can make the nipples dry and flaky while continual dampness from the dripping milk can make them prone to fungal infections.

Although sore nipples are not comfortable they are not reason for you and your baby to miss out on breastfeeding. It is normal to experience slight tenderness when baby latches on in the first three to five days after birth. After that, proper positioning and latch-on techniques prevent nipple soreness. You may find, that to avoid soreness, you have to be extra careful throughout the breast-feeding period, but in the majority of cases they adapt sufficiently (after a few weeks of care) to look after themselves.

Washing tips :
●     Wash breasts daily with plain water and pat dry. Do not use soaps or lotions on nipples, especially if they are sore. Soap may dry your nipples and cause them to crack.
●     Also be careful not to apply cologne, deodorant, hair spray, or powder near the nipples to avoid irritating the tender skin.
●     It is not necessary to wash your nipples before or after each feeding.