This week, Breastfeeding.com features excerpts from Amy
Spangler's BREASTFEEDING: A Parent's Guide on sore nipples.
Other common problems addressed by Amy Spangler include mastitis
and thrush.
"Many mothers report sore nipples during the first days of
breastfeeding," said Amy Spangler, author, perinatal nurse and
lactation consultant. "Soreness usually occurs at the beginning
of a feeding and lasts 5-15 seconds. However, when babies are
positioned incorrectly, the soreness will continue throughout the
feeding. Correct positioning is the key to effective
breastfeeding."SIGNS:
Breast or nipple soreness can occur during or between
breastfeedings. Nipples are pink, red or purple. Look for a break in
the skin at the base of the nipple or on top of the nipple. Thick,
yellow material draining from the damaged area can be a sign of infection.
CAUSES:
Nipple soreness often occurs during the first few days of
breastfeeding when the baby latches on and draws the nipple and areola
into his mouth. If the baby is positioned correctly on the breast, the
soreness will only last a few seconds. If the baby is positioned
incorrectly, the soreness will continue and nipple damage can occur.
Other causes of nipple soreness include breast
engorgement, breast infections,
and the misuse of nipple shields, breast creams, or breast pumps.
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