
Doctors recommend breastfeeding for at least a year, but many women wind up with sore nipples within months.
“Breastfeeding, when it’s your first baby, can be so, so painful,” OB/GYN Dr. Lisa Masterson says.
If your nipples are red or hot, call your doctor. Nipple shields can help, but only use them after you’ve consulted a lactation specialist.
Common Cause of Sore Nipples |
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Cause | Remedies | ||
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Baby improperly latches onto nipple or baby has trouble suckling properly |
In both cases, working with a lactation specialist to learn breastfeeding and positioning techniques will help alleviate the problem. |
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Raw, irritated skin | Lanolin cream can soothe affected areas. |
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Candida, or yeast infection of the nipple |
Antifungal cream prescribed by your doctor. |
• Learn more about breastfeeding techniques.