Obstetrics Book

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Nipple Soreness in LactationAka: Sore Nipples due to Breast Feeding

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  1. See Also
    1. Breast Feeding
    2. Breast Feeding Problems for the Mother
  2. Causes
    1. Normal for first several days after birth
      1. Resolves in first week if positioning is ok
    2. Infant factors
      1. Incorrect infant positioning or latching on
      2. Incorrect infant Tongue positioning
      3. Infant with strong clench
    3. Local Dermatitis
      1. Thrush
      2. Eczema
      3. Contact Dermatitis (soaps, detergents)
    4. Other causes
      1. Breast Pump difficulties
      2. Breast engorgement
      3. Nipple vasospasm (e.g. Raynaud's of the nipple)
  3. Complications
    1. Fissures
    2. Superinfection with yeast or bacteria
    3. Cessation of Breast Feeding
  4. Management
    1. Avoid irritants (soaps, detergents, lotions)
    2. Proper Infant latch-on and positioning
      1. Baby should latch onto areola (not nipple)
      2. See Lactation Resources for proper technique
    3. Soothing home remedies to apply to nipples
      1. Warm moist compresses
      2. Moist wound healing with moisture barrier
    4. Topical ointments or Lotions
      1. Lanolin (Lansinoh)
  5. Disproved remedies
    1. Warmed tea bags
      1. Not helpful and may cause nipple drying, cracking
      2. Lavergne (1997) J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs :
    2. Drying breast (e.g. hair blower)
    3. Topical agents not recommended by La Leche
      1. Masse Breast Feeding cream
      2. Bag Balm (Veterinary product)
        1. Washed off before nursing
    4. Nipple Shields
      1. No longer recommended
  6. References
    1. La Leche League Breast Feeding Information
      1. http://www.lalecheleague.org/bfinfo.html

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