Breastfeeding is considered to be the most important part of motherhood. Lots of foods are said to increase the milk flow and help in breastfeeding. We have also discussed positions to breastfeed your baby that help in easily feeding the baby and help in developing the mother-child bond. But, a lot of times we also need to know that we should be taking good care of our body during pregnancy and afterward. You also need to take good care of your nipples and breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding for effective breastfeeding. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Breast And Nipple Care During Pregnancy
The process of lactation starts at the beginning of pregnancy itself. As a result of which, the women’s breast starts to engorge and become larger. The breast and the nipple area also become a lot more sensitive. The nipples also become dry sometimes. The nipples and the area around them may crack. A breast massage with olive oil or moisturizer from good companies like Mom’s Co. does a great deal of good. The doctors also may advise some women to do a little breast massage after the second trimester. This not only takes care of the dryness in the nipples and the breast area. But, also helps if a woman has inverted nipples.
How To Do a Breast Massage In Pregnancy?
There is a particular technique in which you should be doing the message. Take some olive oil or moisturizer at the tip of your fingers and rub around the nipples in a circular motion. Then pull the nipples outwards. Do this for just five minutes. But, do check with your physician first, because in doing so, it may also stimulate labor for some ladies. So, it is better to talk with your gynecologist first.
Also, you should strictly stick to cotton undergarments. Wearing undergarments made of other than cotton material stick to the skin and create dampness, which may lead to rashes.
Breast & Nipple Care During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides a lot of bonding between the mother and the baby. But, this also creates a lot of suction and vacuum around the mother’s nipples and the breasts. So, this provides a little wear and tear to the breasts and the nipples. You do not need to care too much about your nipples. But, there are chances that there might be the manifestation of germs on your nipples. So, it is necessary to clean your nipples before and after feeding. This is how you can take care of it.
How to take care of your breasts during breastfeeding?
- Before and after the feed clean and wipe your nipples with lukewarm water and a clean cloth. After finishing feeding, do the same way. This will clean the saliva from the breasts and reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
- If you have cracked nipples, squeeze your breasts, remove some breast milk and apply to that area. This will rejuvenate the skin around the nipples, but, if the sore nipples are painful and preventing you from your comfort zone during breastfeeding, then you need to consult your gynaec. She may prescribe some antibiotic cream that you can apply. If you are applying medicated cream, make sure you clean your nipples before feeding your baby.
- Make sure that your body, especially the breast area does not get exposed to any type of makeup, perfumes, or cosmetic products. If they are exposed, then, make sure to clean the nipples and the breast thoroughly before feeding the baby.
- During breastfeeding wear cotton, skin-friendly maternity bras. Do not wear silk polyester or any other material bra. This may cause dampness and rash.
- Do not wash your nipples with soapy water regularly. This may cause dryness in the skin and can cause cracked nipples and worsen the situation.
- You can also make use of nipple care creams that are available in the market
Best nipple care creams to use
Here is the list of nipple care creams that you can buy from the market. These creams are very helpful and may help you in solving your problems easily.
- Lansinoh Lanolin nipple care cream for breastfeeding
- Medela tender care nipple care cream
- Motherlove nipple cream
- Natura house mommy natural soothing nipple cream
- E-ra organics mommy balm nipple cream
Lansinoh Lanolin nipple care cream for breastfeeding
Lansinoh Lanolin nipple care cream for breastfeeding
- The cream is clinically tested by doctors and is approved as being safe for kids.
- It is free from preservatives, parabens, free chemicals, and is tasteless. You do not need to remove it before breastfeeding.
- It soothes and protects sore nipples and is clinically proven to be ultra-pure.
- Just wash your hands, take a small amount, and apply it to the nipple area after every feed.
- It is founded by a breastfeeding mom Lansinoh and is approved by the FDA.
Medela tender care nipple care cream
Medela tender care nipple care cream
- It is specially designed for moms who face latching difficulties.
- The tender nipples get protection from cracking and it slides away very easily.
- Made up of all-natural products and is 100% safe for mom and baby.
- No need to remove it from breasts before feeding.
Motherlove nipple cream
Motherlove nipple cream
- It is a 100% organic plant-based product.
- The rich herbal products in it help to soothe the cracked nipples and protect them.
- Can also be used for chapped lips and dry skin.
- The cream won the bump award for mother and baby in 2018 and 2020.
- It is recommended by birth and lactation experts and is USFDA certified.
Natura house Mommy natural soothing nipple cream
Natura house Mommy natural soothing nipple cream
- This product is naturally formulated and helps soothe the sore nipples very easily.
- The mild natural scent of the product is not soothing and not bothersome to the babies.
- It is made from products that are 96.8% free from mineral oils, paraben, paraffin, sulfates, and other chemicals.
- Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic.
- It can also be applied during pregnancy to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding and after that to protect the nipples.
- The product also contains natural olive oil.
E-ra Organics mommy balm nipple cream
E-ra Organics mommy balm nipple cream
- It is a certified organic nursing cream for painful cracked and irritated nipples.
- The nipple cream boosts healing with powerful anti-inflammatory products and protects from chafing and excess moisture.
- It is free from toxins and chemicals and is safe for nursing moms and babies.
- The product has the best of food-grade ingredients like sunflower oil, cocoa butter, apricot oil, calendula oil, arrowroot powder, primrose oil, rosemary extract, and calendula extract.
- It is a family-owned business that shows love and care.
Here are a few tips on how to take care of your nipples and breasts during pregnancy and after and a list of some of the best products that you can use. Also, if you feel that your nipples are inward, then feel free to consult a lactation consultant during your pregnancy. He or she will help you with it. If you know of anything else do let us know in the comments section below.