Pain relief for sore nipples
Sore nipples (or nipple pain) is one of the problems some women face when breastfeeding babies.
Using Xylocaine 5% Ointment between feeds can help numb and relieve the pain from sore nipples.
Before using any medicine while breastfeeding, it is important you get advice from your doctor or pharmacist. They will weigh up the risks and benefits of using the medicine.
It’s natural to have sensitive nipples after you have just given birth and have begun breastfeeding. However, sore nipples may mean there is another problem occurring, such as an infection, and you should see your doctor so they can check things out.
An incorrect feeding position or attachment of the baby to the nipple is the most common cause of sore nipples. You can talk to your maternal nurse, doctor or lactation consultant to get some helpful advice on how to improve things.
Xylocaine 5% Ointment can be used to help reduce the pain of sore or tender nipples and can be applied on a small piece of gauze – but the ointment must be washed away before next the feed.
Here are some tips to help prevent nipple problems when breast feeding:
- Make sure your baby is ‘latched on’ in the right position when they are feeding
- Change your breast pads frequently so they are not damp against the nipple skin
- Avoid soaps and shampoos on the nipples during showering as these may cause irritation
- Leave milk or colostrum to dry on your nipples after breastfeeding as they can help prevent infections.
Sore nipples are not a normal problem of breastfeeding – so if your nipple pain does not improve talk to your doctor, maternal health nurse or lactation consultant for help.
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