Breastfeeding mothers all over the
world have one common problem – sore nipples. Certain factors lead to the
occurrence of this problem.
Causes of sore nipples
Menopause and pre-menopause
Heavy breasts
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Heart problems
Post-menstrual syndrome
Breast cancer
Certain medicines
Infections
Small, benign tumors
Common symptoms of
sore nipples
Itchiness, Swelling & pain
Cracks, Bleeding, Heaviness
Discharge from nipples
Headache, sleepiness
Tenderness, Hot flashes
Mood swings, Weight gain
Irregular menstrual cycle
You can try some remedies at home for
sore nipples which are not only safe for you but also quite easy to use.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Make a mixture with 1 tablespoon of
apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. After feeding your baby, dip a cotton ball
or a clean, small piece of cloth in the solution. Wring out the excess solution
and gently apply to the nipple and the areola. This mixture ensures that the
nipple remains clean and destroys dangerous bacteria or yeast infections. Next,
take 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil and lightly apply it to your breast. If
you live in a warm area, keep the bottle of coconut oil in the refrigerator so
that it remains solid.
2. Salt in warm water
Saline soaks are one of the most
effective home remedies for sore nipples. Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt
in a cup of warm water. Allow your nipples to soak in the saline solution for
10 minutes. Let your nipples dry naturally.
3. Tea tree oil
Another effective and soothing mixture
for sore nipples can be made by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil in a glass
of tepid water. Soak a piece of soft cotton cloth in the mixture and wring out
the excess water. With soft touches, apply the mixture on the nipples. Allow
them to dry naturally and then rinse off with warm water. Repeat this procedure
a few times every day for relief.
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4. Apply breast milk
Did you know that breast milk is also
an effective remedy for sore nipples? Apply breast milk on your nipples and
allow it to air dry.
5. Coconut oil or
olive oil
A more luxurious mixture can be made
with 1 drop of pure tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil.
Apply this soothing mixture to the affected nipple and let it dry naturally.
Before feeding, rinse the area with tepid water and pat dry with a soft and
clean cloth or towel.
6. Ice cubes
Swollen nipples can be extremely
painful. You can use cold compresses to reduce the swelling. Wrap a few ice
cubes in a soft and clean towel and apply it to the affected nipple for around
10 minutes. When used regularly, this home remedy is quite helpful in treating
the problem of swollen nipples.
7. Calendula flowers
or oil
Calendula flowers are not only pretty
to look at, but they are also useful in treating sore nipples.
1.
Make a paste of 1-2
calendula flowers by crushing them well. Apply the paste on the sore nipple and
let it dry on its own.
2.
If calendula flowers
are not available, equal proportions of olive oil and calendula oil can be
mixed in order to make a mixture. Gently dab this mixture on the sore nipple.
3.
Yet another option is
to apply calendula ointment on the sore nipples for relief.
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