Are pain and soreness keeping you from enjoying the wonders of breastfeeding?
Nipple thrush is one of the common roadblocks breastfeeding mums face, which could often tempt them to give up on breastfeeding altogether.
If your nipples are reddish, itchy, or painful, you could be suffering from nipple thrush. It's caused by candida albicans, a fungus which thrives in moist and warm parts of the body, like the mouth, vagina, diaper area, bra pads, and nipples.
Other ways to confirm if you have nipple thrush is if the deep, shooting pain isn't lessened by better latching or positioning when nursing.
1. Using your own breastmilk as a balm
Possessing antibacterial properties is one of the many great things about breast milk. That's why it can help soothe and treat dry and cracked nipples. Just pat a few drops onto the affected nipple before and after nursing and allow them to air dry.
2. Apply warm compress
Pressing a warm towel onto your breast before breastfeeding can not only soothe nipple pain, it could also boost breastmilk production and cleanse the area. You can also take a warm shower if you prefer!
3. Moisturise
Olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil can do wonders in reducing dryness by deeply moisturising cracked nipples. Another tip would be to use tea tree oil! Its antiseptic properties could help hasten healing and prevent problems with sore nipples from recurring.
4. Use the power of herbs
Harness the power of herbs like natural aloe vera and ground-up basil leaves paste, which possess natural healing properties. Be careful to wash off aloe vera thoroughly before breastfeeding, though, as it's been known to cause diarrhoea in infants.
5. Chamomile tea
This type of tea's anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties don't just work when ingested, applying the tea bags directly onto affected areas could also do the trick! After squeezing out excess water and letting them cool, leave the tea bags on the nipples for a few minutes. Remember to wash thoroughly with warm water before breastfeeding!
Other ways to relieve nipple problems are constant air exposure, feeding frequently, changing positions when feeding, avoiding bras that are too tight, changing breast pads often, and avoid using soap, alcohol, or petroleum-based products when washing your nipples.
Have you ever experienced nipple thrush, mums? What method of treatment worked for you? Let us know in the comments below!
*Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines
READ: "I've been to hell and back," mother describes breastfeeding journey
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