7 Ways to Cure Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding

Having sore nipples from breastfeeding happens to the best of moms. It’s not something you can plan, but when it happens, it sure does hurt. Sore nipples can probably be put on the Richter scale for being a 10+. If you’ve ever breastfed, then you know the pain is real.

The first few weeks with Owen were absolutely miserable, but we got through it and nursed for 16 months. Now how do you make it go away? Check out these 7 ways to cure sore nipples from breastfeeding.

#1. Coconut oil:

If you want some relief from sore nipples, try coconut oil. It’s amazing how rubbing this on your nipples after breastfeeding can relieve so much pain.

Coconut oil has so many healing properties in it. It’s antifungal and it can also help to moisturize skin, which can result in the healing of the nipples.

#2. Allow your baby to keep nursing:

This sounds crazy, but one of the best things you can do when your nipples are sore is to allow your baby to keep nursing. The last thing you want is for your milk ducts to get clogged up.

While it is painful to allow your baby to keep nursing, in the long run, it will help your sore nipples heal faster.

#3. Nipple cream:

One of the most popular ways to cure sore nipples is to use nipple cream. There are literally hundreds of nipple creams on the market. You just have to choose one that works for you. Just make sure it’s chemical free and safe for your baby.

The idea behind nipple cream is it works almost like an antibiotic and soother to help relieve pain from your nipples.

#4. Cold or warm compress:

Depending on how badly your nipples hurt from breastfeeding, you can use a cold or warm compress to cure the pain. Some professionals would suggest rotating back and forth from warm and cold.

The cold bring some relief from the “fire” you feel in your nipples and the warmth helps allow healing to take place. A cold compress can also reduce swelling and redness.

#5. Breastmilk:

If you’ve tried everything else on the market and nothing is working to help cure those sore nipples, then try rubbing your own breastmilk on them. Just a tiny squirt from the nipple and then you can rub it all over the sore nipple to help relieve some pain.

Breastmilk is liquid gold, so it has healing properties to help your nipples heal fast.

#6. Witch hazel:

If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive way to heal sore nipples, look into using witch hazel. This is a good idea to use for healing because sore nipples can itch, and witch hazel is an excellent anti-itch remedy.

It can also be used to help soothe your skin and to help it eventually heal those sore nipples you’re experiencing from breastfeeding.

#7. Give your nipples some air:

Sometimes all your sore nipples need is some fresh air. Keeping them cooped up in a nursing bra all day is the last thing they need. After you nurse your little one, give them some fresh air!

Sore nipples from breastfeeding are never fun. Make sure you use these 7 remedies to combat those sore nipples.

Do you have any tips to add?