Cracked Nipples: A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing and Healing Cracks

Hey there, mumma. Whether you’re pregnant, or a new mum, I can almost guarantee you’ve worried about or experienced cracked or damaged nipples. This is one of the most common fears and worries that pregnant mums have about breastfeeding. It’s also one of the most common problems experienced by breastfeeding mums and often leads to mums stopping breastfeeding earlier than they would like to. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I have cracks around my nipples?” or wanted to know how to avoid cracked nipples in the first place, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about cracked nipples, how to avoid them, and what to do if you find yourself with sore, damaged nipples from breastfeeding.

What Causes Cracked Nipples?

So, you might be wondering, “What causes cracked nipples in the first place?”. There are a few reasons:

Poor Latch

This is THE most common cause of cracked nipples. When your baby doesn’t latch correctly, your nipples can get squashed and damaged. Make sure your baby has a lot of your areola (the coloured skin around the nipple) as well as the nipple in their mouth for a proper latch.

Incorrect pump flange size

When using a breast pump, ensure that the flange size matches your nipple size. Flanges that are too large may damage your areola by drawing it in, while too small flanges can pinch and rub your nipple, potentially reducing milk expression efficiency. Correct flange size is crucial for comfortable and effective pumping.

Skin irritation

Some mums experience skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis on or around their nipple and areola areas. This is common for mums who already experience these conditions on other parts of their body.

How to Avoid Cracked Nipples

Preventing cracked nipples is always the best course of action, and here’s how you can do it:

Proper Latching

Start by ensuring your baby latches correctly. Check out these blog posts to find out how you can help your baby get a good latch:

5 tips to help get a good latch

How to fix a painful latch

Signs of a Good Latch When Breastfeeding

If you’re still having trouble with cracked nipples or a painful latch, get in touch with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for guidance. You can book a home visit or online video call with me here.

Get the right sized pump flange

To make sure you have the right flange size for your nipples, measure your nipples in between feeds or expressing sessions to account for any slight swelling that might occur. It’s common for each nipple to be a different size, and if your nipples have sustained damage, they might temporarily be larger than normal. You might have to go down sizes as your nipples heal. Avoid adding “extra room” to your measurements, as this can lead to discomfort, swelling, and nipple damage. You can find different flange sizes at baby shops, some pharmacies, or through your pump manufacturer. If you need a smaller size, consider flange inserts that can be used with a standard 24mm flange.

Treat underlying skin conditions

To alleviate skin irritation and allergies, consider removing triggers from your environment or diet. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer with minimal additives. Consult your GP to explore options like low or medium strength steroid ointments, antihistamines, oral steroids, topical vitamin D creams, UVB phototherapy, and other treatments tailored to your specific condition.

How to Heal Cracked Nipples

If you’ve already got cracked nipples or if your nipples are really sore and you can’t see any damage or cracks, you might be wondering, “How do you heal cracked nipples?”. Here’s what you can do:

1. Get support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

An IBCLC can help you figure out why your nipples are damaged and work out a plan to make breastfeeding more comfortable.

2. Proper Latch and Positioning

Make sure your baby latches properly and is not causing further damage. Download this FREE “How to get a good latch” guide to help you find a good latch that can reduce your nipple pain. Seek more help from an IBCLC if needed. 

3. Put some breastmilk on your nipples

Expressing a few drops of breastmilk onto the damaged area of your nipple can help it to heal. Your breastmilk is full of antifungal and antibacterial elements that get healing happening faster.

4. Use a different breastfeeding position

This can help take the pressure of the sore areas until they heal.

5. Warm Compress

Apply a warm, damp cloth to your nipples before each feed. This can help ease discomfort and promote healing.

6. Pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relief, as recommended by your doctor, can also help you through this healing process.

Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding but challenging experiences. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and guidance. As you go on through your breastfeeding journey, keep this guide in mind to avoid those cracked nipples. 

If you’ve found this post helpful or have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram. I’d love to hear what you’ve taken away from this blog post and chat with you about your experiences. You’re not alone on this beautiful, challenging, and rewarding journey.