What should I do to alleviate sore nipples during breastfeeding?

What should I do to alleviate sore nipples during breastfeeding?

Rebecca Charlton (Lactation Educator & Registered Dietitian, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles) gives expert video advice on: How do I soothe the pain of engorged breasts?; Why do I get sore nipples after my baby feeds?; What should I do to alleviate sore nipples during breastfeeding? and more...

Once the baby has latched incorrectly and the nipple becomes sore, it is very difficult to make it stop being sore without letting a week or so go by. The best thing to do would be to apply some Lanceno cream, which is a safe, non toxic cream available in all stores. The baby can breastfeed while the cream is in place, and that will help to soothe and relieve the pain. However, if the pain is more intense than the Lanceno cream there are certain things called comfort gels, which are very soft, cold, moist gels that can also be used during periods of engorgement. You apply it over the nipple between breastfeeding sessions and it encourages the nipple to heal rapidly. Take it off when the baby feeds again. Put on more Lanceno cream. Also, letting your breasts air naturally is good. (which is a very strange thing in a culture that believes in covering up) Leave your breasts outside of a bra for about 15 minutes. If they've had trauma, the breast milk itself may heal the nipple.