Damaged nipples are one of the major causes of mastitis. And two out of three of my breastfed kids, damaged my nipples.
It happened when they were days old and their tiny mouths struggled to properly latch on to my fully erect and plump nipples. So their hard palate would violently rub against my vulnerable nipples. It was painful and the friction cracked the skin. Despite the rawness and blood-shed, both kids were unbothered and continued to nurse through the sores.
With our first, another mom gave me a cream that numbed the pain. While it gave me immediate relief, man-made products can cause more harm than good. In fact, some creams have questionable ingredients, may also numb baby’s mouth and have been linked to causing mastitis.
Thankfully that wasn’t the case for me.
Over the years, I learned about a better remedy - mother’s milk. So with our last daughter, I cleansed my hands and expressed liquid love onto my wounds. I let the milk air-dry and within a few days, my nipples were as good as new. I was amazed at how a naturally delicious and edible substance supported my body’s recovery.
I did not have to worry about what our daughter was consuming or what my skin was absorbing, because I was using a mommy-made solution.
In both instances, I persevered through the pain and continued to ...
Listen to my body
Avoid touching my nipples
Consume wet foods
Stay topless as much as possible
Continue nursing on demand
Slow down so my body could put all of its energy into healing
I write this as encouragement to those who plan to nurse or are currently nursing. Nipple damage was a part of our early initiation, but it doesn’t have to lead to mastitis.
I’ve experienced the discomfort of clogged ducts and engorgement, so I can’t imagine the pain of an infection (mastitis).
I applaud mothers who have nursed through mastitis. And I pray that more mothers never have to experience it. Need to schedule a one-on-one? Use code: HEART2HEART.
Until next time...
Love The Journey,
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