It seems like my baby is latching and feeding well (and growing well!), but my nipples are red, cracked, and painful. What can I do??
I find lanolin cream really helpful. I use Lansinoh but there are a few brands.
It’s great that your baby is latching and feeding well, but red, cracked, and Painful Breastfeeding can be distressing. This could be a sign that your baby may not be latching as effectively as it seems, even though they are growing well. You might want to check if the baby is opening their mouth wide enough and if the nipple is deep in their mouth, as a shallow latch is often the culprit. Applying a lanolin-based nipple cream after feeds can help soothe and heal the skin. You can also try expressing a few drops of breast milk and letting it air dry on your nipples for its natural healing properties. If the pain persists, seeking advice from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can help ensure both you and your baby are comfortable during feeds.