 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A newborn’s stomach is as small as a marble. At birth, you have just the right amount of milk to fill it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products
Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book |
|
|
| Tender nipples at the start of a breastfeeding are normal in the first week or two. But pain, cracks, blisters, and bleeding are not. Your comfort depends on where your nipple goes in the baby's mouth. And that depends on how your baby takes the breast, or latches on. |
|
| To understand this better, use your tongue or finger to feel the roof of your mouth. Behind your teeth and the ridges, it feels hard. When your nipple is pressed against this hard area in your baby's mouth, this can cause pain and trauma. |
|
| But if you go back farther in your mouth, you'll feel where the roof turns from hard to soft. Some have nicknamed this "the comfort zone." Once your nipple reaches your baby's comfort zone, breastfeeding feels good. There is no undue friction or pressure on your nipple. Click on "Latch On" to learn how to make this happen. |
|
| Even mothers with broken skin on their nipple can heal while breastfeeding. When the nipples reach the comfort zone, there is no undue friction and pressure. |
|
| If, after working to get a deeper latch-on, you aren't feeling better within a day, seek help from a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). There are some causes of nipple pain that need other treatment. |
|
| If you have broken skin on your nipples, products that promote a healthy moisture balance will soothe your skin and speed healing. Mothers were once told to keep their nipples dry, but now moist wound healing is recommended. Helpful products include: |
|
- Ultra-purified lanolin, such as Lansinoh® Brand Lanolin. For best results, apply enough lanolin after every feeding to keep nipples moist.
- Ameda ComfortGel® hydrogel pads. These provide moist wound healing and pain relief. They are worn in the bra like a breast pad between feedings and/or pumpings.
|
|
| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
|
Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
|
|
|
|
