Sore and cracked nipples can be very excruciating. It may look like a tiny skin irritation, but it’s really not something that should be taken lightly. In fact, if left untreated, it could cause some major discomforts such as swollen breasts, mastitis and will most likely affect your milk production too. Before diving into the nipple cream and treatment suggestions, let’s find out the causes and symptoms of sore and cracked nipples.
Common Causes of Sore and Cracked Nipples
Milk blisters
Also known as bleb and nipple blisters, milk blisters happen when the milk duct opening is blocked by a tiny layer of skin. Milk gets stuck under the skin, causing a painful white, yellow or clear dot on the nipple or areola. The pain is usually centered on that very spot and the area behind it. Although the pain can be intense, you just have to continue nursing and pumping as usual to avoid further engorgement, because it may take days for the skin to spontaneously peel off. Another reason for milk blisters is when the milk duct is blocked by a layer of hardened “semi-solidified" breastmilk. This however, can easily be peeled off (gently) with a tissue paper or a fingernail.
Thrush
Thrush is a common fungal (yeast) infection that thrives on the lactose in milk, and can affect both mum and baby. The medical term for this condition is candidiasis. It causes nipples to burn, feel sore, itchy or crusty. Thrush has a few common risk factors such as wearing damp nipple pads for a long period; wearing plastic-lined nipple pads which restrict air flow to the nipple area; vaginal yeast infection, diabetes or anemia in the mother; use of pacifier in the baby; and nipple cracks which expose the skin to yeast and bacteria, to name a few.
Poor Latching
Breastfeeding takes practice for both you and your baby. You’ll know when your baby is not latching properly if your nipple hurts during breastfeeding. An improper latch can feel like your baby is chewing or sucking on your nipple, when his mouth should actually be open wide around your areola. Learn more about proper latching here.
Tongue tie
Tongue tie is a common medical condition that is present at birth. It happens when the frenulum is too short or tight,restricting the movement of the tongue. Some babies with tongue-tie can breastfeed well from the start, with improved positioning and attachment. However, breastfeeding difficulties may occur for babies with more severe tongue tie (shorter and tighter frenulum). This causes poor latching on the breast.
Symptoms of Sore and Cracked Nipples
Sore and cracked nipples do not only happen in the first few months, but for as long as you are breastfeeding. In order to enjoy a smooth sailing breastfeeding journey, always take note of these common symptoms:
Dry and Cracked Skin
Frequent breastfeeding may cause the sensitive skin on the nipple to become dry and cracked. Pay attention if your nipples feel extra sensitive and somewhat crusty.
Pain/Soreness/Discomfort
Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. Latch-on pain is normal and shouldn’t last more than 30 seconds or so. If you feel this kind of pain, with no cracks or blisters, and your nipples look the same before and after every feeding, then there is nothing to worry about. However, if you feel excruciating pain throughout the feeding, between feedings, have developed blisters and cracks, and especially if the pain continues for many days, you should seek professional help because this is NOT NORMAL in breastfeeding. Contact your trusted breastfeeding consultant, or you can also seek advice from the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group.
Redness
Redness on the nipples are often associated with thrush. So beware of this symptom, especially if it is accompanied by pain. Thrush is caused by a yeast infection and may come from yourself or your baby. To know if your baby is infected, check for white spots on the inside of your baby’s cheeks or see if he has a persistent diaper rash. On the other hand, the infection may come from you If you have clumpy white discharge or extreme vaginal itchiness.
Bleeding
Poor latching can cause bleeding cuts and will obviously cause discomfort during breastfeeding. Seek help from a breastfeeding consultant if the bleeding continues for too long.
Oozing
Oozing (nipple discharge filled with pus) during breastfeeding is usually caused by an infection. It is often accompanied by redness and pain.
Treatment for Sore and Cracked Nipples
The symptoms above may be overwhelming, but don’t let them scare you away from breastfeeding your baby. Not all mums go through every single pain, and you’d be glad to know that there are effective home remedies to treat most of the symptoms above. These are remedies that have been practised by mums and recommended by breastfeeding experts.
Salt Water Rinse
This is also known as normal saline, and can be easily prepared at home.
Warm Compress
This can be done with a warm and moist washcloth. Applying warm compress on your breasts/nipples before and after feeding helps soothe the pain.
Apply Freshly Expressed Breastmilk to the Affected Area
Breastmilk contains Vitamin E that is effective in healing the skin. But never apply Vitamin E oil from a capsule as it can be toxic to your baby. This method also should be avoided if you have thrush as it thrives in milk.
Apply A Medical Grade Ointment, or Nipple Cream
We’d say this is a must-have throughout your breastfeeding days. Most nipple ointments or creams are made of natural and baby-safe ingredients so you don’t have to wash it off before feeding. A good nipple cream doesn’t only soothe your pain but also helps speed up your recovery.
Choosing the Right Nipple Cream for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
To make choosing the right nipple cream for pregnancy and breastfeeding easier for you, we have shortlisted the top 7 best nipple creams that are available on the market. The best nipple cream for pregnancy and breastfeeding should be qualified based on the below criteria:
- Quality ingredients that are safe for you and your baby
- Feel and texture of the cream should not feel greasy or oily on the skin. Lanolin creams are often thicker in feel and texture but are able to provide protection throughout the day. Blended lanolin creams often have a lighter texture that is easier to apply, but may require reapplication throughout the day
- Smell and taste because babies are very sensitive during the first few months of birth and a strong smell/taste may lead to latching issues from the baby
Top Nipple Creams for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Best Budget and Halal Nipple Cream
Why it's great
Unlike other brands that utilise only lanolin as the core ingredient, Mama’s Choice is that it is made of 100% natural ingredients, is free from harmful chemicals and is of food-grade quality. You never have to worry about your baby accidentally ingesting the nipple cream anymore. This product has also been extensively tested by dermatologists in Singaporean labs so that you know that you are paying for a quality product that is safe for both mother and baby.
Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream is also halal-certified, so they are perfect for Muslim mothers.
For parents who are looking for a brand made with the highest quality ingredients, we highly recommend Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream.
Features that we love:
Quality ingredients
- Lanolin that helps to soothe dry or dehydrated skin
- Date palm with its antioxidant properties help to moisture and reduce the chance of dry and cracked nipples
- Coconut oil helps to moisturise, nourish and soften the nipple
- Shea butter promotes collagen regeneration that heals cracked and dry nipples caused by changes in your body during pregnancy or from breastfeeding
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E) that moisturises and helps to strengthen the skin around the nipple
Feel and texture
- Smooth and light texture that does not feel greasy or uncomfortable on the skin
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested safe for mothers with all skin types
Smell or taste
- Odourless and tasteless ensuring that your baby will have no trouble latching on and breastfeeding will be a pleasurable experience for both of you
Price
- Mama's Choice Intensive Nipple Cream from $12.90
Medela Purelan™ - Lanolin Cream Review:
Best Multi-Purpose Nipple Cream
Why it's great
Purelan Lanolin Cream is made of 100% lanolin. What makes Purelan stand out is the fact that the lanolin it uses is sourced from ethically sourced mulesing-free farms. We love that the products that we use are not subject to the suffering of animals.
Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream is also effective in helping to moisturise a variety of dry skin areas, such as chapped lips, dry hands and cuticles, elbows and cracked heels.
Quality ingredients
- 100% ultra-pure ethically sourced lanolin is the single ingredient in Medela Purelan with no additives and preservatives
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin of mom or child
- Safe for ingestion so no need to remove from the nipple before breastfeeding
Consistency/texture
- Thick and rich texture that is quick to be absorbed into the skin yet does not leave an oily or greasy effect on your skin
Smell or taste
- Odourless and tasteless with no additive or fragrance so that it will be accepted by even the fussiest baby
Price
- Medela Purelan Nipple Cream (37g) from $19.90
Most Doctor-Recommended Nipple Cream
Why it's great
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is the #1 recommended breastfeeding cream by moms and doctors in the USA. It is clinically tested to be safe for your baby.
Quality ingredients
- 100% HPA® Modified Lanolin, which is 100% natural with no preservatives, parabens, fragrance or taste
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin of mom or child
- Safe for ingestion so no need to remove from the nipple before breastfeeding
Consistency/texture
- Thick texture that is easy to apply - we have never tried Lansinoh, but it reported has a nicer feel and texture than Medela or Ardo
- May leave easily removable stains that can be removed with detergent
Smell or taste
- Odorless and tasteless with no additive or fragrance so that it will be accepted by even the fussiest baby
Price
- Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream 40 g from $24
Best for Value
Why it's great
Pigeon is one of the market leaders when it comes to motherhood breastfeeding products. Pigeon Nipple Care Cream is able to prevent and relieve sore nipples that come from breastfeeding, and also add moisture to the nipples so as to protect against dry and cracked nippled. If you urgently need a nipple care cream, Pigeon Nipple Care Cream can be found at Guardian stores in Singapore.
Features that we love:
Quality ingredients
- 100% ultra-pure lanolin
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin of mom or child
- Safe for ingestion so no need to remove from the nipple before breastfeeding
Consistency/texture
- Thick, non-greasy texture that soothes dryness and cracked skin quickly as the lanolin in the cream helps to retain moisture in the skin
Smell or taste
- No flavours and fragrance added
Price
- Pigeon Nipple Care Cream (50g) from 18.90
Best for Moisturising Skin
Why it's great
Ardo is Swiss made high-grade nipple cream. This nipple cream is a popular European brand, which has helped a lot of mums with nipple issues like dryness and sensitiveness. Ardo is very well known to the brand to get up the natural moisture level of your skin and highly recommended by my medical specialists.
Features that we love:
Quality ingredients
- Swiss-made, no additives or preservatives added, and does not harm the baby if accidentally swallowed
- Lanolin which is closest to human skin-fat and replenishes it naturally.
Consistency/texture
- Very smooth and non-greasy. No need to wash hands after use as it leaves no residue
Smell or taste
- Odourless and tasteless, so practically making it hypoallergenic.
Best Organic Nipple Cream
Why it's great
This product is a highly recommended product around the world by mums. It is made from organic beeswax so we would highly recommend this brand, as it is 100% natural and chosen by NICU’s in various hospitals across the world.
Features that we love:
Quality ingredients
- Organic Beeswax which can help make the skin smooth and non-greasy
- Organic CocoaSeed butter & Organic Mango Seed Butter which helps soothe the skin and removes any dryness
- Organic Calendula Flower Extract which removes any irritation from the skin
- Lanolin free
- First Non-GMO Project Verified nipple cream so you know that it is perfectly safe if your baby ingests the nipple butter
- Dermatologist and Clinically Tested for skin irritation to the mother
Consistency/texture
- Non-sticky, non-greasy texture
Smell or taste
- Fragrance-free and tasteless
Best Natural Nipple Cream
Why it’s great
Upspring Organic Nipple Balm is made with 100% organic coconut oil and other food grade organic ingredients to soothe and soften nursing nipples. It is highly recommended by lactation consultants.
Features that we love:
Quality ingredients
- Organic coconut oil nature’s perfect healing ointment
- Calendula extract contains antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are known to be useful in healing wounds and soothing skin irritations
- Free from lanolin, petroleum, paraben, gluten and GMOs
- Skin-friendly plant-based ingredients which include sunflower seed oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, calendula flower extract, and rosemary seed extract
Consistency/texture
Smell or taste
How to Prevent Sore and Cracked Nipples
It is true that breastfeeding comes with different kinds of challenges, even for experienced mummies! Each child is different, so you have to learn to manage your expectations with every little bub that you’re blessed with. We always recommend our fellow mummies to prepare themselves with a good amount of breastfeeding knowledge before the arrival of your little one, so you won’t panic should you ever experience any hiccup.
Here are some helpful tips to prevent nipple pain from pregnancy all the way into your breastfeeding journey:
- Ensure proper latching when breastfeeding.
- Hand-express some breast milk before feeding the baby to avoid engorgement.
- Wash breasts with warm water only. Avoid soap as it could cause dryness.
- Wear breast pads made from natural materials.
- Let your baby unlatch from the breasts naturally.
- Avoid wearing bras that are too tight as it may cause friction.
We hope this list helps you decide on the right nipple cream for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Continue reading on tips on caring for sore nipples during breastfeeding to further understand how best to prevent discomfort throughout your journey.
Price Comparison
Here's a price comparison of the best nipple creams on the market for your quick reference:
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
