Breastfeeding Mamas: Naturally heal sore nipples

If you're a breastfeeding Mom or have nursed before, you will most likely relate to this:

Sore, cracked nipples are commonly experienced by Mamas in their first few weeks of nursing, and the pain will usually subside.

However, some moms report experiencing severe discomfort that lasts months. Nipple pain can be caused by teething babies, improper latching and positioning, overfeeding from one breast, or even ill-fitting breast pumps.

While you can work on correcting the cause, moms are encouraged to continue breastfeeding through their discomfort. So while you keep calm and nurse on, what's a Mama to do about her chapped, chewed up -- and sometimes bloody -- nipples?

 

Heal sore nipples with non-toxic, lanolin-free remedies

While there are many products that help relieve chapped nips, Mama should be extra concerned about the quality of ingredients used on the nipples. Since those suckers are going straight into your little one's mouth, using organic, non-toxic nipple creams are the way to go! When shopping for nipple butters, make sure the formula is free of the dirty "L" word. Lanolin is a waxy, yellow substance that's extracted from wool and widely used in cosmetics and skincare products. However, there is some concern about using lanolin to treat sore nipples, as it may contain traces of pesticides and other harmful ingredients that can be transferred to the baby.

 

How an all-natural nipple butter works

To ensure the safety of Mama and baby, we created an all-natural, non-toxic nipple cream for your breastfeeding needs. With our Fix That Sucker Nipstick, we utilize the healing powers cocoa butter, olive oil, shea butter, calendula, marshmallow root and more. As always all ingredients are organic and safe enough for baby to ingest!

Let's break down how these ingredients work:

Organic Olive Oil: Helps keep chapped nipples moist. Olive oil can clear and loosen blebs, the white milk blisters that form on the tip of the nipple and plugs the duct.  Hydrates and soothes skin.

Organic Calendula: The topical application of this marigold-like flower has been used to treat sore and cracked nipples in homeopathic or pharmacologic preparations. This flower helps regenerate and heal torn skin tissue.  Rubbed onto nipples during the latter part of the pregnancy and the beginning weeks of nursing helps create healthy, flexible tissues resistant to cracks, tears, and chapping. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. 

Organic Marshmallow Root:  Marshmallow root soothes tender tissues and sore nipples, open clogged ducts and tubes, powerfully draw out infection, and diminish the pain of engorged, inflamed breasts.

Organic Cocoa Butter & Organic Shea Butter: Conditions nipples during and prior to breastfeeding. Daily application helps keep nipples soft, supple and moisturized.

Organic Comfrey: Softens and strengthens chapped and sore nipples. Particularly soothing to sensitive nipples and rapidly heals fissures.

Organic Plantain Leaf: A favorite with herbalists, plantain has long been considered to be a useful remedy for wounds, cuts and inflamed skin. Has antiseptic properties and can be used to stop bleeding, reduce pain and prevent wound infections.

Candelilla Wax: This vegan wax made from the candelilla plant helps provide gloss and lubricity to our non-toxic nipple butter. This unique wax helps our formula easily glide onto already sensitive, tender nipples.

Have you experienced sore, chapped nipples during breastfeeding? How long did it last? How did you treat them? Share your stories below!