Common breastfeeding concerns: breast soreness, inflammation, and infections

Chapped or cracked nipples are perhaps the most common problem that women experience during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. There are many over-the-counter remedies available to alleviate chapping, but the most commonly used are ointments made from lanolin. There is a common belief that women need to wash their breasts between each feeding, which is both untrue and a major factor in chapped nipples. Skin around the areola and nipple can become chapped simply because it is unaccustomed to amount of friction that occurs during breastfeeding, and washing that skin with soapy or plain water will cause it to become dry and more prone to cracking. Between feedings, mothers should allow their breasts to remain uncovered and dry naturally when possible. Most often, the cause for chapped nipples is that the baby is not latching on properly to nurse. This can be remedied with help from a lactation consultant, doctor, or simply by some independent research so that a new mother understands proper latching technique and how to help her baby achieve it. Lanolin ointments do not have to be removed before breastfeeding, so they can be freely applied to alleviate discomfort and dryness and they are harmless to the baby. Women with wool allergies should avoid lanolin-based products because lanolin is made from sheep's wool, but many other lanolin-free treatments are available without prescription.

It is also possible that nipple soreness can be related to thrush, which is a fungal infection that can make breastfeeding painful. Common symptoms of thrush included reddened patches on nipples and breasts, and shooting pain while nursing. This can be easily treated with creams that are used to treat vaginal yeast infections, or other preparations as recommended by a physician. A woman's should consult her doctor if thrush is suspected.