Keep Them Clean

Make sure you keep your nipples clean and dry before and after every feed.

After you finish feeding your baby, clean your nipples gently with boiled water and a cotton cloth or cotton wool. Then pat dry with a clean towel. Remember, any kind of moisture will attract fungal infections.

Your nipples are very delicate in nature. So avoid any harsh rubbing.

If you have cracked nipples, you need to apply cream or moisturiser to soothe the cracks.

Remember to repeat this process before feeding your baby the next time as well. It is also a good idea to take off your bra and leave your breasts out for a while to help your nipples breathe.

Dripping Milk

In case you are facing a problem of milk dripping, you need to express the excess milk in a clean and sterilised bowl. You can preserve this milk in the fridge for later use. 

Please click here to know about expressing milk

You must not warm the expressed milk directly. Boil water in a large container and use the secondary heat to warm the milk. Otherwise, bring it down to room temperature and then feed your baby.

Even after expressing milk, if you find the milk dripping, you can place a cotton pad in your bra and change the pad before every feed. On an average you would need to express milk every three hours.

Sometimes milk accumulates as a lump in just one part of your breast. You will get a heavy feeling in your breasts when this happens. It is very important that you do not allow the milk to accumulate in your breasts because it not only be painful but also lead to infection.

Bra for Nursing Mom

While nursing, you need to wear a comfortable bra. Opt for nursing bras, which are far more comfortable than the regular ones.

Also, make sure that the bra is not very tight because tight bras are likely to compress the breasts. Opt for one cup size larger than your actual size for that comfort fit.

Try to avoid under wire bras. If you wish to wear an under wire bra make sure it fits you properly and does not plug your milk ducts.

Can I Use a Breast Pump?

If you find too much of milk accumulating in your breasts then you can use breast pump to extract the excess milk out. You can also use a breast pump if you have flat or cracked nipples.

However, if you are able to feed your baby normally, then it is better to keep the breast pump away.

Tips for Proper Care

• In case you find milk accumulating in your breasts, you can give hot compressions to soothe the heaviness and pain.
• Massage your breasts before and while feeding the baby. This will help in stimulating the milk flow.
• Include jeera (cumin) shatawari (asparagus) in your diet. These foods help to increase your milk production.
• Do not lie on your side and feed your baby. It is likely that she will suffocate and this can prove fatal.
• Apply some homemade ghee on your nipples if you are suffering from breast soreness

(With inputs from Dr. Satish N. Tibrewala, Consultant Gynaecologist, Bombay Hospital)