Breastfeeding can and should be a wonderful experience for mother and baby. However, some women can take a little while to establish breastfeeding and one of the most common reasons that women give up breastfeeding is the discomfort caused by sore nipples. There may be some tenderness at the beginning of a feed during the first few days, but pain associated with breastfeeding is neither necessary nor normal. The good news is that with correct advice & technique, this doesn't have to be the end of breastfeeding and Kamillosan is here to help.

The causes of sore nipples

A baby who doesn't latch on well or is positioned incorrectly is most likely to be the cause of sore or tender nipples. Mums need to be advised of correct technique. The breast should be placed well into the baby's mouth so that his/her lips are splayed and the gums surround the nipple. If the baby has to suck or pull the nipple into the mouth, it can cause soreness and pain. Further information can be found in Latching on or get advice from a peer support group. To have a friend or a breastfeeding counselor who is experienced in breastfeeding would be a great help at this time. Contact your local breastfeeding association (National Childbirth Trust, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, Breast Feeding Network or La Leche League) for details of your nearest support group.

A badly fitting bra can apply some pressure on the nipple area and is another cause of nipple discomfort. Recommending a specialised maternity bra can alleviate this problem. Breast pads and plastic linings in bras may also be aggravating the problem by trapping moisture close to the nipple, so it is important to keep the area clean and dry from sweat by using a clean cloth.

Engorgement of the breast can also lead to sore nipples. If the breast is too full, it can make good attachment more difficult. Expressing milk before feeding may help to alleviate the problem. Applying a cold compress to the breast area may help with the soreness or wearing cold cooked cabbage leaves in your bra may help.

Try to leave the baby attached to the breast until they are ready to come off. If you do need to change breasts or change attachment, always ensure you gently break the suction (by placing your finger between your baby's gums) between your breast and your baby's mouth or this break in suction can lead to sore nipples.

If your nipples do become sore:

• Correct your positioning and attachment to prevent any further damage
• Use a soothing ointment such as Kamillosan Chamomile Ointment to protect them while they heal