Why Coconut Oil is an Amazing Remedy for Cracked Nipples While Breastfeeding

Hi new mama! If you are here, you’re most likely experiencing cracked nipples while breastfeeding. I’m sooo sorry! This can be a painful and frustrating experience. I’ve been there and it almost made me want to stop breastfeeding altogether. But we stuck it out and went on to have an extended breastfeeding journey!

So this post is to help you out when it comes to cracked nipples. You’re not alone! Thankfully, there is a natural remedy that can help – coconut oil! Coconut oil is one of the best remedies for cracked nipples and it’s easy to use. Keep reading to learn more and let’s get you some relief ASAP!

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What are the symptoms and causes of cracked nipples while breastfeeding?

Cracked nipples are unfortunately a common problem for breastfeeding mothers. They can be very painful and make it difficult to continue breastfeeding.

There are several possible causes, including incorrect latch or improper positioning. In some cases, a fungal infection can lead to cracked nipples.

Symptoms of cracked nipples can include pain, redness, itchiness, and even bleeding.

Symptoms of cracked nipples can occur in one or both nipples. The most common symptom is pain, ranging from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain may be so severe that it interferes with breastfeeding. Other symptoms can include bleeding, itching, or soreness.

To heal cracked nipples, it is important to identify the underlying cause and address it. If an improper latch is the issue, working with a lactation consultant can help you and baby correct it. If cracked nipples are due to an infection, you may need to use a topical ointment or cream.

If you are experiencing cracked nipples, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. They are the greatest resource to find out the best course of action for you and your baby.

How can coconut oil heal cracked nipples in a breastfeeding mom?

According to lactation consultants, coconut oil is an excellent natural remedy to heal cracked nipples. Good thing, too! Coconut oil is readily available and relatively cheap!

Antibacterial and antifungal properties

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Thus, it can help to kill any harmful organisms on the skin. This is important because cracked nipples can leave you susceptible to infection.

Moisturizing properties

Coconut oil is also an excellent moisturizer. This can help to soothe the pain of cracked nipples and speed up the healing process.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and redness.

Which kind of coconut oil is the best for healing cracked nipples?

There are many different types of coconut oils on the market and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. But, when it comes to healing cracked nipples, raw, unrefined coconut oil is the best to use on the skin.

Refined or purified coconut oil can lose some of its amazing healing properties. This is due to exposure to chemicals or high heat during processing.

So if you’re using coconut oil for your cracked nipples, choose an organic, unrefined variety to get the most benefit!

How to use coconut oil as a remedy for cracked nipples while breastfeeding

If you’re experiencing cracked nipples, apply coconut oil to the affected area after each feeding. Simply massage a small amount of oil into your skin until it is fully absorbed. You can also apply coconut oil before feeding to help prevent cracked nipples before they even happen.

The coconut oil will create a barrier against further irritation while also providing moisture to dry, cracked skin.

One downside of using coconut oil is that it can sometimes cause stains on clothing. For this reason, I recommend wearing breast pads to prevent grease stains on your bra or shirt.

Is coconut oil on cracked nipples safe for a breastfeeding baby?

And now to the best part of using coconut oil on cracked nipples!  is It’s completely safe for a breastfeeding baby so there’s no need to wipe it off before feedings!

That’s such good news for us sleep-deprived mamas. This means we won’t have to remember an extra step when there’s a hungry newborn crying in the middle of the night!

Coconut Oil While Pumping

But what if you’re not breastfeeding? Or what if you’re a combination of nursing and pumping? Is coconut oil still recommended?

The answer is YES!

As mentioned in [elastic nipples], some women can experience nipple pain when pumping. Coconut oil can help reduce friction, and thus pain, while you pump.

Actually, coconut oil may work better than lanolin nipple cream for pumping. This is because lanolin and other nipple creams tend to be thicker and may clog your pump parts. Talk about a mess to clean up!

Coconut oil is thinner and absorbed more readily into your skin, so it won’t gunk up your pump parts. Whew!

And again, it’s okay if coconut oil gets into your breast milk while you are pumping. Coconut oil is all-natural and fine for baby to ingest.

Coconut Oil for Cracked Nipples

If you’re experiencing cracked nipples while breastfeeding, don’t despair! Always talk to your doctor or lactation consultant about the best course of action for you and your baby.

Coconut oil can be a natural remedy for cracked nipples and is worth a try! It has moisturizing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to soothe the pain and speed up the healing process. Plus there’s no need to wipe the coconut oil off before feedings since it’s safe for a breastfeeding baby to ingest.

Have you tried using coconut oil for cracked nipples? What other natural remedies have you found to be helpful?