CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: How Do I Cure Cracked Nipples?

What causes cracked nipples? What can I do about them?
save article
profile picture of Jeanne Cygnus, IBCLC, RLC
By Jeanne Cygnus, IBCLC, RLC, Lactation Specialist
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Most commonly, cracked nipples are caused by baby latching on too shallowly. When baby is able to take a large amount of breast into her mouth, the nipple ends up in the very back of baby’s mouth — out of harm’s way. But if your baby only takes a little bit of breast, or just your nipple, into her mouth when she nurses, then the nipple can become squashed between baby’s tongue and hard palate with every suck. This is painful for you and can quickly lead to cracking and even bleeding.

It’s important to look closely at how your baby is feeding. When you bring her to your breast, her head should tip back (the way you tip your head back when you drink a glass of water), and her chin should touch your breast first. If your nipple starts out above your baby’s top lip, then when she tips her head back and opens her mouth, she’ll get your nipple itself, plus a good amount of the breast.

Be sure to support your baby firmly behind her shoulders while she’s latching, but don’t hold her head. (Imagine what would happen if someone had their hand on the back of your head while you were trying to drink a big glass of water…it would be difficult for you to do.)

When your baby is latched properly, there should be no discomfort. If your nipples are already damaged, you may feel some discomfort at first because the part that’s still healing will be stretched a bit, but this discomfort should ease within the first 15 to 20 seconds of the feed.

To help heal your nipples, I recommend you use hydrogel pads (such as the Ameda ComfortGel Pads) on your nipples between feedings. These gel pads provide a soothing, moist healing environment but do not leave any residue on the nipple that would interfere with your baby latching. Any cracks or damage that does not heal quickly with good positioning techniques, gentle washing while bathing or showering, and applying gel pads between feedings should be evaluated further to make sure that no infection is present. If you can’t achieve comfortable positioning, then seek help from an experienced lactation consultant (IBCLC) who can help evaluate what is going wrong and find the right solution.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Best Nursing Pillows-hero
The Best Nursing Pillows (Plus How to Use One)
By Kathleen Harris
entrance of disney world
Photo of Mom Breastfeeding Her Baby on Disney Ride Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
a mother breast pumping milk while sitting on bed at home
Why You Might Consider Power Pumping (and How to Do It)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
young woman pouring a glass of red wine in kitchen at home
Breastfeeding & Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
closeup of baby breastfeeding
Are There Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
tb-best-nursing-clothes-hero
Where to Shop for the Best Nursing Tops and Dresses
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
black mother breastfeeding baby at home
Black Women on Finding Joy in Breastfeeding
By Ashley Simpo
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
smiling mother breastfeeding baby at home
Top 13 Benefits of Breastfeeding
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother breastfeeding baby while working
Over 15,000 Breastfeeding Moms Share Their Motivations and Challenges
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby while browsing on laptop
Can't-Miss Sales in Celebration of National Breastfeeding Month
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby on bed at home
World Breastfeeding Week 2023: How You Can Help Working Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Georgia Mom Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Her Baby by Water Park Staff
Georgia Mom Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Her Baby by Water Park Staff
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding newborn baby
What Is a Milk Bleb or Blister?
By Korin Miller
mother feeing bottle to baby
Can You Mix Breast Milk and Formula?
By Colleen De Bellefonds
Mother baby mastitis breast pain while breastfeeding
Here’s How to Stop Mastitis From Making Breastfeeding Unbearable
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mom struggling to breastfeed her baby
Breast Engorgement: What It Is and How to Find Relief
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom holding baby while drinking coffee in kitchen
Can You Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?
By Natalie Gontcharova
Breast Milk Storage Bags
The 9 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Preserve Your Liquid Gold
By Danielle Halibey
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List