Nipple Care after Pregnancy

After pregnancy it is important to take good care of the baby and even more important to take good care of the mother. Pregnancy is a difficult period for any women as she has to bear a lot of pain and face other stressful situations until a safe delivery. Apart from her diet, medications and physical shape, a woman should also pay a watchful attention to her breasts, especially the nipples. Because the nipples are going to be the only source of feeding the baby for the early days, it is important that they stay in best condition.

First of all, a woman needs to select the best maternity bras after her pregnancy. Wearing an ordinary bra before or during the pregnancy was enough, but not anymore as after pregnancy, you are looking for both – support and ease of feeding. Therefore a maternity bra is the best option as it offers proper support to the breasts and is also convenient while feeding. Since nipples are very sensitive, it is very important to maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections. Hence do not choose bras that are either too tight or too loose.

In the initial days, a woman may experience cracked nipples which are due to over suction of the nipple by the baby. In such cases, it is best to apply the breast milk to the nipples and let it dry. This will act as a natural moisturizer and keep the nipples soft and also prevent infections. But do not apply too much milk as dampness of the nipples can cause infections and rashes. Never wash your nipple with soap; only wash them with plain water. If the soreness of nipple is severe, use breast shields. Never apply any moisturizing cream or lotion to your nipples, other than the prescribed ones for nipple care.

Remember, it is very important for a woman to keep herself in good health, especially her breasts and nipples as they will determine the amount of nutrition the baby will receive. Therefore, it is important for you to follow the simple tips mentioned above and stay in good health and shape – for yourself and your baby!