After the excitement of pregnancy and labor, the next journey of parenting begins: breastfeeding. Both mom and baby have to work together to get the hang of the process of nursing, and during this phase, you may experience some discomfort or pain. But the best nipple cream can help in these painful situations.
“The most common time that I see moms for nipple pain or damage is after their milk supply drastically increases, which is usually after hospital discharge,” shares Jennifer Pitkin, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). While some discomfort is expected as your milk comes in, sore nipples and pain should not be an expected part of breastfeeding.
“Sore nipples and pain are almost always a sign of a poor latch, and a poor latch is usually both avoidable and correctable,” notes Danielle Rigg, a certified lactation counselor and co-founder of the Best for Babes Foundation.
While you work to get the correct latch, nipple cream can provide added comfort and healing. If you’re looking for a nipple cream that will provide relief, here are 10 choices that work wonders:
- Breast milk
You have it readily available, and it’s all natural. Dab some milk onto your nipple and areola and leave it to air dry.
- Motherlove Nipple Cream
This soft nipple cream comes in a smooth paste with a slight olive oil scent. You can easily find it at a local department store, and with its zero-toxin rating from EWG’s skin deep database, you’ll feel safe using it as often as you need.
- Earth Angel Mama Baby Nipple Butter
This non-irritating cream has a delicious smell, and it’s safe for both baby and mom. The blend of seven GMO-free ingredients goes on smooth like butter and heals dry, cracked nipples. It can be purchased at Walgreens or online.
- Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm
Made in the U.S. with organic ingredients including olive oil, Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm comes with rave reviews for its ability to protect and heal.
- Honest Nipple Balm
Whether you purchase online or in a department store, the Honest Nipple Balm is made from all-natural, food-grade ingredients that are free from the most common allergens.
- Organic Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
You can find relief from products in your kitchen cupboard. Using a dab of olive oil or coconut oil after each feeding can help healing and prevent infection. It’s also safe for baby to latch on while the oil is on your nipple.
- Dr. Jack Newman’s All-Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO)
Available by prescription, APNO is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal medicine that will heal any damage to your nipple. It is the best nipple cream if you have significant nipple damage or a Candida infection.
- Boob Ease Natural Nipple Balm
This organic balm is made from a mixture of olive oil and shea butter. It moisturizes and comforts healing nipples, and you can pick it up at Toys R Us.
- My Breast Friend Cream
This cream, which can be purchased at Wal-Mart, has a mild coconut smell, is lanolin-free and is very simple to apply.
- Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Cream
This 100-percent lanolin cream is recommended by many lactation consultants across the U.S. It’s readily available at many department stores, including Target and Wal-Mart.
Pitkin says that you should never hesitate to have a nursing session observed by a board-certified lactation consultant, asking for recommendations to remedy any concerns you have. Rigg adds that any time you’re in pain while breastfeeding or you’re uncertain about latch or position, you should seek out the guidance of a consultant.
Devan McGuinness is a Toronto-based freelance writer who specializes in parenting and lifestyle topics.