Breastfeeding is a biological procedure which should be enjoyable for both the mother and the baby. It strengthens the link between mother and child while providing the developing infant with all the nourishment they require. But getting it just right takes some time and work.

When they first start out, many new mothers may feel breast tenderness or discomfort. The baby's placement, latch, or sucking could be to blame for this. Thankfully, there are a number of solutions for this, and you can take good care of your nipples to make nursing enjoyable for both you and your child.

How to Care for Your Nipples While Breastfeeding

Up to 13 feedings a day are possible for your baby, and some nursing sessions might last an hour or more. With all this new suction, pressure, and saliva, the nipples can get irritated. Along with keeping your nipples clean and dry, you might also need to moisturize them. Because they are fragile, nipples can break and bleed if they become overly dry when nursing.

When nursing, make it a practice to check your nipples and breasts frequently. By doing this, you might be able to identify any possible problems before they get worse in the future.

Follow these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before each feeding. When touching your breasts and nipples, only use clean hands.
• After feeding your infant, clean the region with water and then apply the nipple cream. This will give your skin time to absorb the cream before the next feeding.
• Consistently put on a fresh, supportive bra. Breastfeeding bras with nursing cups is  a great option. Cotton bras are also more permeable to air and more breathable.
• Avoid using soap or shampoo on your nipples. Wash your nipples exclusively with water as soaps might remove your natural lubrication. This lubricant prevents your nipples from drying out and cracking while you nurse.
• Put a few drops of breast milk on your nipples after each feeding. This protects against any infections and moisturizes your nipple.

Caring for Sore Nipples

There are a few at-home remedies you may consider if you're practicing routine breast and nipple care but are still feeling sore.

• Try massaging a few drops of fresh breast milk into your nipples before and after feedings to aid in the healing of damaged tissue.
• When your breastfeeding pads get wet, replace them. Avoid using nursing pads that have a plastic lining.
• After nursing, don't clean your nipples. Allow your nipples to naturally air dry for 10 to 15 minutes after each feeding.
• Keep clear of nipple shields. They don't help your baby latch better and might aggravate your nipples even more.
• Your nipples can recover if you pump your breastmilk at a modest pressure.
• To relieve pain after feeding, you can use a cotton swab to apply 100 percent pure lanolin to your nipples.
• When taking a bath or shower, only wash your breasts with water. Your areolae's little bumps, known as Montgomery glands, secrete oil that hydrates and shields your nipples. This natural oil can be stripped by soaps and shower gels, resulting in dryness and discomfort.

Prevention Tips 

• Use ultra-pure nipple cream made with lanolin as it hydrates and promotes healing. Since lanolin is healthy for your baby, there is no need to wash it off before nursing.
• Nursing bras made with either breathable fabric, like cotton, or a material that wicks moisture away from damaged nipples. Hydrogel pads, which can be applied to sore nipples to provide immediate pain relief when breastfeeding and to promote a healing environment.
• Nipple shields are silicone covers with a few tiny holes that go over your nipples and allow breast milk to pass through when you nurse. They help protect the skin below.

Self care after having a baby can be a task but you will only be able to take care of the baby well when you are in the best of mood yourself. Take steps to maintain the best of health and comfort.
Nipple soreness is really common but can be resolved and prevented by taking some simple steps, as we have stated.
Follow them and enjoy the journey of motherhood with all the love and excitement.