The fissures breastfeeding are nipple injuries that sometimes occur during breastfeeding.
Let’s see how they arise and what are the causes .
Breast fissures appear as cracks or even cuts, sometimes deep, that form on the nipple. They are quite painful and in some cases they can even bleed.
In the very first days of breastfeeding it is normal to feel some nipple tension, about 80-90% of breastfeeding women experience a sensation of pain in the first few weeks but cases of severe pain and fissures are limited to about 26% of these last.
Cracks are not a serious ailment but become a problem when they cause severe enough pain to discourage feeding.
The formation of the fissures is due to a combination of two factors: the skin or anatomical characteristics of the mother (such as the retracting nipples) and some characteristics of the baby such as the lingual frenulum that is too short which makes sucking difficult. These contributing causes, to which an incorrect breast offering technique can also contribute, are at the basis of a wrong attachment to the nipple by the infant.
As already mentioned, fissures, if a source of very acute pain, can discourage breastfeeding and therefore deprive the baby of the best source of nourishment for its growth. However, this is not the only contraindication of fissures, in fact, these can become an entry route for bacteria or yeasts, delaying healing, causing pain even when the position and attachment of the suckling are correct or even leading to infections of the mammary glands such as mastitis.
Breast fissures without breastfeeding
Although mainly due to incorrect breastfeeding, breast fissures can also occur due to other factors.
At the base of the disease, first of all, there may be a family predisposition or a genetic component and the fact that the nipples are in themselves a very delicate and sensitive part of our body.
In addition, each person has a different skin thickness and women with thinner skin can more easily incur this type of irritation and laceration.
The use of tight underwear that compress the breasts and poor hygiene further increase the risk of fissures.
Breast fissures remedies
The best way to solve the problem of breast fissures is first of all, to breastfeed in the right way and, therefore, to learn which are the positions to assume, both in the woman and in the baby, during the feeding.
The mother must be comfortable and relaxed, slightly reclined, change position often and not stay bent towards the baby who, in turn, must be lying down and facing the mother.
To latch on, the baby must have his mouth wide open and cover not only the nipple but a large part of the breast with it.
Another remedy for breast fissures concerns the phase before breastfeeding: it is advisable to massage the breast to facilitate and start the flow of breast milk, rotate the nipple to favor its extroflexion and release a few drops of milk to soften the area, disinfect and help healing.
While breastfeeding, it may be helpful to relieve pain by using a silicone nipple shield and distributing the feeding time over both breasts.
Once the sucking is finished, it is advisable for the newborn to detach himself voluntarily to avoid sudden and painful jerking by gently stimulating a corner of the baby’s mouth.
Another fundamental aspect for relieving fissures is hygiene.
Just keep your breasts clean and dry with normal daily hygiene without using harsh soaps or detergents, which could further irritate the area, and wash your hands with warm water before breastfeeding.
It is advisable to wear underwear and soft sweaters, made of breathable cotton, which do not constrict and sore the breast, and to let it breathe as much as possible by allowing it to dry well in the air, facilitating its healing or in any case using soft wipes by gently dabbing the area and not rubbing . It also helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
Even the ‘ power is important: it would be better to eat foods rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene which promote healing (like carrots or cantaloupe) and vitamin C with regenerating and antioxidant properties (citrus and red fruits), and avoid irritating foods like the spicy ones.
How to cure breast fissures
The appearance of breast fissures should not discourage the mother and push her to stop breastfeeding.
Prevention, hygiene, a correct latch on the part of the baby and a few little tricks are essential for breast health, to alleviate symptoms and to cure this problem.
An extra help to keep the skin of the nipples soft and smooth even during breastfeeding is Bepanthenol® Protective soothing paste effective in creating a barrier on the skin surface, keeping it hydrated. Just remember to get rid of any product residue before breastfeeding.
Only in case of bleeding fissures, swelling and fever is it advisable to discontinue breastfeeding and seek the advice of a doctor as mastitis may be ongoing.
