If you're breastfeeding we're sure you're all too aware of the side-effects. Yes, you feel superhuman when you first get your little one to latch and many rave about how much breastfeeding contributes to bonding with a newborn, but boy can it hurt. Sore nipples has to be one of the most challenging factors associated with breastfeeding. When else in life are you expected to put any part of your body through such levels of surface trauma and send it back for more on the daily? We rest our case. Yes, red, cracked and bleeding nipples are often par for the course when it comes to breastfeeding but that's not to say that there aren't solutions out there.
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There are a wealth of nipple balms and creams on offer to help soothe irritation, heal and nourish your skin. Most of them rely on the healing power of lanolin, an oily ingredient that is derived from sheep's skin, but there are plenty of plat based vegan alternatives out there too like coconut oil, sweet almond oil and mango butter.
Many worry about residual product making its way into their baby's system but rest assured that most balms and creams made specifically to soothe nipples during breastfeeding are baby-safe and able to be left on prior to a feed (always check the label to make sure and run past your midwife or doctor if the product label isn't clear). A lot of formulas are 100% natural too. Scroll on down to shop the best sore nipple solutions to buy now including two that Made In Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh kept herself stocked up on when breastfeeding daughter Sienna.
Shop: The Best Sore Nipple Solutions To Buy Now
Sore Nipple Solutions - Grazia 2021
1 of 5Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm, £12
Product Summary: Millie Mackintosh told Grazia about this cult classic and said she even used it on her lips as a gloss before her daughter Sienna was born. She says 'Nipple balm is always really great used as a lip balm too, in fact I used to use nipple balm on my lips before I was even pregnant. I had used Dr. Lipp's Original Nipple Balm, £12, for years because they used to sell it at Space NK.'Product Specifications: This nipple balm is 100% natural and made with 100% ultra-pure medical grade lanolin to soothe nipples and ease irritation and sensitivity.Pros/Cons: You don't get a lot in a tube but the thick, nourishing formula goes a long way.
2 of 5Nessa Nipple SOS, £19
Product Summary: This organic lanolin-free nipple balm iteration is also a favourite of Made In Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh. Mille told Grazia 'I've recently found another one that I love too from Nessa Organics, Nessa's Nipple SOS, £19, and they do a scar cream too, Nessa Organics Nessa's Scar Saviour, £25.'Product Specifications: This lanolin-free nipple balm is made with tropical fruit oils, cocoa, coconut and mango butter.Pros/Cons: You can also use this as a breast pump lubricant, a nappy rash balm and there's no need to remove it before breastfeeding.
3 of 5Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream, £10.49
Product Description: This nipple cream has ben describe as the world's purest lanolin nipple cream. There's no need to remove before breastfeeding, it's paraben free and 100% natural.Product Specifications: To use simply soften a pea-sized amount between fingers and apply it to your entire nipple area after feeding.Pros/Cons: Again it's multi-tasking. You can use it on nappy rash, itchy stretch marks, minor cuts, burns, abrasions and areas of dry skin too.
4 of 5The Organic Pharmacy Miracle Nipple Cream, £24.95
Product Summary: This nourishing formula blends together the soothing likes of squalane, beeswax, propolis and calendula.Product Specifications: The nipple cream is 65% organic and intended to relieve nipple soreness as well as helping to repair skin.Pros/Cons: Yes, it's fairly pricey but you get 60g in a tub and that will last you a while.
5 of 5My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm, £16.50
Product Summary: What better than a midwife developed nipple balm to keep yours nourished and soothed?Product Specifications: The My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm has a pump you can use with one hand and blends medical grade lanolin with sweet almond oil and coconut oil.Pros/Cons: Again, this one's a little pricier than some of our other options but the 30ml of formula you get goes a long way.
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