Nipple Cream

Nipple Cream

Breastfeeding is a healthy choice for your baby and allows you and your little one to bond and enjoy special moments together. Although breastfeeding is highly beneficial for moms and babies alike, many nursing mothers develop breast soreness from frequent feedings, especially during the first few weeks. If you're experiencing discomfort, a nipple cream available here at Walgreens may help make nursing more comfortable and relaxing.

What Does Nipple Cream Do?

Nipple creams are ointments, lotions or creams that are applied to the nipple and the tissue that surrounds it called the areola. The purpose of a nipple cream is to reduce discomfort that may develop as a result of nursing. Sore nipples can be caused by many things, including skin that is too dry or too moist. This can lead to redness, inflammation, tenderness, pain and mild itching. Nipple creams contain ingredients that can help to moisturize and condition the nipple and areola to help keep the skin healthy. Many products also contain ingredients that soothe irritation and that create a lightweight barrier to protect the nipples.

Do I Need Nipple Cream?

If you're experiencing nipple irritation, you may wonder why using a nipple cream is necessary. There are many body lotions, body butters and ointments available to soothe irritated skin and relieve dryness, and you may be curious as to whether or not these products can be used to soothe nursing-related nipple discomfort. The problem with general skin care products is that they may contain ingredients that are not safe for babies. They may be toxic when ingested, or they may be absorbed by your body and passed along through your breast milk.

Is Nipple Cream Safe?

Nipple creams are different from ordinary skin care products because they are made specifically for nursing mothers. As a result, they are usually free of ingredients that could potentially pose a risk to babies.

How to Choose Nipple Cream

Nipple creams can vary greatly in terms of the ingredients that they contain. As a result, you'll want to carefully read the product descriptions to determine just what's inside each formula. Your doctor can help you decide which type of nipple cream is most likely to relieve your symptoms and be a safe choice for your baby. Once you have his or her recommendations, you can compare products in terms of the size of their packaging, their cost and the ingredients that they contain.

Taking Care of Your Breasts While Nursing

Using a nipple cream as directed can help you take good care of your skin while you nurse; however, these products may not be enough for severe irritation. If your nipples become cracked, begin to bleed, produce any type of foul-smelling or discolored discharge, or show any other signs of inflammation or infection, discuss the problem with your doctor. You may require additional treatments beyond nipple cream to address your symptoms. Keeping your breasts clean and using breast pads to absorb moisture in between feedings can also help you to reduce the risk of irritation.

Be sure to check out all of our nursing products from top brands like Lansinoh here at Walgreens.