When it comes to the health of your baby, there is no doubt: breast is best. Make breastfeeding work for you and your baby by taking proper care of your breasts.
Take action:
A daily shower with warm water is all the cleaning a mother needs – avoid soap as this has a drying effect on the skin and also washes off the natural softeners; nipples should be kept dry and clean; avoid wet breast pads; express a few drops of colostrum or milk to dry on the nipple (these have anti-bacterial and lubricating properties in them); prevent cracked nipples by correctly latching and fixing the baby on the breast; if a nipple cream is to be used, make sure you do not have to wipe it off before feeds; ask for advice from a breastfeeding consultant if nipples appear flat or inverted.