"It cost me nothing and took just a bit of my time. More importantly, I was saving a life, a little baby's life."
Helen P (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
"I highly recommend donating breastmilk. Knowing that breastmilk may help to take these babies out of harms way definitely gave me a feeling of fulfillment."
Kariema (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
Terri (breastmilk donor) Green Point
"The incredible experience of Gabi’s premature birth gave us the unexpected opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of others by donating breastmilk."
Terri (breastmilk donor) Cape Town
My baby is 5 days and I still have painful nipples. Can you recommend a nipple cream?
It is difficult to enjoy breastfeeding your baby while you have painful nipples. Fortunately this problem can be easily resolved once you have had the correct assistance.
In the absence of an accompanying condition such as thrush, sore nipples are caused by an incorrect or poor latch. This means that your baby is not taking enough of the breast (nipple and areola – dark area around the nipple) into his mouth when breastfeeding.
The easiest way to correct a latch is to change your feeding position.
It would be best to go to a reputable clinic or consult a lactation consultant in your area. (See Link page List for lactation consultants in SA)
If this was not possible we will try and describe below how to obtain a better latch
a)You could try the cross hold position. Or
b)The rugby ball position as described under Position and Latch under FAQ
If you have successfully corrected the latch, your nipples may still be tender to start with but by the time you have counted to ten, they should be feeling markedly better if not 100%.
Should your nipples continue to be painful, take your baby off the breast and try again.
Taking the baby off the breast incorrectly can also cause painful nipples. Avoid hurting your nipple by inserting your pinkie into the corner of his mouth to break the suction and simultaneously take him off the breast.
Nipple creams or laser treatment by an experienced physiotherapist will only help to heal the nipples when one corrects the latch as well.