How To Deal With Breastfeeding Blisters

Hi moms!

This post will be about the different types of breastfeeding blisters
I looked into that can develop. I’ll also cover the causes and how to
treat the blisters.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nurture and bond
with baby.

However, breastfeeding can also have some negative side effects.
Sometimes a mother will notice that she has developed
breastfeeding blisters.

Breastfeeding blisters are often painful or uncomfortable, and can
make breastfeeding a less enjoyable experience. Breastfeeding
blisters are often uncomfortable, but it is safe to continue to
breastfeed with blisters.

Breastfeeding blisters have a few different causes. If you notice
you are dealing with a breastfeeding blister or know someone who
might be, then you will want to know the facts. 

The Types of Breastfeeding Blisters

There are two very common types of breastfeeding blisters: friction
blisters and blocked nipple pores. Both types of blisters may
cause a mother to worry, but they are often easy to solve at home.

Here is an overview of the two most common kinds of breastfeeding
blisters. 

Friction Blisters

Friction blisters from breastfeeding are a lot like any other kind of
friction blister. If you have ever worn a new pair of shoes that rub
your foot in a new spot, then you probably can recognize a friction
blister.

Friction blisters are either clear or they may be red/brown “blood
blisters”. Just like shoes that rub your foot over and over again,
breastfeeding friction blisters are caused by friction or a high vacuum
sensation on your nipple.

Milk Blisters

Milk blisters or milk blebs are normally pretty painful. These clear or
yellow bumps on the nipple can last as little as a few days or as long
as a few weeks.

Milk blisters are formed when the skin grows over a milk duct opening,
causing the milk to back up behind it.

Milk blisters are more serious than friction blisters because it can lead
to an infection in the breast. Milk blisters, if left untreated can lead
to severe pain and mastitis.

If you notice milk blisters from breastfeeding, try to take care of it as
soon as you can.

Causes of Breastfeeding Blisters

Breastfeeding blisters are an uncomfortable reality for many moms,
but not all breastfeeding blisters are caused by the same thing.

Here are some of the causes of breastfeeding blisters.

Causes of Breastfeeding Friction Blisters

As indicated by the name of the type of blister, friction blisters are
caused by friction on the nipple during feeding or pumping breast
milk.

In the simplest terms, a breastfeeding friction blister is most often
caused by a shallow latch or a poorly fitted shield or breast
pump.

A Shallow Latch

Breastfeeding should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain
when breastfeeding your baby, then you might be experiencing
latching issues such as a shallow latch.

A shallow latch occurs when the nipple does not get back to baby’s
palate where the baby’s mouth is much softer. Instead, the nipple
is being crushed by baby’s tongue, hard palate, or gums.

This is not only painful. but it can lead to friction blisters.

Poorly Fitted Shield or Pumps

The breast shield, also known as the breast pump flange, is the
piece of the breast milk pump that fits directly over your nipple.

This small plastic piece forms a seal around your areola that
creates a vacuum, allowing the pump to extract milk.

When the shield or flange does not fit properly, it will not seal
around the areola and does not create a vacuum for the pump.

The lack of an airtight fitting piece can cause some of your
skin to be sucked around which can result in a friction blister.

Causes of Milk Blisters

Much like friction blisters, milk blisters can be caused by a poor
latch or an ill-fitting breastmilk pump flange. But unlike friction
blisters, milk blisters can be caused by an oversupply of breast
milk.

Oversupply Issues

Oversupply issues occur when you have produced much more
breast milk than your baby needs. Issues with oversupply often
arise when the baby is about two or three months old.

Often, this oversupply is not a ‘true’ issue. Instead, it often points
to issues with the latch during breastfeeding or waiting too
long between feedings.

When there is an oversupply of breastmilk, there is an increased
amount of pressure on the milk ducts. The increased pressure on
the milk ducts can cause blocked ducts and milk blisters.

If left unaddressed, these issues can grow to be much larger, so
you should visit your doctor or latch consultant right away.

Treating Breastfeeding Blisters

There are several different ways that you can treat breastfeeding
blisters. Here are some tips for treating breastfeeding blisters.

Do Not Pop The Blister

It might seem tempting to pop the blister and help along the healing
process, but popping a breastfeeding blister can do more harm than
good.

If you try to pop your breastfeeding blister, it could become more
irritated, inflamed, or even infected which will take longer to
heal.

Check Up On Your Baby’s Latch

If you are dealing with painful breastfeeding and breastfeeding
blisters, it might be an issue with your baby’s latch.

If you think that your baby might be latching poorly, and it is
causing you issues such as breastfeeding blisters, you should
visit your doctor or a latch consultant to help correct the
underlying issue.

Apply A Warm Compress Before Feeding

Applying a warm, moist compress before feeding can help treat
milk blisters. By gently applying a warm compress to the nipple,
the compress can help pull out any possible plugged milk
ducts.

Try Different Feeding Positions

Switching things up and trying different feeding positions may help
resolve issues with breastfeeding blisters.

Trying a new breastfeeding position may offer some relief from
the normal friction you experience during breastfeeding.

More importantly, testing out new feeding positions might help to
correct any latch issues. A different feeding position may allow your
baby to get a nice deep latch which will help stave off both common
types of breastfeeding blisters. 

If you find you can’t seem to resolve your problem, you may decide
to switch to formula. If that happens, choose formula with a low
amount of protein. Studies have shown that to be the healthiest.

OK, moms. I hope that helps and you have a better day soon!

                                                                                     courtesy of IntermountainMoms @youtube.com

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