12 best nipple creams for breastfeeding mamas

Struggling with sore, cracked or bleeding nipples? The arrival of a brand new baby is a magical time filled with cuddles and love. But what the experts don't always warn you about is the discomfort many new mamas experience from breastfeeding.

Yes, it is the most natural way to feed your baby, but nursing doesn't always come easy. So, if you're not an instant pro, don’t panic. From all-natural salves to soothing balms, keep scrolling for our edit of the best nipple creams for breastfeeding mamas...

Is nipple pain normal during breastfeeding?

Gazing down at your tiny newborn while they feed for the first time is one of the most precious moments you will ever experience. But the truth is, many women find breastfeeding uncomfortable or even painful at first. From sore, cracked nipples to engorged and tender breasts, the early days can feel more like crocodile clips clamping onto your breasts than a hungry baby.

'A little bit of pain in the first few days after birth is normal, especially at the beginning of a feed,' says Amy Northage-Milburn IBCLC, Lactation Consultant for Koala & Joe, a website helping parents find trusted experts. 'Often a count to 10 in your head is enough to get over the worst, but the important bit is that it should pass!' she adds.

In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to ease the pain, including investing in a good quality nipple cream. Keep scrolling for tips and advice on managing sore nips, plus the best nipple creams to buy.

What causes sore nipples?

When you first start breastfeeding, your nipples may feel sore and uncomfortable for a number of reasons:

• Latch: Making sure your baby has the correct attachment is key to preventing sore nipples. 'Often, when baby latches shallowly, the nipple is continuously being rubbed on the hard palate and this is what causes discomfort and damage,' says Northage-Milburn. 'It is important that baby has your nipple really far back in their mouth – right back to the soft palate.' If in doubt, ask your midwife for help.
• Nipple cracks: Sore and cracked nipples can be triggered by incorrect latch, but sometimes it also just takes a bit of time for your breasts to get used to feeding, so try not to panic if it takes time to settle.
• Tongue-tie: Some babies have an oral anomaly that can make it difficult for them to breastfeed, and this in turn can lead to discomfort for you. Ask your midwife or health visitor to check for tongue-tie so your little one can receive the right treatment.
• Mastitis: Inflammation and even infection of the breasts caused by a blockage of milk flow is also quite common. If you suspect this is the case, it's important that you keep on breastfeeding, and speak to your GP or midwife for treatment.

How to treat nipple pain from breastfeeding

Once you’ve got used to the new sensation of breastfeeding, it shouldn’t hurt at all. So, if you continue to experience pain, chafing or bleeding for any length of time, don't suffer in silence.

'If you are having prolonged pain either during a feed or in-between feeds then this signals that something isn’t quite right,' says Northage-Milburn. 'This is when it is really important to seek out support from someone who knows about breastfeeding.'

Get support from your midwife, health visitor or lactation consultant as soon as possible. Often, you will only need to make a few minor adjustments to your baby’s position to minimise the pain and get your milk flowing. Alternatively, contact National Breastfeeding Helpline or La Leche League for advice and support on achieving the best positions to breastfeed and for help correcting any latch issues.

How to use nipple cream

If you are suffering from minor nipple soreness, simply apply a pea-sized blob of cream or balm between feeds to moisturise the area and alleviate soreness. Most nipple creams are safe to use during breastfeeding but for best results, refer to the individual product.

'Many mothers find that a little smear after a breastfeed is soothing, and most are safe to use as needed,' advises Northage-Milburn. 'You may prefer to wipe off any excess before babies next feed, and this can be helpful as the cream can be slippery so can actually be one of the reasons that baby is having trouble latching!'

It's also worth applying any type of emollient sparingly to prevent potential blockage. 'Some studies suggest that overuse could potentially lead to problems with over-hydration, and even block the little Montgomery glands, which are your areola's natural protection, secreting moisturising fluid,' says Northage-Milburn.

And if you suffer from sensitive skin? 'Care should be taken with some creams and ointments, as they can cause a reaction on the nipple,' she adds. 'If your skin is sensitive or you suffer from allergies, including wool, you may want to do a patch test somewhere else before using it on your nipples. This includes the hypoallergenic ones!'

The best nipples cream for breastfeeding mums

From Lansinoh's best-selling nipple cream to Weleda's beloved balm, we've rounded up the best products to ease nipple pain and get your breastfeeding journey back on track.