Recommend a bra for sore breasts and cracked nipples

[rainand]

Hi,

Could you please recommend a bra for awfully cracked nipples and surrounding area that are not healing? Also my breasts are really really sore too. I have been measured recently so I have my up to date size. Would prefer to buy it online.

Thanks! :)

[Ellisisland]

I found the nursing bras from Bravissimo to be the best ones. Those, breast pads and Lansinoh nipple cream saved me !

[rainand]

Ellisisland, thank you! I've had a look at their website but they only have 4 nursing bras!

[CatchTheFox]

I recommend Bravado nursing bras, www.bravadodesigns.com/shop/uk-en/the-original-nursing-bra - they are really comfortable and stretchy. They don't give you a great shape, but hey ho.

I also second Lansinoh, I am currently using the leftovers as lip balm. I couldn't have lived without it! Hope you find something that works for you.

[rainand]

Thank you CatchtheFox, I'm going to order one. I've been using lanolin cream but it hasn't made a difference! :(

[stargirl1701]

Have you tried hydrogel pads? They are amazing! Pop them in the freezer then onto your breasts. Breast shells under your bra can also help.

[CatchTheFox]

Oh no :( I remember cracked nipple hell - there was a time when I couldn't even bear to wrap a towel around myself when I got out of the shower. It gets better, hang in there.

[ilovecolinfirth]

My GP recommended jelonet gauze which you can buy from chemist. It's good for cracked nipples. You need to wipe it down every time you feed little one though as it is paraffin covered.cracked nipples has given me mastitis twice and my son is only 3 weeks old. Good luck. X

[rainand]

stargirl1701, thanks, on my way to look for some!

ilovecolinfirth, ill have a chat with my GP today and see what she says. Btw I'm just pregnant, not even breastfeeding!! :(

[rainand]

I'm wondering whether I should go for this bra as it has been described as useful for sore nipples?

[delilah88]

I second ilovecolinfirth's suggestion -- works a treat. Also if you are not BF then get some bath oil - the Sanctuary do a nice one - and have an oily bath. They'll end up coated and smooth.

[HowToChangeThis]

Amoralia Second Skin are nice bras with a deep v so they work well with feeding tops. I find reusable breast pads much nicer than papery disposable ones (Boots do them).

Massaging breast milk on your nipples helps but I found Vaseline made the biggest difference.

[ilovecolinfirth]

Yes, nice baths with oils, and use the flannel as a compress. I also love cuddling up to a warm hot water bottle. That eases the discomfort. I hate going out on these cold mornings...my coats aren't quite fitting yet and the cold really hurts me. X

[delilah88]

rainand If you are intending to breast feed I would go to the Drs and sort this out so you're mended in time. I use this now I'm BF and it's good: www.madeformums.com/reviews/feeding/nipple-creams/lansinoh-lanolin/160.html

You could try it? It's like a homely version of Estee Lauder's 8 hour cream (which I've always put on my lips and eyebrows etc)!

[rainand]

Thanks all! :)

I went to the GP and they gave me a Fucidin, which is a steriod-ish cream, and she said I needed something much stronger, so I'm really glad I went, instead of suffering in silence!

I also decided finally to go with the Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. As it comes in fewer sizes, hopefully it'll last me throughout most of my pregnancy and maybe even after!