Help quick! Can I use Vaseline as nipple cream?

[FuzzpigFourFiveSix]

OWWWWW :(

DS is 22m and we've been only doing one feed a day for a while now. However he is really ill with chicken pox and not taking much food or water so I'm back to demand feeding.

He was latched on pretty much all night, while crawling around the bed, so I am really sore this morning. I have no nipple cream so can I use Vaseline?

No, don't use Vaselne. It's not something you want you LO to eat, and is difficult to clean off the nipples before a feed. Try spreading a few drops of breastmilk over your nipples and letting them dry before doing up your bra.

Do you bake? Have you any pure glycerine in your larder? Glycerine isn't a healing cream, but it helps lock in moisture in the skin and is completely harmless for the LO.

Can nobody nip to a chemist or supermarket for you? You need Lansinoh.

You probably don't need to be reminded about positioning and latch, but if you can concentrate on them throughout today, you may even find that your nipples recover very quickly.

I actually have to go to work now - hoping to leave very early (boss is lovely so should be ok to) just want something to put on so I can survive the next few hours. Doubt they have any nipple cream in the tiny Sainsbury's next to work but maybe boss will let me nip across town to boots.

Good point about the latch, I was an expert when he was young (flat nipples) but I daresay we've got lazy about it!

DS has eaten and drunk now so not quite so worried about leaving him. Not quite :(

My boss is so lovely. Apart from the fact she always gives us cake, she let me go to boots first and go home early. DS feeding now, going to need more cream after - got Avent stuff which I've used before. Certainly helped me get through the morning.

I am actually wondering if it's hurting more because the latch is different - he's got pox on his tongue so maybe he's making a different shape. Poor baby :(

The Breastfeeding Network says Vaseline is fine. In hospitals, they use it for premature babies' lips so it can't be dangerous.

I'm on my phone so can't link, but google 'breastfeeding network vaseline'. The third link (a leaflet on moist wound healing and cracked nipples) is what you want.

Hope it gets better soon.

Vaseline is fine to use and as previously posted this is confirmed on the breast feeding network website. Don't waste your money on expensive nipple cream as it is no better for you or baby.