Cracked nipple?? NOW???

[Evita]

After breast feeding my 15 month old all this time with no real problems I seem to have got a cracked nipple! It's just like a little dark patch under my nipple tip and is v. painful. But I thought you got this in the beginning due to poor latching on etc.? She only has 1 feed a day now and is a bit of a latch expert so I'm sure it's not that ...

I suddenly got one of these at 12 months, out of the blue. It wasn't as painful as the ones I had through the newborn period and it didn't last as long.

Hopefully, yours will resolve swiftly. As for the how and why, I'm afraid I'm not much wiser!

Thanks Droile, weird innit?

this happened to my friend, still feeding at 12 months. Lansinoh ointment is FANTASTIC

This has happened to me a couple of times lately (still feeding dd at 18 months), though in my case it's usually caused by my eczema, which can make the skin dry and prone to becoming sore or cracked. Like you say I'm sure it's not the latch at this stage - I also recommend any kind of moisturising / gel that is ok for breastfeeding mums.

The only thing I would add is - if it doesn't clear up - make sure it isn't thrush. I had this when dd was 14 months. Quite hard for me to diagnose, given my eczema, but my nipples were sore and itchy and we both needed treatment to clear it up.

Hope it heals soon.

ditto the lansinoh! fab stuff

Ok, I'll put the magical lasinoh on my shopping list. It is just available from Boots?

Pidge, it isn't thrush. I had that when she was 11 months. Bloody horrible. Turned the end of my nipple white and it looked like it was going to fall off and felt like it too.

Not Boots (only Kamillosan - not nearly as good)
Mothercare seels it though or a chemist can order it

And yes Lansinoh rules