What? Don't give me that look. Have you ever experienced the first few days of nursing post baby? They can be rough. So when I attended by sister's baby shower this weekend, I was eager to mix up this breastfeeding nipple cream recipe to help a girl out.
Nipples need help. It ain't all fun and games, post-baby.
And since this is her first, I decided it was all the more reason to pull out the big guns. You see, the big guns (ie: this breastfeeding nipple cream recipe) help to eliminate soreness, tenderness, inflammation, infection, and that horrible thing that happens when your sticky, sweet colostrum causes your nipples to stick to your breast pads because they don't have any lubrication.
What? I'm just being honest here. It happens. And unless you have a good friend like me to tell you about what happens, you may never know until you fold down your shirt to nurse your first baby and find yourself adhered to the inside of your bra and sore as… well… as sore as a new breastfeeding Mama.
Having breastfed both of my children exclusively, I've learned a thing or two about nipple pads, nipple care, and nipple cream. It's important! Especially if you're going to be successful in the long run.
New Mamas: Please, be willing to push past the discomfort of the first few days! Yes, your nipples will likely feel like they've been put in a small blender of sorts. And yes, it'll make your toes curl in pain when baby is first learning how to latch on. And yes, you'll want to cry when you get your milk supply in and feel that oh-so-horrible-and-indescribable feeling of engorgement for the first time. But hear me: You can do it! You can push past the discomfort and the tenderness. You can make it through that first week – I PROMISE!
This breastfeeding nipple cream recipe will help.
Keep your ladies slathered up. It'll help to keep them clean, stick-free, and will really help in relieving some of that initial discomfort. I use it until I've built up enough of a callous so that tender and sore nipples are no longer an issue. Of course, working with a lactation consultant or experienced Mama who can help you ensure your baby is getting a good latch is essential. A bad latch will tear. you. to. shreds. Don't let that happen. Focus, work hard at it, and you'll do great!
You will need:
– 4 tablespoons cocoa butter (purchase here)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil (purchase here)
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil (purchase here)
– 2 drops lavender essential oil (purchase here)
Note: I would only recommend using the highest quality of oils for this cream. You can purchase our favorites here or read more about them here. Because baby will make direct contact with it's mouth, it's important that the oils be safe for internal use and I wouldn't ever use an oil I wasn't 110% comfortable with.
1. Melt the cocoa butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add in the olive oil, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil. Remove from heat once it's all melted and stir to combine.
2. Gently stir in the lavender oil.
3. Pour into a container and store at room temperature. I use these small little tins which are easy to transport to-and-from the hospital, bathroom, or even carry in your purse! Small mason jars like these or glass jars like these (or recycled baby food jars!) would also work wonderfully.
When I'm initially beginning a new breastfeeding “journey,” I like to use this breastfeeding nipple cream recipe between every feeding, which is every two to three hours on average. The lubrication of it helps baby to latch and us Mamas to feel far less friction from the breastfeeding process. In a few weeks time, you'll likely be ready to stop using the cream all together. However, until then, it's a wonderful idea to tuck into your natural post-partum healing kit.
By the way, I'm sorry I said nipple so many times in this post. Frankly, there's no other way to say it. Because that's exactly where this homemade cream goes.
Just so we're clear on that.
And if you've read this far – good for you! I'm thankful there are other Mamas out there who are willing to put in the effort to breastfeed their children. There ain't no denying it's incredible health benefits. So fight the good fight! Work for it! Enjoy it!
And slather your nipples.
FAQs
Combine shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula oil, and MCT coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Gently heat and stir until butters liquify. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. If your kitchen is cool, set aside on counter to partially solidify, or you can put the bowl in the refrigerator.
How do you make your own nipple cream? ›
Combine shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula oil, and MCT coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Gently heat and stir until butters liquify. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. If your kitchen is cool, set aside on counter to partially solidify, or you can put the bowl in the refrigerator.
Do you really need nipple cream for breastfeeding? ›
It might be best to use nipple cream right from the start, to avoid your nipples from getting really raw, cracked and sore. “I find nipple balms and lanolin extremely helpful in the early days of breastfeeding,” says Agi.
Can I use Vaseline as nipple cream? ›
We recommend a non-irritating moisturizer to help your nipples heal. After each feed / pumping, apply Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor or generic equivalent) or Zinc Oxide to both nipples and wear a cotton bra. If the ointment is sticking to your clothes, you may want to cover it with gauze.
Why not to use lanolin nipple cream? ›
Of the women who did not use lanolin, 18% developed signs of nipple or breast infection, while 62% of the women who used lanolin developed signs of infection. Infection can include, bacterial or fungal (yeast). The results of this study suggest that lanolin use on nipples may increase women's chance of infection [2].
What is a good substitute for lanolin? ›
Orange Wax is your vegan lanolin alternative.
Orange wax is an excellent vegan alternative to lanolin. You can substitute orange wax on a 1:1 ratio for lanolin.
Does coconut oil work as nipple cream? ›
Conclusions: According to the research findings, coconut oil and tea tree oil were determined to reduce nipple crack formation and nipple pain. It is recommended to increase the use of coconut oil and tea tree oil related to breast problems in nursing care during the postpartum period.
What is Lansinoh nipple cream made of? ›
It has traditionally been used topically to treat sore, cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Highly purified lanolin products (e.g., HPA lanolin, Lansinoh) have the pesticide and detergent residues removed and the natural free alcohols reduced to below 1.5% to improve safety and reduce the allergic potential.
What can I put on my nipples if I don't have nipple cream? ›
When it comes to applying soothing and healing products to your sore nipples, the most natural thing to use is your own breast milk! Dab a few drops of breastmilk onto your nipples after feeding your baby, then let them air-dry. Your breast milk is antibacterial and, of course, super convenient!
Can you use too much lanolin? ›
Symptoms of lanolin poisoning include: Diarrhea. Rash. Swelling and redness of skin.
First, apply breast milk to your nipples. Apply a thin coat of extra virgin olive oil, Aquaphor, Vaseline or virgin coconut oil. Hydrogel pads may be used.
Should I use nipple cream every time I pump? ›
1-2 drops of vegetable cooking oil (olive, canola, corn etc.) may be used to lubricate the nipple just before pumping. After every pumping, apply modified lanolin cream or ointment, such as Lansinoh or Tender Care Lanolin. Apply cool moist cloths to your breasts after pumping.
Can I put Aquaphor on my nipples for breastfeeding? ›
Ensure that your nipples are dry. Take your bra off while at home and/or wear loose, comfortable clothing. Breast shells can be worn over the nipple and inside the bra to prevent clothing from rubbing an injured nipple and to promote air circulation and healing. Use lanolin and preferably Aquaphor.
Can I use olive oil as nipple cream? ›
Olive oil can be a safe, accessible, and alternative choice for breastfeeding mothers in treating nipple pain and soreness, especially early in the breastfeeding period.
Can I use shea butter as nipple cream? ›
And now, drumroll please, the best natural nipple cream for breastfeeding is none other than Shea butter. Shea butter is known for its moisturizing and healing properties, and it's gentle enough for both you and your little one. It's also easy to find and affordable.
What can I put on my nipples to stop them from hurting while breastfeeding? ›
When your nipples are sore, apply some of your own milk on your nipples. Your milk has healing properties to relieve soreness. Also, a small pea-sized portion of ultrapure modified lanolin, such as HPA® Lanolin, between clean fingertips and apply to the nipple and areola. Gently pat it on: do not rub it in.
Is lanolin or lanolin free nipple cream better? ›
As long as you aren't allergic to lanolin or coconut oil, those are both good nipple cream ingredients. Other ingredients recommended by the experts I spoke to include calendula, marshmallow root, peppermint oil, oregano oil and olive oil.
What can I use to protect my nipples while breastfeeding? ›
Although considered a last-resort option by lactation consultants, you can also try a nipple shield. They can help if: Your baby has a condition that affects their latching, like being premature or having a tongue tie. You have a short or inverted nipple.
When should I start using lanolin nipple cream? ›
You can apply lanolin cream or paste directly onto your nipples or any affected areas on your areola anytime you are experiencing nipple pain, or as a preventive measure. You can safely apply the cream to cracked and bleeding areas, but any open areas may need additional time to heal.
