Swollen Nipple: Advice Wanted
Hi parents. I’ve got one swollen nipple and can’t figure out how to fix it. My baby can still drink from it, milk is flowing, it’s a little tender but not painful. I’ve tried ice, ibuprofen, and APNO, but nothing is helping. Since there are no other symptoms my lactation consultant and midwife can’t figure out what’s wrong. Has this happened to you? Does anyone have any insight? It’s not sore, cracked or engorged, just a swollen puffy nipple.
Jun 5, 2021
Parent Replies
Hi, I have so much empathy for you! I had lots of trouble with one nipple when my newborn was nursing, and I suffered through the pain for 10 weeks before the nipple finally healed. Mine was not just swollen but split open. Nothing seemed to work until I started soaking it in warm salt water for about 7-8 minutes every time right after I nursed. If you decide to do this, make sure the water is not too hot. All of the details for how exactly to do the salt water rinse are here: https://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/nipplehealing/. It took about 3 days before it started to heal and then it completely resolved soon after, and I was able to nurse my son for a whole year afterwards without any pain.