What should a mother do if the nipple is cracked or raw while breastfeeding?

When a mother experiences cracked or raw nipples during breastfeeding, ensuring proper latching techniques is crucial. Proper latch can help prevent further trauma to the nipple and facilitate a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. A correct latch allows the baby to effectively remove milk without causing unnecessary friction or injury to the mother’s skin. Mothers should seek to align their baby's mouth to cover a significant portion of the areola, not just the nipple itself, which reduces strain and pain.

While consulting a lactation specialist is beneficial and can provide additional support and education, addressing the latch issue is often a critical first step. Continuing breastfeeding without change could exacerbate the problem, causing further discomfort and potentially leading to infection. Switching to formula feeding might not address the underlying issue and could disrupt the breastfeeding relationship and milk supply. Therefore, focusing on correct latching is key to resolving nipple pain and ensuring successful breastfeeding.