If there is one question new breastfeeding moms always ask, it is this question, “Can I Use Vaseline As Nipple Cream When Breastfeeding?”. Sore nipple is a major problem among nursing mothers. Here is a list of remedies out there for solving this challenge.
Mothers face this challenge at the onset of breastfeeding, and this is basically due to improper positioning of their babies. Mothers are not advised to stop breastfeeding their babies even when they experience soreness of the nipples. This is due to the fact that breast milk production reduces once the supply reduces.
According to research, the best approach involves pumping breast milk to monitor supply. Additionally, treating sore nipples with ointments capable of healing and preventing future occurrences is recommended.
The use of coconut oil has been recommended and it has been in use for a long time because of its antimicrobial quality. Apart from it, other ointments or creams have been in use as well.
Can I Use Vaseline As Nipple Cream When Breastfeeding
Vaseline is a petroleum jelly product that takes care of the skin by moisturizing it. However, because it’s made with chemicals, most nursing mothers run away from using it to ease their nipple pain. Others some ask lots of questions about it.
The breast is delicate, and women are advised to be mindful of what they apply to their breasts to avoid severe health complications such as breast cancer and more.
Although some women use Vaseline as a nipple cream to help their sore nipples, there is not much study that proves that Vaseline treats sore nipples. It works well at preventing diaper rash on babies’ skins; working as a barrier between diapers and babies’ skins. It also works well at preventing chafing but not much has been said about its effectiveness as a nipple cream.
While some studies claim that the use of Vaseline is completely a healthy act, others say otherwise stating that petroleum-based ointments prevent easy airflow on the nipple and as it clogs the Montgomery glands on the breast.
Since there’s no factual research proof on it, it’s advised that you go for natural oil that has no side effects on you or your baby. Examples include coconut oil and olive oil.
You are free to apply Vaseline on your skin as well as your baby’s, but use purely natural oil on your nipple, especially during the breastfeeding period.
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Is Vaseline Safe for Cracked Nipples?
You’re not wrong if you want to know if Vaseline is safe for your cracked nipples; you aren’t alone.
The effect of Vaseline on cracked nipples is not totally clear. Some people agree that it is 100% safe to apply Vaseline on cracked nipples. They state that refined petroleum jelly isn’t dangerous as it does not contain a harmful ingredient called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH).
According to this group of people, Vaseline is a petroleum jelly product that has a low chance of exposing users to cancer and other related health issues.
While a host of others disagree stating that Vaseline due to its thick nature blocks the Montgomery glands. These glands are the sebaceous gland around the nipples leading to the development of pimples that aren’t good for anyone.
They also stated that petroleum jelly products such as Vaseline when applied to broken nipples are capable of making the situation worse.
This conclusion was made from the fact that the skin including the nipple, forms a protective film after an injury which helps it to prevent future occurrences. They believe that petroleum jelly products such as Vaseline inhibit the process of this film formation.
Since the information isn’t clear, it’s safe to utilize the ointments that have been clinically verified than going for petroleum jelly which isn’t declared totally safe for you and your baby.
You can make use of your breast milk which is readily available, 100% natural coconut oil, or olive oil to heal your cracked nipples within a short period of time. You can still visit the hospital to see your doctor if you insist on using Vaseline on your nipple.
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Should You Moisturize your Nipples?
Nipples like every part of the breast are tender and it experiences dryness often, and therefore should be moisturized often.
Generally, you are supposed to take care of your breast especially during breastfeeding when there’s a heavy tendency of experiencing cracked or sore nipples. Moisturizing the nipple is very important and I will tell you why.
1. Nipples get dry easily
Nipples are delicate and soft, and this makes them experience drying, cracking, and soreness easily. This is why it is very important that you moisturize them often to prevent these situations.
Since they are delicate, especially during the period of breastfeeding, it’s wise to use products or ointments that can absorb quickly into the skin. It’s also wise to make use of natural ointment that won’t harm you in any way. Coconut oil that didn’t go through refinement and hydrogenation is the best.
And in case you insist on using Vaseline as a nipple cream, it will be at your risk. Ensure you report to your doctor once you notice any kind of negative effect.
Other products that can be used include Shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil. Ensure you don’t go for industrially processed ones. Instead, you can choose to prepare them yourself to ensure no external ingredients are added. Alternatively, you can opt for a verified brand that is publicly recognized for selling natural products.
2. Dry nipples get broken during breastfeeding
If you are in your third trimester, you should begin to moisturize your nipples to make them soft for the coming baby.
The use of Vaseline at this point according to some groups of people, isn’t totally bad. But you must be vigilant to stop the usage if you become sensitive to it.
Even though cracked nipples aren’t only caused by dryness, this practice will help to reduce the possibility of having cracked nipples when the baby finally comes.
Since microbial activities also cause breakage of nipples, applying antimicrobial ointments will help to build up your nipple to be strong enough to withstand the bacteria that might pass through your baby’s mouth to your nipples.
Ensure that you avoid nipple creams made with retinol because it isn’t good both for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
3. Women wear Bra frequently
Most women don’t go anywhere without putting on Bras. Some wear it while at home and even sleep with it even though it’s not advisable.
This is to make you understand that the nipples are always in close contact with bras. This leads to friction especially if it’s a sports bra.
To curtail this friction, you either do away with bras entirely, go for loose ones which are often difficult for women, or consistently moisturize your nipples with nipple cream.
While trying to moisturize your nipples, avoid nipple creams with alcohol because it causes the nipples to crack faster; bringing to light what you’re trying to prevent.
Also, avoid some soaps that are harsh as they are capable of washing off your natural skin oil which will result in dryness of the skin.
As a matter of fact, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should avoid bathing with harsh soaps with strong fragrances for the sake of your baby.
Also, avoid nipple creams with retinol and petroleum jelly especially when your nipples are already cracked.
Retinol does not increase cell turnover and it isn’t safe for your baby to consume. Sticky nipple creams aren’t recommended as well, instead, go for nipple creams that are smooth and easily absorbed by the skin.
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Applying Vaseline On your Breast – What You Should Know
People have reported that applying Vaseline to the skin, including the breast area but excluding the nipple, is very safe. This is because Vaseline which is a petroleum jelly product may block the ducts present in the nipple leading to complications.
1. Vaseline’s Chemical Composition
If you must use Vaseline as a nipple cream or as a body cream, plain or natural petroleum jelly alone may not yield beneficial results. Additionally, be prepared to accept any potential negative consequences that may arise from its use. This is because it contains some chemicals that are harmful to the body.\
2. Refinement of Vaseline
Vaseline is considered one of the best petroleum jelly products due to its extensive refinement process, eliminating harmful ingredients. However, it is not recommended for use on cracked nipples because it lacks antimicrobial properties. It also does not support the healing process.
Applying Vaseline to your breast might be safe. However, when dealing with cracked nipples, it’s advisable to use other ointments specifically designed for healing wounds. These specialized ointments can also provide additional protection for your nipple, reducing the risk of further irritation.
3. Rash Under the Breast?: Avoid Vaseline
You should also know that applying Vaseline on a rash under your breast isn’t a good practice as it could worsen the situation.
4. Occlusion Folliculitis Risk
Vaseline contains wax, which has the tendency to form a thick and impermeable coating on the infected area. This can lead to a condition known as occlusion folliculitis.
5. Moisture Retention and Infection
Another damage it causes is retaining moisture on the skin which will encourage mass growth of microbes leading to further infection.
If you want to get rid of the rashes under your breast, there are safer ways to go about it. Keep your breasts clean by washing every part of it while bathing especially the under part. Most people disregard that part and sweat clogs that area resulting in rashes.
After washing, allow the breast to dry properly before applying your cream or before wearing your bra. If you don’t, the trapped water under your breast might encourage microbial activities.
Endeavour to put on bras that aren’t too tight and are made with cotton. Tight bras collide with the skin under your breast and also causes rashes.
Bras made from materials such as nylon can trap sweat in the breast area. This trapped moisture can create a breeding ground for bacterial or fungal infections.
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Benefits Of Vaseline On Breast?
Most people do not widely accept that Vaseline has significant benefits for breast health or enhancement. Many people do not endorse the claimed benefits of Vaseline on the breasts claimed by another group of people.
1. Breast Enlargement and Firmness
One of the benefits some groups of people believe Vaseline has on the breast is breast enlargement and firmness which has not been scientifically proven. No evidence so far has proven that Vaseline can be used to increase breast size.
No doubt, Vaseline is a petroleum jelly byproduct that contains mineral oils which help to keep the skin healthy. It has a lot of benefits on the skin but you need to know that it has zero effect on the breast when it concerns breast enlargement.
Multiple factors influence breast size such as genetic makeup and body weight. Additionally, some women may experience temporary breast enlargement before or during their menstrual cycle, but this change is usually transient.
There are lots of individuals affirming that applying Vaseline to the breast for a specific period of time increases the breast. Don’t be deceived.
What they experienced after massaging their breast with Vaseline was a result of the massage and not the Vaseline. While massaging the breast, the muscles become relaxed and that increases firmness which will give out the increment feeling.
2. Eczema Treatment
Some dermatologists stated that Vaseline helps to get rid of eczema on the breasts by increasing the skin’s barrier function.
This isn’t widely accepted as well, as other skin professionals insist that Vaseline isn’t a good option for the breast and the nipple. They accepted that Vaseline can be used topically on the skin but not on the breast.
With all this being said, get rid of information on breast enlargement using Vaseline because, at the moment, it’s a misleading information.
Applying Vaseline on every part of your body except the breast isn’t bad so long as you will apply it topically.
3. Vaseline as a Nipple Cream: Potential Risks
Avoid using it as a nipple cream as it might block the ducts on your nipples leaving you with further complications.
There are lots of alternatives that you can apply to your nipple or breast area which won’t hurt you in any way. Go for one of them and avoid Vaseline until its effect is scientifically verified.
Ensure proper positioning of your baby while breastfeeding to reduce the likelihood of experiencing sore nipples.
