If you develop a breast or nipple blister, determine which type of blister you have before you breastfeed your baby. If you have blisters on your breast from a herpes outbreak or contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, you should not breastfeed your child. However, if you get a friction blister from breastfeeding (specifically, the rubbing of your baby’s mouth against the skin on your breast), it might be painful, but it’s safe to continue to breastfeed. Here are 10 tips for breastfeeding with a friction blister.
Don’t Pop the Blister
While it can be tempting to pop a blister, it’s best to leave it be. With time, it will heal on its own. If you try to pop a blister or break it open, it could take longer to heal or make the situation worse (such as by opening the skin up to infection).
Check Your Baby’s Latch
Make sure your baby is latching on to your breast correctly. If you have a blister because of a poor latch and you don’t fix it, the blister might not heal well. It could also continue to come back.
Breastfeed With Unaffected Breast First
If the blister is painful, breastfeed on the breast without the blister first. Your baby’s suck is stronger at the beginning of a feeding. After they’ve nursed for a while on the unaffected side, their suck might be less vigorous by the time you switch them to the breast that’s sore from a blister.
Rotate Breastfeeding Positions
Use a different nursing position each time you breastfeed. Your baby’s mouth will be in a different place on your breast with each position change, which means that one area won’t be getting all the pressure and friction. Switching positions can also put less pressure on the site of the blister, which can help make it less painful for you to breastfeed.
Use Safe Pain Medication
If you can’t get through a feeding session without pain, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you take a dose of Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) an hour before nursing, it might help reduce the pain.
Watch for Signs of Infection
If your blister is causing intense pain, the pain gets worse, or you develop signs of an infection, contact your health care provider right away.
Pump If You Can’t Breastfeed
If you have to temporarily stop breastfeeding to let your breast(s) heal, be sure to pump your breast milk. Pumping will allow you to continue to provide breast milk for your baby as well as maintain your milk supply.
Breasts that are swollen, red, tender, and warm to the touchDischarge from your nipple that is unusual (such as pus or blood)Feeling generally sick or having “flu-like” symptoms (such as malaise, a fever, and chills)
Use Your Pump Correctly
If you’re pumping, make sure the breast flanges (breast shields) fit you properly and don’t set the pump’s suction level too high. The incorrect use of a breast pump can cause blisters and damage to your breast tissue. It can also further irritate breasts that are already blistered and painful.
Pay Attention to Your Bra
Wear a clean, dry nursing bra that is supportive and fits you well. A bra that’s too tight can put too much pressure on your breast tissue. A bra that’s too big can rub against your breasts causing more friction.
Change Your Breast Pads Often
If you wear nursing pads, change them whenever they become soiled or wet. Wet nursing pads provide the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. If you already have a blister or skin breakdown on your breasts, bacteria can enter your skin and cause an infection.
