Don't Rub Breastmilk Into "sore" nipples

Don’t rub breastmilk into "sore" nipples!

1. The nipples shouldn't be cracked in the first place. Cracked skin indicates a more severe problem than "soreness" and the cause(s) should be investigated and addressed thoroughly before any remedies suggested.

2. There's milk on and all around the nipple after the baby ends the feed ends anyway.

3. If the skin is merely tender (not cracked), the stickiness of milk can cause adherence of the bra or clothing which can cause actual damage. A Cochrane review found one remedy slightly better than others for tenderness:

Dennis, C., Allen, K., McCormick, F., & Renfrew, M. (2008). Interventions for treating painful nipples among breastfeeding women (Protocol). 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD007366. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007366. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(4).

4. If the skin is cracked, it is likely to become infected; if infected, rinsing with water then applying proper anti-infective ointment(s) is supported by research.

5. If the skin is cracked and someone DOES rub in milk, any skin bacteria that is present could be rubbed into the cracks, thus causing mastitis.

Brent, N., Rudy, S. J., Redd, B., Rudy, T. E., & Roth, L. A. (1998). Sore nipples in breast-feeding women: a clinical trial of wound dressings vs. conventional care. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 152(11), 1077-1082.