Is Nipple Cream Required When Breastfeeding?
Whether you are breastfeeding through pumps or directly, there are high chances you are feeling something different on your nipples. If you experience pain, soreness, or dryness, applying a good nipple cream will reduce discomfort. That being said, each skin type is different. Depending on your skin type and symptoms you may not need a nipple cream.What Does Nipple Cream Do For Breastfeeding?
Nipple creams can aid in your breastfeeding process, making it entirely comfortable and convenient. A good nipple cream will be able to soothe and heal the skin. It also helps in preventing further dryness or damage and maintains moisture. Nipple creams are not only good for traditional breastfeeding but they can also be used as a lubricant on the flanges while pumping milk.Top Rated Breastfeeding Nipple Creams in India 2023
1. Best Lanolin-free Nipple Cream: Earth Mama Organic Natural Nipple Butter
Lanolin is an ingredient that is animal-derived and resembles the sebum that we produce. Many mothers may not be comfortable with the fact that it is obtained from sheep's wool, and may in fact experience sensitivity. In such cases, using a lanolin-free nipple cream is ideal to soothe your nipples. This carefully curated nipple butter contains calendula oil that is non-sticky and safe to ingest which makes it just fine if it's not wiped off before nursing. With the help of its other non-toxic natural ingredients, it can also be used as a pump lubricant and to moisturise other dry areas of your body.
Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Calendula Flower Extract.
Pros: Non-GMO, no petroleum or preservatives, cruelty-free.
Cons: It may feel gritty.
Ratings: 4.7/5
2. Best in Hypoallergenic Creams: Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
This lanolin nipple cream for breastfeeding is completely made of pure and natural ingredients that help in soothing sore and protecting cracked nipples. This does not contain additional ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Its allergen-free formula has a British Allergy Foundation seal of approval, which makes it trustworthy. Unlike other generic lanolin creams, this cream goes through a unique refining process that filters out harmful colours and odour-forming impurities. Give yourself the comfort and joy of feeding your baby at ease, with the help of this unique formula that does not need to be wiped off before feeding. This cream can also be used as a moisturiser for dry skin, as well as nappy rash.
Ingredients: Lanolin 100% HPA® Modified Lanolin, USP
Pros: No petroleum, parabens, or preservatives.
Cons: Greasy feel and leave stains on clothes.
Ratings: 4.6/5
3. Best for Sore and Cracked Nipples: The Moms Co. Natural Nipple Butter
Feeding your baby gives moms the added advantage of extra special skin-to-skin bonding time. While it is the most amazing aspect of seeing non-verbal contact, this process can cause discomfort. Through constant pulling and tugging, moms can experience cracked and sore nipples. With this cream for cracked nipples while breastfeeding, you can now restore the moisture in the skin and increase its elasticity, with the help of kokum butter. It is also enriched in calendula oil that gives relief to irritated skin. The formula is also full of vegan and natural ingredients that make it free from harmful chemicals, parabens, SLS/ SLES, mineral oils, and silicone.
Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, calendula oil, natural vitamin E, kokum butter, wheat germ oil.
Pros: Australia allergy certified, free from synthetic fragrances, toxin-free.
Cons: Some users might find the scent of the cream off-putting.
Ratings: 4.3/5
4. Best in Provitamin B5: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Nursing Butter
This cream has provitamin B5, which eases the discomfort of soreness and cracks by softening the nipples. Provitamin B5 also aids in increasing elasticity and retaining maximum moisture. Even expectant women can benefit from this nursing butter. With its simple-to-apply formula, this nipple cream aids moms in moisturising and conditioning their nipples even before the baby is born. Since it does not contain oils, you can rest assured that there will be no residue or stains on your clothes.
Ingredients: Petrolatum, theobroma cacao seed butter, panthenol.
Pros: Dermatologist tested, paraben-free, phthalate-free.
Cons: Needs to be cleaned off before feeding the baby.
Ratings: 4.5/5
5. Best in Non-Toxic: Bamboobies Lanolin-Free Nipple Cream
This effective nipple cream has been created using natural components. An amazing natural breastfeeding nipple cream is toxin-free and convenient to use since it isn't necessary to wipe it off before breastfeeding. With the help of this soothing cream, you can now breastfeed with much greater comfort. Furthermore, due to its moisturising qualities, it helps shield your nipples from further harm. Because this cream contains natural oils, it is essential to use nursing pads to prevent the spotting of the oil.
Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, marshmallow root, calendula flower.
Pros: Lanolin-free, non-toxic, USDA-certified organic.
Cons: Some babies may not like the taste.
Ratings: 4.7/5
6. Best in Natural Nipple Balms: Handmade Heroes Free The Nips Nursing Balm
Whether it is breastfeeding or pumping, the rigorous process can be extremely tiresome. While you feel satisfied that your little one is being fed well, there will be days when your body can’t cooperate. Hence, it is a good practice to incorporate a good natural nipple balm into your routine. This balm is one of the best creams for sore nipples when breastfeeding. It is natural and does not contain parabens or preservatives, making it great to use as often as you need, without wiping it off. It has calendula extract that is beneficial to soothe sore, cracked, and growing nipples.
Ingredients: Olive Fruit Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Seed Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Candelilla Wax, Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calendula Flower Extract.
Pros: Plant-based, cruelty-free, no synthetic chemicals.
Cons: Since it contains shea butter, it could solidify and feel grainy.
Ratings: 4.5/5
7. Best in Herbal Creams: Motherlove Nipple Cream
Hailing from the collection of a women-owned business, this herbal balm is a good organic breastfeeding nipple cream. It is safe because of its organic ingredients and does not need to be washed off because it is suitable for consumption. The incredible composition also works well as a lubricant for pumping. This cream has a good texture, like a balm that is inclusive of herbal ingredients such as marshmallow root that aid in healing the skin. It also includes calendula flower extracts, which are antifungal and antibacterial and help reduce inflammation. Since it has been carefully tested for irritation, this cream is suitable for all skin types. This cream has a soothing scent that provides a calming experience for both moms and babies.
Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, marshmallow root, calendula flower.
Pros: No petroleum, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fillers.
Cons: It can leave greasy stains on clothes.
Ratings: 4.6/5
8. Best in Irritant-Free: Cipla Mamaxpert Soothing Nipple Cream
New mothers who are pumping or breastfeeding may have sore and cracked nipples. A soothing nipple cream is crucial for treating these symptoms, which could make the skin sensitive to touch and irritated. In the bargain for multi-tasking and catching up on rest, new mothers often forget to pay attention to their skin. Hence, a soothing cream like this one is a must. The natural elements present in this product, like olive oil and soy lipids, help to moisturise and calm the nipples. It does not include any irritants like SLS or SLeS and is non-sticky. This cream eases the discomfort and chapping of the nipples while being safe to use during pregnancy.
Ingredients: Soy Lipids, Vitamin E, Olive Oil.
Pros: Contains antioxidants, paraben free, irritants free.
Cons: It is recommended to avoid applying the cream just before feeding.
Ratings: 4.1/5
How To Choose The Right Breastfeeding Nipple Cream?
Choosing the right nipple cream for breastfeeding moms is based on different skin types and preferences. You may keep the below aspects in mind to make a well-informed choice:Fragrance: Sometimes babies will be able to sense the difference, and there are chances your baby might become uncomfortable. In such cases, opting for a fragrance-free or mildly scented nipple cream would be ideal.
Ingredients: With an array of different creams to choose from, looking at the ingredients is of key importance. You can opt for nipple creams that have a single ingredient, like lanolin, or select creams with vegan-natural ingredients.
Allergens: Beware of products that may contain components that you could be allergic to. Some examples include - soy, coconut, olive oil, etc. It is recommended to conduct a patch test before adding the product to your routine.
Symptoms: If you experience only specific symptoms, like irritation, it is best to select a cream that provides relief for that specific issue. For example, getting an irritant-free cream for itchy nipples can be a good choice.
Usage: If you need if more convenience, it is best to use a cream that doesn’t need to be wiped off.
How to Use Breastfeeding Nipple Cream?
- Here are the steps you can follow:
- Wipe off any milk residue
- Take enough cream to coat your nipples
- Gently coat your nipples
- It is best to read the instructions carefully as written on the product packaging. Some creams will need to be applied after breastfeeding and wiped off before your next feeding session.
To conclude,
Sore and cracked nipples are very common in many mothers for the first few weeks of feeding babies. While you get accustomed to getting the posture and position of feeding your baby right, investing in a good nipple cream is crucial. A mother’s milk contains antibacterial properties that can naturally heal soreness. Although, many times that is not enough. This is where using a quality nipple cream will help you feel worry-free while you develop healthy nipples that make nursing safe and simple.
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