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Your
best ointment is readily available and free
of charge: breastmilk! Express a few drops
of breastmilk onto your nipples after feeding
and let them air dry before covering them.
If your nipples are damaged, moist healing
may help. However, studies have shown that
most nipple creams and ointments are ineffective.
Some creams and ointments marketed for nipple
use are actually NOT suitable for this use.
An appropriate ointment, though its effectivenes
has not been proven, is hypoallergenic anhydrous
lanolin (such as PureLan, Lansinoh). If
you feel you need to apply an ointment,
use only the purest available hypoallergenic
anhydrous lanolin. It should be applied
in very small amounts. Too much of a good
thing is good for nothing... Less is better!
Creams/ointments
containing any of the following ingredients are NOT appropriate
for use on your nipples:
Vitamin
E
Why? High toxicity for baby; seals from
the outside in.
Petroleum,
such as Vaseline brand products, mineral oil, baby oil, cocoa
butter, Bag Balm, dimethicone, etc.
Why? Inhibits skin respiration,
prevents healing and prevents absorption of essential fatty acids.
alcohol
nut
oils and derivatives, such as Massé cream
Why? Potential allergens.
A&D
Ointment
Oils
Why? They should be avoided, as they do
not provide moisture to the wound and may actually prevent moist
healing.
Tea
Tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia)
Why? Toxic for babies, even in very small
quantities (<5ml).
Any
product that needs to be washed off before feeding the baby
Why? Washing irritates the nipples and removes its natural, protective
lubrication.
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