Sore Nipples

Breasts

Breasts are an indication of feminity and seen as a symbol of womanhood, fertility and motherhood.

The breast is a glandular organ, containing predominantly fat and blood vessels and which lies over the 2nd to 6th ribs on the chest wall. During puberty, breasts increase in size, connective tissue increases, the ducts lengthen and breast lobules are formed.

The nipples are surrounded by the areola, which may vary in colour from pinkish to dark brown. It contains small elevations, known as the tubercles of Montgomery, which help to lubricate the area during breastfeeding.

Breast structure varies considerably. At the time of menarche the breast begins to grow rapidly under the influence of sex hormones. Each month, when a woman approaches the menstruation the size of the breast may fluctuate. If a pregnancy does occur, then the breast enlarges even more. By the end of the pregnancy, the breast is almost entirely a glandular structure. Following pregnancy these changes subside and the breast becomes less glandular. As the woman grows older the lobules and acini (tiny bulbs where the milk is produced) begin to decrease and fatty tissues increase. This is accelerated with the menopause.

Nipples

In anatomy, a nipple, or mammary papilla, is a small projection of skin containing the outlets for 15-20 lactiferous ducts arranged cylindrically around the tip. The physiological purpose of the female nipples is to deliver milk during lactation. Infants have a rooting instinct for seeking the nipple, and a sucking instinct for extracting milk; this is called breastfeeding.

In human anatomy, the nipple is located near the center of the breast, surrounded by an area of sensitive, pigmented skin known as the areola. Mammals typically have an even number of nipples arranged bilaterally.

Small non-striated myocytes (muscle cells) arranged cylindrically within the nipple are responsible for the nipple becoming erect when they are stimulated (for example, during breastfeeding).

Male nipples are often considered vestigial with regard to breastfeeding, although male lactation is possible.

Sometimes, babies (male or female) are born producing milk. This is called "witches' milk" and caused by maternal estrogens acting on the baby. It is quite normal. Witches' milk disappears after several days.

During breastfeeding it is not unusual to suffer from sore nipples. Various factors can be the cause:

• Incorrect baby positioning during feedings. Finding the correct latch will help resolve the problem.
• Incorrect infant tongue positioning
• Infant with strong clench
• Local dermatitis - inflammation of the skin resulting in a range of symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching or blistering eg. Thrush (Nipple Thrush), Nipple Eczema, Contact Dermatitis (such as soaps, detergents etc)
• Difficulties in using breast pumps
• Breast engorgement
• Nipple vasospasms

Complications

• Nipple fissures also referred to as cracked nipples
• Infection of fungal (Nipple Thrush) or bacterial origins. Germs can be transmitted to babies through breastfeeding

The following remedies despite being common practice are not recommended to soothe nipple pain:

• Warmed tea bags as it may cause drying and cracking of the nipples
• Drying breast (eg. using a hair blower)
• Some topical agents (eg. veterinary Bag Balm)
• Nipple shield