Everything You Need to Know About Nipple Cream

While the breastfeeding experience can be incredibly rewarding, it may also come with some challenges—including sore nipples. Nobody likes nipple pain, and that’s where nipple cream comes in! These products offer a soothing solution for cracked, infected, or sensitive nipples to keep you comfortable and your breastfeeding journey on track.

Nipple cream is a must-have in every nursing and pumping mom's toolkit. In fact, if you haven’t given birth yet, you might want to consider adding nipple cream to your baby registry! It's designed to protect and heal your skin and can be used before and after a nursing session and during pumping. Whether you're dealing with soreness and nipple pain, or just want to prevent potential issues, the right nipple cream can make all the difference.

We understand the importance of nipple care during your breastfeeding journey. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of nipple creams. From understanding why you need them to comparing different options, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and discover how to keep your delicate skin happy and healthy!

There are a variety of nipple cream options on the market. One of the most common types is lanolin-based creams. Lanolin is mainly derived from sheep's wool, and lanolin nipple cream is known for its protective barrier. 

For moms who prefer plant-based options, there are creams made with ingredients like coconut oil, virgin olive oil, aloe leaf extract, or shea butter. These natural alternatives are also affective at soothing and protecting your nipples, and they're often a good choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies to animal-derived products. For example, if you have a wool allergy you may also have a lanolin allergy, which could mean lanolin nipple cream might not be the best choice for you.

At Aeroflow Breastpumps, we're proud to offer a selection of high-quality nipple creams for nursing mothers with natural ingredients to suit different preferences. One popular choice for moms with cracked nipples is Medela Purelan Lanolin cream. This ethically sourced, highly purified, 100% ultra-pure lanolin cream (that’s it—that’s the only ingredient!) is medical-grade and hypoallergenic. It forms a protective layer that helps promote healing when nipples have deep abrasions. This natural nipple cream is also safe for your baby, but because it is so thick, you may want to wipe some of it off before breastfeeding. 

We also offer the number one nipple cream recommended by lactation consultants and healthcare providers in the US: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream. This single-ingredient product is made of 100% HPA-modified pure lanolin and is renowned for its effectiveness in soothing and protecting cracked nipples. Like the Medela cream, Lansinoh’s nipple cream is thick, so you may want to wipe some off before breastfeeding.

Nipple balms and nipple butter are also mama-approved products that aim to heal infected, painful nipples. Nipple balms are usually quite a bit thinner than lanolin-based nipple creams.

Willow Nipple Balm is just one of the many great options you can use to help avoid infection. This plant-based nipple balm contains premium vegan and non-toxic ingredients, has no fragrance, phthalates, preservatives, or parabens, and is lanolin-free. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and safe to use while breastfeeding. As a bonus, Willow Nipple Balm can also be used as a lubricant on breast pump flanges to provide a more comfortable pumping session.

The soothing Medela, Lansinoh, and Willow creams described above are free from harmful additives and are safe for your baby, so you can feel confident using any of them. These pure, high-quality products are a great way to combat irritated nipples, and all three brands are designed to stay put for long-lasting protection. 

It's not necessary to wipe off your nipples after breastfeeding or expressing your milk. Breast milk has healing properties, and it will not harm your nipples to leave some on. Take a small amount of cream (a pea-sized amount is usually enough) and gently apply the cream to the concerning spot on your nipple, not the whole nipple and areola. There's no need to rub it in completely. Remember, with any of the nipple cream options we’ve covered in this blog, you don't need to wipe them off before the next feeding session, but you may feel more comfortable wiping off thicker creams prior to feeding.

As for frequency, you can apply nipple cream as often as needed until your concern has resolved. Many nursing moms find it helpful to apply after each feeding. The key is to listen to your body and give your nipples the care they need.

As Nicole Peluso, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Aeroflow Breastpumps’ Manager of Lactation Services and Education, explained to Forbes, “Nipple balms will last longer on the nipple, which may be helpful for creating a moisture barrier,” but your skin still needs to breathe now and then. No matter what you use—lanolin products, organic nipple balm, or anything else—always keep an eye on your nipple and the surrounding skin to ensure there is no irritation.

And while nipple creams and balms are fantastic tools for breast care, they’re just one part of a comprehensive approach to nipple health. Ensuring a proper latch is crucial for preventing nipple soreness and damage. If you're struggling with latch issues, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or to one of our lactation consultants for personalized advice and support.

After each feeding session, try letting your nipples air-dry for a few minutes before putting your bra and nipple cream back on. If you're dealing with particularly painful nipples, you might find it helpful to use breast shells between feedings. These cushions create a protective space around your nipples, preventing friction from your clothing and helping to ease engorgement.

For moms dealing with flat or inverted nipples, nipple everters can be a game-changer. These devices help draw out the nipple prior to a feeding, helping with latch-on problems and supporting mamas with flat, inverted, or sore nipples. 

Remember, every mom's breastfeeding journey is unique. What works perfectly for one mama’s sensitive skin may not be the best solution for another. That's why it's essential to be patient with yourself, stay open to trying different options, and reach out for support when you need it. And while nipple cream can be incredibly helpful, it shouldn't be used to mask underlying issues. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider or seek professional support from a lactation consultant.

For even more support, join our Facebook group, Aeroflow Breastpumps: The Pumping Room, and enjoy a safe space where mothers and their support partners can exchange stories, offer mutual support, receive expert guidance from our clinicians, and share parenting wins. We hope to see you there!