breastfeeding cream, which one to buy?

redballoon_2

Hi all.

Im due in december and very keen to breast feed but v worried about the pain and soreness this can bring (?)

what creams, lotions or potions can i use to help or prevent this from happening?

Thanks

msmicawber

It's a long time ago for me now, but I used a cream called Camillosan (sp?) which was camomile based, so wouldn't harm the baby. I got it from the chemist shop.

mrcow

Don't use anything.

You seriously don't need anything. It can put the baby off as it disguises the smell of you and it will make everything icky.

I've breastfed three children and have never applied any cream (apart from prescribed medication that had to be applied due to an infection once) and got along just fine for manymany months.

skylight

I'm with MrCow. I used camillosan (sp) when I had a really sore bout, but that was it for less than 2 days. If you put too much on or use stuff longer term then baby can taste and smell it and it puts them off.

I fed 4 and will do the fifth in December - I did have to buy nipple shields for number 2 and that made the difference in me continuing. I only needed them for a few days.

The best thing for your boobies are damn good NON-underwired supporting bras for daytime and nighttime. Keeping shape on a long term basis is much more important.

moppet_217

Hi

I used Lanishol (sp) when bf my son. It is a laniolan based product. The midwives in our area all carried small smaple packs of it and just gave a few packs of it out to you. It was a great cream and a little went a long way.

I would not worry about buying anything if you do find you need some ask your midwife or send your dp out there is so many 24r places. It would be a waste to buy and not need it.

Cheers

ailuro2

I too used camillosan, just when things were starting to get a bit on the sore side, it does take a bit of 'toughening' before it feels like it's natural.;)

I also went with cabbage leaves first, though, they worked, it's not an old wives tale, the darker green the cabbage the better, I had one in the fridge from my due date onwards, and it was a godsend.

A single cabbage leaf for each boob, straight from the fridge is like heaven!!

forgot to say we were told to wipe some breastmil over each nipple after each feed. DD is 10 in October, so things may have moved on since then.

Fritha_2

My midwife recommend Lansinoh, and she said you can get it on prescription so I was rather chuffed to learn that as it's blimming expensive!

She also recommended Savoy cabbage leaves too Ailuro! :-)

starbump

If you want to use a cream, I'd recommend Lansinoh because you don't need to remove it before feeding baby. I used it and my baby didn't seem to mind - I think it doesn't taste of much.

I don't think it made a big difference to the pain though. After 6-8 weeks or so, the pain went anyway. I think the cream was more to give me something to do. I also used homeopathic remedies but, once again, it may have been a placebo effect.

Pink_Princess_1

Definately Lansinoh it works really well and dosnt need to be washed off before feeding baby like kamillosan does. Savoy cabbage leaves straight from the fridge are also brilliant - I think these two items helped me carry on:p


Edited: I agree with above poster tho and wait to see if you need any cream. Your midwife will give u a sample

msmicawber

Is the recommendation now to wash Camillosan off before feeding now? Just asking as it's been many years since I breastfed and in those days, Camillosan was recommended for sore nipples precisely because it didn't need to be washed off. (Don't know why I'm worrying after all this time really - maternal guilt, I guess.)

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart

The best way to prevent soreness is to get a correct latch Have a google for instructional breastfeeding videos - there are loads about - and also check the La Leche League/NCT/Association of Breastfeeding Mothers websites for numbers of breastfeeding counsellors so you have the numbers to hand when baby arrives. Then, if you experience pain - and some do, some don't - give them a call. It's best if somebody can watch you feed in person, so try to find someone who can see you.

Both Lansinoh and Kamillosan are good for sore nipples and are best applied after a feed, though it won't hurt baby to apply it before. You can also use ice in a flannel to numb your nipples before a feed.