Breastfeeding a baby can be a bonding, tender time between mother and child, but for mothers who suffer with eczema of the breast, areola, or nipple breastfeeding can be incredibly painful. The specific cause of eczema is still unknown, but it can be traced to the same triggers for asthma and allergies. Allergens can be avoided, but with nursing a child, the physical irritation repeats on a regular basis throughout the day and night. This continuous irritation can lead to sore, cracked and bleeding, and itchy skin on the breast, particularly in the areola and nipple area. What can a mother do to find Eczema symptom relief when she has to irritate the skin all over again every few hours?
Here are a few tips to help a new mother find relief from the pain and irritation.
#1 EczeMate
Use of steroid creams is a major problem for nursing mothers. The cream has to be applied after the child is done nursing and then thoroughly removed before the child can nurse, but the dangers of any residual steroid cream being transferred to an infant can cause anxiety in a mother and justifiably so. The natural alternative to the risky steroid cream is EczeMate, an all-natural ointment made from beeswax, Black Currant oil, Sea Buckthorn oil, Rose Hip oil, and Flax Seed oil. This ointment can be applied to the irritated breast skin after nursing, very gently cleansing the nipple prior to nursing, and feeding the child without fear of dangerous chemicals.
#2 Breast Pads
If milk leakage is causing a continual moisture film against the nipple area this can cause irritation even when not nursing. Plastic-free, cotton breast pads can be used to absorb this milk and prevent irritation.
#3 Breast Shells
If the nipple area is too sensitive to have anything against it breast shells could be used. These physical barriers keep a shirt, bra, or anything else from touching the nipple and causing irritation and eczema flare-up.
#4 Correct Latch
Sometimes irritation to the nipple can be caused by an improper latch on the baby onto the breast. If this is a concern the mother can search for a breast feeding mentor through the La Leche League or trusted family member.
