Breastfeeding Care: Sore Nipples, Leaks and Pumping

Good breastfeeding care in the first weeks comes down to three things: a deep latch to protect your nipples, keeping the skin under your bra clean and dry, and getting help early if something hurts. With the right support, early problems such as sore nipples, leaking and full breasts often get easier, so you can keep feeding your baby comfortably.

This guide is for new and expecting mums in the UAE, where hot summers and air-conditioned rooms both affect how your skin feels.

Breastfeeding care in the first weeks: what is normal

In the first few days your breasts make colostrum, a thick, yellowish first milk that comes in small amounts, which suits a newborn's tiny tummy. Over the next few days your milk increases, and your breasts may feel fuller, heavier and warmer.

Newborns feed often, day and night. This is normal and helps build your milk supply. Feed your baby when you see early hunger cues, such as rooting or sucking on their hands.

Some tenderness at the start of a feed is common early on. Pain that lasts through the whole feed, or nipples that look squashed or damaged afterwards, usually means the latch needs adjusting.

Sore or cracked nipples: latch first, then creams and balms

The most common cause of sore nipples is the baby not being well attached to the breast. A cream can make skin more comfortable, but fixing the latch matters most.

Signs of a good latch

• Your baby's mouth is wide open, with a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple.
• Their chin touches your breast and their cheeks look full and rounded.
• You can hear or see swallowing, and the feed feels comfortable after the first few sucks.

If it hurts, slide a clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to gently break the suction, then try again. A midwife or lactation consultant can watch a feed and help with positioning, so ask the hospital or clinic where you gave birth about breastfeeding support.

Nipple creams and balms

A nipple cream for breastfeeding can soothe and protect dry, sore skin between feeds, which may feel especially welcome if air conditioning leaves your skin dry. Apply a small amount after feeds and follow the directions on the pack. Options in our pharmacy include:

• Medela Purelan Cream 37g: a single-ingredient lanolin nipple cream with no fragrance or preservatives, which does not need to be removed before feeding.
• Mustela Nursing Comfort Balm 30ml: a balm from the Mustela Maternity range, made to soothe and protect dry, sensitive skin on the nipples and areolas.
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Nursing Butter 30g: a cocoa butter balm with pro-vitamin B5, made to soothe and soften dry, sore nipples.

Lanolin comes from sheep's wool, so if you are sensitive to wool or lanolin, ask our pharmacist about other choices.

Leaking: choosing breast pads and changing them often in the heat

Leaking milk is common in the early weeks, especially when your breasts are full. It often settles as your supply adjusts to your baby.

Breast pads sit inside your bra and absorb milk so your clothes stay dry. In the UAE heat, warm, damp skin can leave nipples sore and irritated, so change pads as soon as they feel damp, wear a well-fitting nursing bra that is not too tight, and carry spare pads when you go out.

• Pigeon Breast Pads (12 pads): disposable pads with an absorbent core and waterproof backing, individually wrapped so they are easy to carry in your bag.

Expressing and storing breast milk: pumps and storage bags

Expressing means removing milk from your breast by hand or with a pump. You might express to ease uncomfortably full breasts, if your baby is in special care, or if you need to be away from your baby, for example when you go back to work.

Hand expressing is useful in the first days, and your midwife can show you how. Once your milk has come in, a breast pump for new mums can make expressing easier.

• Pigeon Breast Pump: an easy-to-use plastic breast pump that helps you express milk and relieve full breasts.
• NUK Breast Milk Bags (25 bags): bags made for storing expressed breast milk, from NUK's breastfeeding range.

Safe storage tips

• Wash your hands before expressing, and clean every pump part that touches milk after each use, following the maker's instructions.
• Label each bag with the date and store it at the back of the fridge or in the freezer, following the storage times on the pack or from your healthcare provider.
• Do not leave expressed milk in a warm room or a hot car. When you are out, use a cool bag with ice packs.
• Thaw frozen milk in the fridge, never in the microwave, and do not refreeze it once thawed.

Postpartum essentials: maternity pads and comfort

After birth, every mother has bleeding and discharge called lochia, whether the baby was born vaginally or by caesarean. It starts heavy and red and slowly becomes lighter over several weeks, and it may be a little heavier during feeds.

Maternity pads after birth are longer and more absorbent than everyday pads. Use pads rather than tampons until your doctor says otherwise, change them regularly, and wash your hands before and after. In hot weather, changing more often and wearing loose cotton underwear can help you feel fresher.

• Friends Maternity Pads (10 pads): highly absorbent pads with a soft, cotton-like top sheet, made for use after childbirth.

You can find these and other essentials in our mother and baby collection.

Looking after yourself: water, rest and support in a hot climate

• Drink to thirst. Keep a glass of water nearby when you feed. Many mums feel thirsty while feeding, and the heat adds to this.
• Eat regular meals with fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein, and keep easy snacks within reach.
• Rest when you can, and accept help from family and friends with meals, housework and older children.
• Stay cool. Feed in a shaded or air-conditioned room, and dress yourself and your baby in light layers.
• Look after your mood. Feeling tearful in the first days is common. If low mood or worry lasts more than two weeks, speak to your doctor.

When to see a doctor or ask our pharmacist

See a doctor promptly if you notice:

• A red, hot, swollen or painful area of the breast, or a fever, chills or flu-like feeling. These can be signs of mastitis.
• Cracked or bleeding nipples that do not heal, or burning or shooting pain that continues after feeds.
• Your baby is not feeding well, is very sleepy or hard to wake for feeds, has fewer wet nappies than expected, or looks yellow.
• Bleeding that suddenly gets heavier, large clots, or discharge that smells unpleasant.

For very heavy bleeding, feeling faint, feeling very unwell, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, go to the nearest emergency department or call 998.

Our pharmacist can help you choose and use nipple creams, breast pads, a breast pump or maternity pads, and tell you when to see a doctor or lactation consultant.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for breastfeeding to hurt?

Some tenderness in the first days is common, but breastfeeding should not stay painful. Ongoing pain usually means the latch needs adjusting, so ask a midwife or lactation consultant to watch a feed.

Do I need to wipe off nipple cream before feeding?

It depends on the product. Some, such as Medela Purelan, do not need to be removed. Check the directions on the pack, or ask our pharmacist.

Can I keep breastfeeding with mastitis?

Usually yes. Keeping milk flowing from the affected breast helps, and your milk is still safe for your baby. See a doctor for diagnosis and advice.

Does my breastfed baby need extra water in the UAE summer?

Babies under six months who are fully breastfed do not usually need extra water, even in hot weather. Breastfeed more often instead, and speak to your doctor if you are worried.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own health, speak to your doctor or ask our pharmacist at Bait Al Dawaa Pharmacy.