There are multiple products available that individually treat each of the factors that can cause nipple soreness. A combination of treatments is the best approach since it is not always easy to detect the exact cause. At Park Compounding Pharmacy we make All Purpose Nipple Ointment with three effective ingredients for reducing soreness from breastfeeding. Since pain and discomfort in the nipples is one the most common reasons that women stop breastfeeding, it can be especially crucial for both the mother and baby that nipple soreness is treated.

Nipples Soreness and Proper Latching

All Purpose Nipple Ointment was developed by Dr. Jack Newman of the International Breastfeeding Centre (IBC) in Toronto. According to the experts at IBC, most nipple soreness begins from improper latching of the baby during feeding. In order to keep the mother breastfeeding, the All Purpose Nipple Ointment is used to treat nipple soreness while latching technique is corrected.

Poor latching, a fungal or bacterial infection, and broken skin can all cause pain during breastfeeding. Usually pain will be worse as the baby is latching but it can continue during and even after feeding. Infections may cause a burning sensation in the breasts and sharp pains through the nipples can result from cracked skin. If a mother is experiencing pain when breastfeeding she should seek treatment immediately so there are no interruptions in her baby’s feeding.

Ingredients in Dr. Jack Newman’s All Purpose Nipple Ointment

Dr. Newman’s ointment is a combination of ingredients that work together to treat the multiple possible causes of soreness from breastfeeding. An antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, and an antifungal all work together in a soothing ointment to eliminate infection and reduce pain.

1. Mupirocin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria that form in cracked, irritated nipples. In particular it treats Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common type of bacteria found in the nipples when skin is damaged. Mupirocin is safe to use even when breastfeeding as it metabolizes very quickly in the body.
2. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that decreases inflammation that is the main cause of nipple pain and soreness. Inflammation is part of the immune system’s response to skin being damaged. When the skin of the nipple becomes cracked and inflamed it can cause pain and sensitivity that makes breastfeeding difficult.
3. Miconazole is an antifungal that treats Candida albicans – a fungus that can cause infections in the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. Candida is sometimes referred to as “thrush” and when a mother is nursing she is especially susceptible to getting it on the skin of the nipple. Thrush may cause pain and itching in the nipple and breast and make nipples hypersensitive to touch. This kind of fungus responds well to treatment with antifungals and will usually subside quickly with use of APNO.
4. Lanolin is the base for All Purpose Nipple Ointment and can provide some benefit on its own. A lanolin ointment can help the healing process by keeping the skin of the nipple and areola moisturized.  A nipple with dry, cracked skin is more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections that will prolong the healing process.

Where to Get All Purpose Nipple Ointment

Dr. Jack Newman’s All Purpose Nipple Ointment requires a prescription and is only available from a compounding pharmacy. If a mother is experiencing pain when breastfeeding she should contact her healthcare provider immediately and discuss her options. Correcting latching technique will be the main focus while APNO can help the mother reduce discomfort and return to breastfeeding as soon as possible.

Have your doctor write a prescription for APNO then give us a call. We will ship your medication directly to your home. Our pharmacy staff is here to assist you if you have any questions.

Links

International Breastfeeding Centre: This is an excellent resource for mothers to learn about proper latching technique.