Will you or won’t you? It’s the eternal question that all new mums face when it comes to breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeed, a good nipple cream could make the world of difference to your experience.

From low milk supply to engorgement, plugged ducts to tongue tie, there’s a number of challenges that come with breastfeeding. Chapped nipples is a common barrier that new mums face.

The reality is that breastfeeding isn’t always straightforward. In this feature we’re going to take a look at some of the products on the market that can help with your feeding journey. If breastfeeding is right for you, please know that there is a wealth of support out there to help.

Common breastfeeding struggles

If you’re struggling with feeding, know that you’re not alone. A study found that 70% of mothers experience breastfeeding difficulties, with the following issues being the largest culprits:

Cracked nipples

Cracked or sore nipples are often the result of poor latch. It happens when the nipple is closer to the baby’s mouth and pinched against the hard palate. On occasion, it can also be due to a bacterial infection, or other causes like tongue-tie. Being able to talk to a maternity wife or GP can help, and they may advise using a nipple balm to soothe the pain.

Low milk supply

There can be many reasons why milk supply is low, from the milk not coming in on time, to not breastfeeding enough to keep up your supply. As well as being  frustrating and disheartening at times, this may cause pain or discomfort.

Pain

Whether it’s from poor latch, or engorgement, or even an infection, breastfeeding can sometimes feel painful, but know that it shouldn't be a painful experience as standard. If you're in pain, there's an issue to tackle. Using a pump may help to alleviate the pain, as might a warm compress or our trusted friend - Breast Saviour.

Fatigue

It’s said that a new parent loses 109 minutes of sleep every night in their baby’s first year. 

There are of course many other physical and phycological reasons why breastfeeding may be troublesome, however these tend to be the greatest pain points.

Nipple cream - how can it help?

Good news - there is light at the end of the breastfeeding tunnel. There are many products available to help your nipples heal and relieve the pain, when you’re breastfeeding and/or expressing.

Nipple cream is used to help soothe and heal the delicate skin around your nipples, providing much relief to cracks, sores and itching. However, many mums aren’t aware that the most popular nipple creams tend to be made with lanolin, which derives from sheep’s wool and undergoes a chemical process to turn it into skincare.

What you need to know about lanolin

You’ll find yourself reading ingredients in everything now that you’re a parent – beauty products included. This includes looking for allergens and chemicals you might want to avoid. Which brings us to lanolin.

Better known as the thick waxy substance found in nipple creams (and some beauty products), lanolin is secreted from lamb’s wool. It then undergoes pesticide treatment to rid it of any parasites, before being used for everyday consumption. Even though it is approved for use, it’s understandable why a number of people opt for lanolin-free products, especially as this balm may easily come into contact with your baby.

That’s not all; being a direct animal product, lanolin is not suitable for vegans, or those who may suffer with certain allergies.

So, if not lanolin, then what?

Best nipple balm for breastfeeding

If you’re looking for a safe and superior product, NAYDAYA's Breast Saviour is an all-rounder. The soothing nipple balm is 100% natural, vegan-friendly, as well as cruelty and fragrance free. It’s a great investment too. Being lanolin-free, it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Simply dollop a generous spread on to your nipple after feeding, or when dry, and let it work its magic. As a bonus, there’s no need to remove it prior to breastfeeding, as it’s safe for babies. 

It also comes in handy for a number of other ailments too, including; dry lips, dry cuticles and nappy rash. Formulated specifically for delicate skin, it features gentle ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic cocoa butter and mango butter - the perfect nourishment for your healing body.

So that’s the lowdown on nipple balm and lanolin. Will you be using lanolin-free products going forward? Let us know in the comments.