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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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My breasts itch so badly these days, but I am afraid to use a moisturizer because I don't know the effect it will have on my 1-month-old baby when he breastfeeds. What can I do for a little relief?
If your breasts are itchy, there is no reason you cannot use moisturizer on them. Avoid putting the moisturizer on your nipples. Use an ultrapurified lanolin (Lansinoh) on the nipples if they are also itchy. You are right to worry about lotions or oils, or soap getting into the baby's mouth, but Lansinoh will not harm the baby and offer a helpful moisturizer to the nipple area.
Some babies do not like the smell of highly perfumed lotions on the breasts, so you might choose the unscented ones. Consider double-rinsing your bras when you wash them, and not using fabric softener in the rinse. Laundry detergents and fabric softeners can aggravate dry skin. Hope you feel better soon!
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