Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi, I have a friend who is 5 weeks postpartum. She is breastfeeding but has developed a wound the size of half a little finger nail on her right nipple which makes does not want to heal. It is very painful when her son latches on. When he is sucking it is ok. She has informed her midwife and doctor but has been told that there's nothing they can do. She tried some salve but her son didn't want to take the nipple because of the bad taste from the salve. She wants to continue breastfeeding and is concerned that she can't if the wound continues to worsen... I told her to get more rest, to apply a paste of turmeric and water (she can't get Sandalwood where she is - in Denmark), massage the breast with coconut oil, change her diet according to the postpartum principles: dairy, teas, eafs, what to avoid, more alkalizing foods etc. Any other suggestions? Thank you. Peace, Bliss & Happiness, Heidi Hi Heidi - Sounds like your friend is one of those pale skinned mamas like me. What worked best with my first baby when nipples cracked and bled was (I forget the timeing) about 10 minutes or more direct sunlight 1-2X daily, if it is possible. EFAs are said to be very important, yes, and vitamin D in the diet especially without ample sunlight. Vitamin E is soothing, open the capsule and apply, bland tasting, but not fast healing by my experience. In any case, full spectrul warm light and ample airing helps. Aside from that if was possible, I would think maybe a licorice ghee (Louise can give the recipe, herbalist there in Boulder - I think it has a little tikta or other herbs, not sure)) would taste best. I'd be applying Myrrh oil at bedtime or mixing in the ghee a drop if I could get away with it, though it also tastes bitter. It is sooo soothing and healing to damaged tissues. In Biblical days, as discussed on last night's conference call on eoils (replay avail) Myrrh oil was used on postpartum perineum and baby's navel immediately after birth. If there is anything else, of course especially with winter months in the northern hemisphere, it will be good to know! Love, Ysha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 After feeding is over, apply a little Jatyadi Tailam or Shat Dhout Ghrutam. Light massage for 5 minutes. Wipe off before next feeding. It wobt interefere with nursing. YOu may mix a little turmeric in either of the two, as an antiseptic and anti-fungal, anti-bacterial. Should these be difficult to obtain, you may use just plain cow ghee, in whatever form available. ayurveda , " Heidi Nordlund " <heidin42 wrote: > > Hi, > I have a friend who is 5 weeks postpartum. She is breastfeeding but > has developed a wound the size of half a little finger nail on her > right nipple which makes does not want to heal. Dr. Bhate, I do not know if this woman in Scandanavia has access to ayurvedic herbs (or myrrh oil or other such). But If we have recipes, often it is possible to make some such unless it also requires bhasmas. We have access to many herbs here, just not by a long shot, all of them. Would you be so kind? Heidi does know how to make tailams, the basic format for such. Thanks - Ysha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 Heidi: all the previous suggestions are very good but won't hellp if she doesn't correct the latch. make sure the lower lip is out and also the baby isn't just sucking on the tip of her nipple. once the latch is corrected thenipple will heal even with no other treatment. She should see a lactation consultant if possible. Vicky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 Heidi - A couple other suggestions. Start the feed on the breast/nipple that is not cracked. When baby is ready for a feed, being hungry, his/her suck is more intense. Also don't wait till he/she is very hungry; in fact, begin feed when baby is sleepy when his/her suck will be gentler. I want to suggest topical homeopathic calendula ointment if other ointments that were suggested aren't available. The taste is neutral. Also massaging the other nipple with calendula ointment may be preventative on the other side. And I suggest researching homeopathic remedies online to take orally. There are several recommendations; Pytolacca, Silica, Castor equi, Hepar Sulph, Borax, Sulphur. Your friend would have to select the one that is right for her. I had great success using homeopathy with breastfeeding issues. I remember how excruciating the latch is. My heart goes out to her. This too will pass. Saroj > I have a friend who is 5 weeks postpartum. She is breastfeeding but > has developed a wound the size of half a little finger nail on her > right nipple which makes does not want to heal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 I've had great results with just plain breastmilk put on wounds...either cracked nipples, cuts, scratches and even perinium wounds. Honey Empowered Birth & Beyond Professional Labor Support Amanda Honey Rowland 937-855-3831 937-344-7124 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 Hi Dr. Bhate and Ysha, I appreciate your quick replies. Thank you. I don't remember to have learned about tailams. How do you you make this? Also, I would appreciate more information about Jatyadi Tailam and Shat Dhout Ghrutam. I could possibly get the herbs here and send them to my friend in Denmark. Thanks again. Heidi Dear Heidi, Your recipe for the postpartum mother's massage and basti oils is appropriate, though you would use more herb and very extra gently slow cooking making a smaller batch to get good effect. Tailam means medicated oil, ghrutam or ghrita means medictated ghee, or maybe the medicated qualifier comes from the other word with it? Anyway, so you do know how to make them, do you remember we did it in class? 16 part water, 1 part herb for large batch, into 16 part oil. Ysha ayurveda , " Shirish Bhate " <shirishbhate wrote: > > After feeding is over, apply a little Jatyadi Tailam or Shat Dhout > Ghrutam. Light massage for 5 minutes. Wipe off before next Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 I agree about using plain breastmilk. But all the ointments in the world won't help if the latch isn't improved and once it is, the ointments won't be needed. Nothing should go into the babes' mouth but moms milk. Vicky vicky york Lactation consultant, postpartum doula postpartum care services Oregon vmyork Work : 5412556368 I've had great results with just plain breastmilk put on wounds...either cracked nipples, cuts, scratches and even perinium wounds. Honey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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