Most new mums know just how sensitive and, at times, painful nipples become while establishing feeding. If you’re keen to soothe sore nipples with a simple, natural balm, we have just the thing.
Grapeviner mum Emma, from our Summer 2019/20 Grapeviner Group came up with her very own soothing nipple balm recipe, which is cheap, lush and oh so easy to make.
Homemade soothing nipple lotion
Emma says she’s always been interested in making her own lotions for her family and creating her own homemade nipple balm was next on the list.
“A number of reasons lead to me wanting to try making it myself. I’m a crafty kind of person and I need something creative to be doing for my ‘me time’ and since my eldest and I are both allergic to Lavender and there are so many products on the market that contain it, I finally got around to making something cheaper than I can buy it.”
Emma says after other mums in her Mum’s Grapeviner Group complained of sore, cracked nipples from feeding, she decided to try her hand at nipple cream.
“Now, this took me all of five minutes to make – a little longer to set, and all from easily accessible ingredients! Because it contains coconut oil and the current heat, I’ve been keeping mine in the fridge; it stops it from melting and also adds to the soothing coolness. The little jars I picked up from a local cafe who have them for you to take and recycle, but you could find something similar in a discount store. So far it’s worked a treat!”
Emma says the balm is also great on minor burns like sunburn and chaff. She does recommend washing it off your nipples before breastfeeding, however, because it contains essential oils.
How to make nipple lotion
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp cocoa butter (this can be changed for shea butter)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (this can be swapped out for almond oil)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1-3 drops of Frankincense essential oil: anti-inflammatory and an immunostimulant
- 1-3 drops of wild orange essential oil: antiseptic
- Chamomile: antibacterial, antifungal and an immunostimulant
(use dried chamomile flowers, 1-3 drops of essential oil or a chamomile tea bag) - Other options you could use are Calendula oil which is antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, Jojoba oil which is anti-inflammatory or Bergamot which has the same properties as Calendula
Method
STEP 1: Combine all the ingredients in a heat-proof bowl until they are nicely mixed
STEP 2: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering hot water until the cocoa butter has melted
STEP 3: Funnel the mixture into the little jars and place them in the fridge until they’re set (Emma found it took around an hour for them to set
*Note: When using jars that are second hand it is important to sterilise them before use. Give them a hot soapy wash and a proper rinse (or just pop them in the dishwasher). Then place the jars upright on a baking tray into an 110-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until the jars are completely dry.
Looking for more breastfeeding support? Head this way – we’ve got all the gear for breastfeeding success, product reviews, and answers to all your breastfeeding questions.
Read next …
- How to Make Breast Milk Nappy Cream
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- Understanding Your Breast Milk Supply
- 9 Popular Wearable Breast Pumps for Breastfeeding Mums
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