Caked Nipples and Exclusively Pumping!
Exclusively expressing breastmilk or pumping frequently?
Women who exclusively /predominantly pump can develop white/ cream crusts on the nipples, which is leftover milk caking onto the nipple surface that doesn’t go away with showering
It is thought to be due to the milk drying on the nipple surface
When baby’s breastfeed their saliva is thought to remove excess milk remaining on the surface of the nipple
If it’s not causing any pain or discomfort you don’t have to do anything other than gentle washing of the nipple surface.
If there is pain or inflammation associated see your gp/lactation consultant for a review and possible swab to exclude nipple thrush
Can try saline soaks 2-3 times a day to soften the crust and gently use a warm cloth to remove. Don’t pick the crust off you don’t want to create a wound .
Check out this article and instagram post for more details
Needing support with breastmilk expressing contact me !