Breastfeeding and Bathing: How to Stay Clean and Comfortable
- Jul 30, 2013
Boob Scoop: When showering, plain water is sufficient to keep the nipple and areola clean. During lactation, natural oils are secreted from the tiny glands on the areola which prevent bacteria from breeding. Soaps can mask or remove the natural oils, which the infant uses as a way to locate the breast. In addition, rubbing some expressed milk on the nipple and air-drying after nursing is also beneficial thanks to breastmilk's anti-infective properties.
Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)