Breast Rest – heal your nipples in record time

Breastfeeding is really hard, even the second time around. The best thing that I ever did was take a “breast rest”, or a break from directly latching to the breast, with all three babies. For 24-48 hours, I only breastfed 1-2 times and pumped the rest – a BREAST REST! Read more to learn how this saved my breastfeeding journey.

It’s common to have sore and cracked nipples, and bleeding, and SO MUCH PAIN with latching. And the engorgement – UGH! So how did I do it? The best thing that I ever did was take a break from directly feeding from my breast, with both babies. For 24-48 hours, I only breastfed 1-2 times and pumped the rest – a BREAST REST!

WHAT IS BREAST REST?

Breast rest is a literally a break from directly breastfeeding/chest-feeding (aka latching).  In those first days postpartum, even as a second time mom (and now THIRD!), the skin on your breasts are sore, cracked, scabbed, and possibly bleeding…and super painful. Your body will eventually build up a callous (not as thick as your foot callous) in about 2 weeks. Then breastfeeding gets significantly less painful (most of the time).

Finn had a tongue tie – so my nipples were extremely damaged and painful. I could barely get through a feeding without crying. It was terrible! 

My lactation consultant suggested a “breast rest” to help my nipples heal and to get in a better place. I was ready to call it quits until I tried breast rest.

The pain, mastitis week two postpartum, Finn’s NICU stay, and Finn’s weight loss spun me into a tizzy. With Bee, the nipple damage was just as bad because of her small anatomy (she was a peanut!) and a learning curve of how to feed a small baby. I knew that exclusive pumping just wasn’t for me; the pain from latching was causing me to be resentful and DREAD breastfeeding. Even pumping hurt.

After 48 hours of my protocol (see below) – I felt brand new. The pain was mostly gone and Christian could help with some feeds. I saw breastfeeding in a whole new light!

Babies generally do very well with this protocol and go back to the breast/chest successfully. Both Finn, Bee and Roey have, and I was able to heal quickly (and this time, prevent nipple damage!).

HOW TO BREAST REST – KATE’S PROTOCOL

Take a break from latching the baby for 24-48 hours. During this time you will:

• Pump every 3-4 hours to keep up supply.
  • Lubricate your flanges with a nipple butter or coconut oil to help with friction
  • Pump on the highest settings you can tolerate, even if only on level 1 – only the first 30 seconds should be uncomfortable. Remember: more suction doesn’t equal more output.
    • Check out or blog on elastic nipples to learn more
  • MASSAGE! Sometimes you may get better output with a Haakaa. See my Haakaa post here.
  • Make sure to check out my engorgement and mastitis post to help with engorgement and prevent mastitis
• Put the baby to breast/chest 1-2 times a day.
  • This is just to keep baby familiar with the breast while still allowing your nipples to heal.
  • Try using a nipple shield for extra comfort. See my nipple shield post for more info on how to properly use and apply.
• Follow Kate’s nipple healing protocol (below).

KATE’S NIPPLE HEALING PROTOCOL:

ITEMS YOU’LL NEED:

• APNO (All Purpose Nipple Ointment, also known as Newman’s Nipple cream)
  • All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) will be your best friend for damaged nipples, thrush, and much more. It’s also called Neumann’s Nipple cream.
    • This is an Rx from your provider – it’s basically a prescription Neosporin that’s safe for your nipples. It has a topical antibiotic/anti-fungal and steroid that will heal your nipples overnight.
    • You’ll need a compounding (made in house) pharmacy.
    • Want an all natural alternative? Try MediHoney – it’s a medical grade honey that promotes healing skin!
• Non-stick pad 
  • A non stick pad will hold the APNO in the right spot without sticking to healing skin, and preventing you from getting it all over your nursing tops/bras.
• Hydrogels to help nipples heal quickly. 
  • These magical nipple soothers are best refrigerated! Good for 72 hours.

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:

• Start the 24-48 hour breast rest protocol.
• Apply APNO + a nonstick pad after every other pump/breast/chest-feeding session.
• Rotate with refrigerated hydrogels (make sure to pat off the APNO before applying hydrogel because it will cause sliding…ouch!
• Pump with comfort settings only (see above).
• Latch baby directly only 1-2 times a day. You can use a nipple shield for more comfort – read here on how to apply.
  • These Silverette nipple shields are great too. Did you know that silver has natural antimicrobial properties and promotes blood flow and healing? How cool is that? I AM LOVING THESE postpartum!
• Get back to directly latching after 48 hours.
  • Feedings should be less painful – however, the initial latch may still be painful. That is normal for up to 30 seconds.
• If you’re still having pain and nipple damage, your baby may have a tongue or a lip tie. Book a consult with me, Natalie or Lauren to make sure (breastfeeding consultants and NICU RNs)!

Breastfeeding/chest-feeding can be hard both emotionally and physically! Remember that breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Supplementing with formula can be a game changer and help you extend lactating. It’s about how you love you baby, not how you feed them 🙂

The CDC recently changed their guidelines on breastmilk storage.

Have more questions? 

Schedule a text or video chat consult with Kate, Lauren or Natalie (NICU RNs) and they can help answer any questions that you have!

Download our free nipple ruler to make sure you’re using the correct flange size.

**This post is educational and not meant to take the place of your provider. Bumblebaby makes a small commission on some of the items listed above.