Written by Kate Tietje
Those early weeks of breastfeeding can be rough. Nipple cream to the rescue!
When I had my first baby, it took us six weeks to get the whole latch thing down (I pumped and bottle-fed her up to that point). But, eventually, we did make it work. The only issue? I was sore.
It hurt briefly at latch-on, but then we were fine. After she was done, though, I felt achy, especially if my bra rubbed against my nipples. Just as they stopped hurting, it was time to nurse again! It took a few weeks before this went away, and I haven’t had any issues since. (All my older kids nursed well into their toddler years; most tandem nursed, so the adjustment time didn’t leave me sore!)
A tube of nursing cream (also called nipple butter) was really important in those weeks. It helped to stop the soreness (so did not wearing a bra at home). Nursing creams can be expensive, especially the natural ones – $10+ per tube! But you can make your own 100% natural one very quickly and easily. This little tin cost less than $1 to make and was done in less than 5 minutes. Seriously! Anyone can do this.
If you don’t have time to make your own and are looking for an affordable, all-natural option, check out Earthley’s Breast Balm, which I formulated and now sell. It is a salve made to soothe and protect sore nipples. It is made with apricot oil, candelilla wax, and organic calendula.
Nipple cream would make a great gift, too, for a new mama. Make up a tin or two and stick it in a basket with a water bottle, some nursing pads, and snacks. I’ll be adding my tin to my postpartum bag for me. I’m also making another postpartum bag for me and my baby – it was so helpful last time!
Anyway, on to the recipe!
Breastfeeding Nipple Cream
This nipple cream uses only three simple ingredients. Coconut oil is edible. It protects against thrush and contains the same medium-chain fatty acids as breastmilk. Plus, it’s easily absorbed and good for your skin. Cocoa butter is also typically edible (there is cosmetic grade out there too) and is thick and forms a protective barrier to help sore nipples. Beeswax helps to solidify it all.
Some nipple cream recipes use herbs or essential oils, but I didn’t feel comfortable doing that when nursing a newborn. It’s not really necessary, anyway.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. beeswax
- 2 tsp. cocoa butter
- 3 tsp. coconut oil
Directions:
Step 1: Measure all the oils and beeswax in a small saucepan.
Step 2: Turn it on very low heat and let it melt.
Step 3: Pour the melted butter into a small jar or tin. This makes one ounce.
Step 4: Let it cool completely before putting on the lid.
Usage: Rub a small amount on your nipples as needed for soreness. These ingredients are safe, and there is no need to wash them off before feeding your baby.
[…] are plenty of store-bought creams, but I think this one is safer. I made my own, and I’ll have a small tin in my bag, just in case. I honestly don’t think I’ll […]
I’m having my first baby and will be trying all the nipple cream recipes. This one sounds very simple and easy to make. I am surely going to give it a try. I am actually excited to breastfeed.
Can I use Shea butter instead of Cocoa butter? I’m allergic to cocoa.
Yes, you can. Kokum butter or mango butter would also work.
Can you tell me what is the shelf life of this cream? Thanks.
Phyllis
I’m also curious about that.
I’m also wondering about the shelf life. I just made the recipe super easy and wonderful! It’s for my friend that’s due in June. I’m wondering if this is something she should keep in the fridge now or if it’s stable at room temp for a while. Thank you!
What kind of coca butter and beeswax do you buy??
The shelf life for something like this is typically 6 months.
Can you provide measurements in grams? I’m afraid that trying to shave bits from a large block of beeswax and cocoa butter wafers is not going to give me the proper amounts. Thanks!
What kind of beeswax cocoa butter and coconut oil do u use