Natural nipple cream for breastfeeding recipe

This post was most recently updated on June 1st, 2021

This is a super simple, easy, natural all purpose balm. You can use it as a ultra moisturiser for cracked heels, as a balm for baby rash on their bottoms or chins, it is great on chapped lips, for burns* and abrasions, or as a natural nipple cream for breastfeeding recipe. I make it as a nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers as a gift.

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This all purpose balm is a brilliant DIY gift idea, it is cheap and fast to make, but is so versatile, even after you have finished breastfeeding.

On the homestead it can also be used as an udder balm for goats or cows, as a smother-cream for ear or leg mites and for covering cuts or grazes to keep the air, dirt and germs out. You really should have some of this in your first aid kit.

If you found this recipe useful, be sure to check out my friends at the Herbal Academy’s course on making your own wonderful skincare at home.

RELATED: Whipped body butter

*I work with a plastic surgeon in my other job (a nurse on an acute ward). He stated that immediately after a burn you obviously need to take the heat out with plenty of cold water, 10 minutes on 10 minutes off until it no longer feels like it is burning.

After then the best thing is to keep it moist with a heavy, oily product like vaseline, or this balm, applying at least 4-6 times per day. This aids healing and minimises scarring. Of course if it is a bad burn you should report immediately to accident and emergency to be medically assessed.

Super easy home made balm with so so many uses! Save this to make later!

This balm replaces several different products and can be used as a natural alternative in place of vaseline in any application. You can make a very effective vapor rub by adding eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint and lavender oils.

If you are breastfeeding then this recipe makes a wonderful soothing, natural nipple cream that is safe for your baby.

Natural nursing balm ideas

As breastfeeding mothers in the crunchy/ natural space, we are often told about the wonders of breast milk and coconut oil for helping with cracked nipples. However, if you are really struggling with sore nipples while breastfeeding, you will need something more moisturising.

Plain coconut oil can actually be very drying on the skin, and it is not actually the best option to use on sore nipples.

Shea butter can be used as a simple solution if you are needing a quick nipple cream solution, but it can be expensive to buy. I have found it really difficult to buy plain shea butter in NZ too, the best I can usually find is a chemical laden moisturiser that has a tiny amount of actual shea butter in it.

Pure lanolin can be expensive (Lansinoh is a popular brand) and it is very thick and hard to apply on very sore nipples, and some poor women have sensitive nipples that are allergic to it. Although it is very effective and has been proven in studies to help. A homemade nipple cream can be just as effective for a much smaller price.

Solutions for sore nipples

The first week or two of breastfeeding can take its toll on your breasts. It is common for there to be some discomfort (to put it nicely) just as the baby latches on. This pain should subside after a few seconds, if it does not, it is worth getting a breastfeeding specialist or your midwife to check your baby‘s latch.

If you are struggling with cracked or bleeding nipples, it is really important that your latch is checked, and that someone checks your baby for a tongue tie.

While you are healing, keep your nipples protected and moist with plenty of natural nipple balm and then place a small square of plastic wrap or a cut piece of a ziplock bag over your nipple. This will stop your scabs from sticking to your bra and encourages a clean but moist wound healing environment which allows your body to heal faster.

Hydrogel pads are bliss on sore cracked nipples and they are worth getting if this is a problem for you.

Why do you need a nipple balm for breastfeeding?

Dry skin cracks more easily, it is less supple and more prone to damage. Apart from being horribly sore, cracks can be places where infection can set in.

Thrush infections cause extreme nipple pain, it feels like your nipple is full of glass and your breasts are being stabbed with knives. If you are experiencing this pain you should see your doctor as soon as you can for some antifungal medication.

How to make a salve for nursing moms

A salve is a balm but where one or more of the oils have been infused with herbs or spices to add their properties to the oil. Newborn babies are very sensitive and their mama’s nipple goes in to your baby‘s mouth (obviously) so it is best to make the nipple cream with organic ingredients and to only add very safe herbs to the infused oil.

A common option would be to infuse the almond oil or olive oil with calendula flower. Calendula is healing and soothing and safe to use on sensitive skin, it is an edible, natural ingredient that you can feel confident in adding.

To infuse your oil, gently warm it and then stir through calendula flower petals, store it somewhere dark and shake the bottle daily for a week, then strain off the oil and use it in the nipple balm recipe below.

You can do the same with chamomile flower petals or even a chamomile tea bag.

If desired you could add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil to the balm recipe as a pleasant scent.

Lavender is safe to ingest, but too much of it can be irritating on sensitive skin. It has an antifungal and antimicrobial action, as well as being calming and relaxing to those breathing it in.

Using your homemade nipple cream

Apply liberally after every feed and after showering as required. There is no need to wipe this off before feeding again, and the extra lubrication will help with getting baby latched on as well.

If you have a cracked nipple (or two), treat it with care and apply plenty of soothing nipple butter, but be sure to keep either feeding or pumping from that side to avoid getting mastitis. Nipple shields can help protect your cracked nipple while they heal, but they are best not used long term. If you are worried, get a lactation consultant involved. It is possible to pump and bottle feed while you heal and swap back to breastfeeding if you need to, so all is not lost my friend!

Remember to be sure to check out the Herbal Academy course on making your own wonderful skincare recipes at home.

Natural Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding

Natural Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Passive Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This is a super simple, easy, natural all purpose balm. You can use it as a ultra moisturizer for cracked heels, as a balm for baby rash on their bottoms or chins, it is great on chapped lips, for burns* and abrasions, or a natural nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers. On the homestead it can also be used as an udder balm for goats or cows, as a smother for ear or leg mites and for covering cuts or grazes to keep the air, dirt and germs out. You really should have some of this in your first aid kit!

Ingredients

  • 250 ml Castor Oil
  • 250 ml Almond Oil, Olive Oil or Apricot kernel Oil
  • 25 g Bees Wax, Grated or chopped into small pieces
  • 2 T Raw Honey, Optional

Instructions

  1. In an old saucepan melt the beeswax.
  2. Add the castor oil and continue to warm to re-melt the beeswax.
  3. Add the Almond/apricot/olive oil and honey and mix well to combine. Here you can add up to 10 drops of an essential oil - I like rosemary and lavender or tea tree and lemon.
  4. Pour the balm into a glass or metal jar and allow to cool. Super easy home made balm with so so many uses! Save this to make later!

Notes

As this balm contains zero water, it should last for many years without spoiling. Keep it below 30 Celsius (85F) to keep it solid, if it melts it is still OK, simply cool again to harden up.

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Super easy home made balm with so so many uses! Save this to make later!

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