Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate stages of motherhood. However, this process can also wreak havoc on a woman’s skin. With the advancements in skincare, there are products that can keep your skin looking great without causing harm to your baby. By paying extra attention to this sensitive area during breastfeeding with diligent skincare, your skin can stay firm and youthful.

With the constant suckling of a newborn baby, your breasts, nipples, and skin can suffer from lack of firmness, tenderness, and dry, cracked skin. Luckily, breastfeeding mothers don’t have to sacrifice the health of their skin in order to fulfill Mother Nature’s process of nourishing a baby. Many skin care companies are now developing special lines of beauty products that can help with skin issues relating to pregnancy and nursing. A major concern when it comes to using such products is the question of safety and if the ingredients can be harmful if exposed or ingested by newborns while breastfeeding. The good news is that these items are formulated with all of those concerns in mind, so they only use ingredients that are entirely safe for use while nursing.

Popular ingredients in skincare products that can be used safely during the breastfeeding stage include those found in natural skincare: chamomile, various versions of edible butter such as cocoa butter and mango, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba. When choosing these products read the directions carefully to find out if it is for use before, during or after breastfeeding.

One way to keep your skin/nipples from getting dry and cracked is to avoid prolonged periods of moisture. To avoid such skin damage, pat the area dry immediately after breastfeeding. If you’re wearing breast pads, be sure to change them once they get too soggy. This can cause the skin to become irritated.

To keep your nipples from getting dry and cracked, try purchasing a good quality nursing cream. This type of skincare product works to lock in moisture, repair and heal chapped and cracked skin, and keep the nipple area hydrated, even throughout daily breastfeeding. Hypoallergenic and containing ingredients that are safe for use while nursing, this cream is usually applied after breastfeeding.

Keeping your breasts and the surrounding areas firm can be quite a challenge during the months of nursing a new baby. That is why there are special firming lotions. Just like nursing cream, the formulas and ingredients contained are completely safe for use and will not harm the baby. Used daily, applying firming lotion to the chest area can help increase elasticity, restore, repair and replenish skin that has become slack and dull. Suppleness, tone, and overall appearance can be greatly improved as well. When shopping for these types of products, it is best to go with those that have been specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers. There are other skincare products that may contain many of the same ingredients and appear to work the same way, but unless the label states that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, it is best to avoid them. For example, there are a handful of firming creams and lotions out on the market today but they are not formulated for pregnant and nursing mothers.

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