Q: I’m a new mum and my nipples constantly bleed  when I breastfeed. What am I doing wrong?

Answered by: Dr Tan Niap Hong, Consultant Obstetrician &  Gynaecologist, & Clinical Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service at Prince Court Medical Centre

Bleeding occurs due to cracked nipples and the most common reason is often an improper latch.

When the baby latches onto the breast correctly, a large part of the areola (the coloured area around the nipple) is inside the baby’s mouth.

However, when done improperly, only the nipple is found to be inside the baby’s mouth.

When this happens, the nipple may get injured because it will be squeezed between the baby’s tongue and hard palate (the front part of the roof of the mouth). In such cases, you may need to consult a lactation consultant to correct the nursing technique.

In addition, a breast pump that does not fit properly or exerts excessive pressure on the nipple can also sometimes injure it.

Rarely would you experience nipple bleeding from skin conditions such as eczema or an infection.