Experience of sore nipple and the remedies used among postnatal mothers

Objective: To assess the experience of postnatal mothers regarding sore nipples, to explore the remedies adopted for sore nipple symptom relief and to compare the experience of primipara and multipara mothers regarding sore nipples. Method: An explorative survey design was adopted and 200 postnatal mothers were selected by purposive sampling technique. The data were collected by administering demographic proforma, semi structured questionnaire on experience of sore nipple and remedies adopted for the management of sore nipple. Results and Conclusion: The study findings revealed that, 120 (60%) mothers developed sore nipple problem within one week. Pain persisted for more than one week for 120 (60%) mothers. Majority of the mothers, 180 (90%) used remedial measures for the relief of pain. Most of the primi para mothers, 160 (80%) expressed it as “very severe” “horrible” and “intolerable” pain compared to multipara mothers. The study concluded that despite of having sore nipple, all the mothers continued breast feeding, so that baby will not be deprived of its nutrition.