breastfeeding cleansing

Posted by honeybaby (173 days ago)

Is it safe to use the breastfeeding cleansing cotton pads? During my stay at HK Sanatorium, the nurses always asked me to use the cleansing pads on my nipple before breastfeeding my baby. I notice that it contains 0.02% chlorhexidine gluconate liquid solution on the cleansing pads, is it safe for baby?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by crj (173 days ago)

I have never heard of such an item... breast milk is pretty clean!!! as long as you shower about once a day and don't put any (non breast feeding) creams on your nipples, I don't see the issue...

(I am based in Beijing)

Posted by joshmomm (173 days ago)

Agree with crj. If you want, you can use a cotton pad dipped in cooled boiled water and use that to "clean" before and after you nurse.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (173 days ago)

Agreed with the above posters. If you feel your breasts are dirty (doubtful) wipe them with a bit of water and a washcloth or something like that. No need to disinfect the breast.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ruth in Canada (173 days ago)

Plain water is all you need. And after you nurse, leave a bit of breastmilk on the nipples for healing.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Matilda (171 days ago)

Cleaning the nipples prior to breastfeeding is no longer recommended. Soap and other products can be very drying and irritating. Regular hygiene practices and good hand washing are all that is required.

Matilda Breastfeeding Clinic 2849 1500
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by honeybaby (171 days ago)

What about during hot and humid weather when you get really sweaty and you have to breastfeed on demand when you are outside? Is it ok to just let your baby suck on your sweaty nipple? I'm concerned why HK Sanatorium made every mothers use the cleansing cotton pads before they breastfeed. I hope it was safe to use that during my hospital stay.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ruth in Canada (169 days ago)

If you want to wipe them off, it's okay, but baby won't mind a sweaty nipple. I'm sure it was safe to use those pads or they wouldn't have used them in the hospital. Don't worry, hon!

You might want to join a La Leche League Meeting in HK. There are lots of other bf mothers there who can give you lots of encouragement and info...and you can make some new friends too.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by honeybaby (168 days ago)

Thanks for reminding me about La Leche, will check them out in HK. Thanks!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by wasabigizmobunny (158 days ago)

Honestly I have nothing good to say about HK sanatorium and their views on breastfeeding. I left one night after giving birth there because I just couldn't stand their weird and backward views. I completely refused to let them wipe my nipples with those wipes. They are also fragranced and if I were a baby I would refuse such a weird tasting and smelling nipple! Anyways, yes babies can just eat from the breast, even if it is sweating. Honestly, if we had to sanitize everything, how do you think humans survived in pre-industrial times?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (158 days ago)

"Honestly, if we had to sanitize everything, how do you think humans survived in pre-industrial times?"

Agreed. Many people nowadays insist on operating theatre cleanliness levels. While I agree it's not good to live in filth, if your little one licks the floor it's no biggie.

(I am based in Hong Kong)