Epsom Salt and Saline Soaks are common interventions we use to help reduce discomfort when a breastfeeding parent has sore or damaged nipples. They require basic supplies many families already have on hand and are incredibly cheap - making them one of the most accessible options we have available. It is important to note, however, that they are not the same thing and each serves a different purpose. Neither is fool proof and can be done in a way that easily causes more issues than it helps.

The key to successfully using this type of intervention is know why to use them, how often to use them, and what they are intended to do.

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Epsom Salt Soaks

Epsom salt soaks are perhaps the most popular of the two options based on what is promoted in social media breastfeeding support groups. This intervention is used to rapidly soften the skin on the nipple or reducing swelling.

The most common reasons Epsom salt soaks are used are to address clogged ducts and milk blebs. Epsom salt soaks work to rapidly reduce swelling and inflammation to release the milk bleb and allow the clogged duct to empty. Milk blebs are an accumulation of ductal debris that can coagulate and form a plug blocking flow, or can be related to the overgrowth of previously damaged skin over the nipple pore.

Epsom Salt Soaks are done by mixing 2 tsp of Epsom salt into 8 ounces of warm water and soaking the breast or nipple. A common variation on this includes using a Haakaa Pump with the warm water and epsom salt solution to use suction to increase the results.

Epsom salt soaks should be done no more than 2-3 times per day for 5-10 minutes. Use caution if you have nipple damage, Epsom salt can irritate your already damaged nipples worsening your situation.

Epsom salts are not in line with the latest protocol for managing mastitis, and are not risk free. There is a risk of skin breakdown and the warm water could theoretically increase swelling. Using a Haakaa could increase inflammation as well. The latest protocol for mastitis management is to use ice, anti-inflammatory medications and other supportive measures. I haven’t removed them from this blog though as clinical experience shows me sometimes this is the fastest way a parent has to achieve relief from an extremely uncomfortable situation and providing parents with all of their options along with the risks and benefits. If you want to dig into this more to find the best solution for you I’m always here to do a full evaluation and recommend the options that are best for you short term and long term to support your success.

Saline Soaks

Saline soaks are done to help heal nipple damage and reduce swelling and inflammation. Saline solution can be created at home using plain table salt or sea salt dissolved in warm water. Saline soaks are typically done as part of a moist wound healing care plan, but they can be used for all types of nipple pain and trauma.

Saline solution is created by dissolving 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. That solution is used to soak your nipples for 1-2 minutes up 7-8 times per day after pumping or nursing. Follow the saline solution by applying oil or nipple balm and a clean, dry breast pad.

Saline soaks done correctly can be the fastest way to achieve healing nipple damage, particularly in a pumping parent. There is some controversy with them though- but the protocol in question also says to stop pumping and just nurse so it’s not exactly super helpful advice if your baby won’t latch or is ineffective at the breast.

The risk with saline soaks is that if done excessively (too long or too often) we can start to see the tissue essentially become soggy which is an issue we don’t want. If done without properly correcting the flange fit there is an extremely high likelihood they will cause additional damage- this is an increasing problem with the recommendation of using exact sizing with standard pumps.

In summary, the key to successfully using these interventions is to know when to use them, how to use them, and how to monitor for signs of progress or to know when they are not proving successful for a particular person. While these interventions can be done in a DIY manner, you will typically get better results faster when working with a professional to fully manage your needs.

If you have pain or nipple damage, book a Pain and Damage Consultation today to get professional help and guidance to get you feeling better as soon as possible.