Breastfeeding is not easy. But it comes so naturally to a lot of women, which is why some of the challenges and complications (engorgement, plugged ducts, low supply) get swept under the rug tummy time mat. 

More commonly, in those first few months of nursing, you might reach for nipple cream. If you’ve got yourself a cluster-feeder, or perhaps you and bub are still finding your flow - this takes time! - your nipples can wind up dry, cracked, inflamed, or bleeding. Thankfully this is one of the concerns of a new mum that doesn’t require professional intervention. All you need is to invest in a quality cream or balm or butter. 

Look for ultra nourishing formulas that contain natural ingredients like: shea butter which is full of fatty acids perfect for soothing irritated skin, calendula flower which restores hydration, marshmallow root extract with it’s calming properties, and beeswax to create a breathable but protective layer on the skin. Pure Mama’s Nipple Butter, made with the 100% natural and organic ingredients listed above, is formulated specifically to restore skin and ease discomfort. When you’re no longer breastfeeding, use it as an everyday lip balm!

On that note, nipple butter is one of those multi-use products. So if you are hesitant to buy, or worried you’ll only use it once or twice before stuffing it in the back of your bathroom cabinet, think again. 

Here are five alternative uses for nipple butter. That have nothing to do with your nipples.

• Nappy Rash 

To help soothe and protect your baby’s skin. Nipple butter creates a barrier between their smooth bottom, and the nappy, so there’s minimal irritation while they wiggle about. Don’t forget to give your little one some nappy-free time, ensuring the irritated area is well aired and dry before applying your butter, and popping on a new nappy. 

• Rug Burns / Scraped Knees 

For when they’re on the move. Those tiny, untouched knees will come up against an array of household surfaces, likely to tug and tear their very sensitive skin. These soothing and calming ingredients work as well on sore knees as they do on sore nipples. 

• Cracked Heels

One to earmark for post-winter. When the mesh ballet flats and colourful mules come out to play. Avoid having dry and cracked heels as a spring fashion accessory, and take to lathering this area in nipple butter after your shower. It will help to restore some hydration and smooth out the skin. 

• Cuticle Care 

For when you get the odd hangnail. Or wind up with really rough skin around the nails, whether that be from working with your hands, or cold and dry weather wreaking havoc on your skin. Apply a little bit of nipple butter to affected areas before bed and let it sink into the skin overnight. 

• New Tattoos

Very niche, we know. But if you’ve ever been inked, surprisingly, a lot of tattoo artists recommend nipple butter or nappy rash cream (which we now know, can be one and the same) to protect the broken, highly sensitised skin, and keep your new tattoo hydrated throughout the healing process.