As I get ready to welcome a second baby into the world, I am frantically thinking of all the things that I need to get done. I think that I have all of the essentials that we’ll need including diapers, clothes, blankies, etc. I plan to nurse again, as I did with my first, and realized that it may be beneficial to get a good nipple balm. If you have any experience with nursing you’ll know that dry, cracked nipples are common and you should do your best at protecting them! If you’re a first time mom, I highly suggest having a good balm on hand as you’ll be thankful for it.

In doing some research about all of the breastfeeding balms on the market, I never found one that I really cared for. All of the products that I found either contained ingredients that I couldn’t pronounce or ingredients that I didn’t feel safe with using so close to my newborn. I also found that some balms contain essential oils which is not good for baby. I also wanted to use a nipple balm that was so safe for baby that I would not need to remove it from my skin before a feeding. This is when I started doing more reasearch about safe ingredients and how to create my own!

Ingredients:

• Kelapo Coconut Oil 
• Shea Butter
• Cocoa Butter

Directions:

1. Combine and melt equal portions of coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter on a medium heat.
2. Pour into a container and allow to cool.

I used a simple glass container with a lid to store this homemade balm. I will be keeping this in the fridge and removing prior to when I need to use this. I have been using this prior to the arrival of baby if I notice any dryness or cracking of the nipples. The balm leaves my skin feeling very soft and moisturized rather than oily like some other balms I have used in the past.

I will highly suggest this recipe for my other mama friends that are having babies and nursing. If you don’t want to make a breastfeeding balm but find your having nipple discomfort, just apply coconut oil directly to the affected area. Coconut oil helps by itself in moisturizing skin and is safe for baby to consume. Coconut oil is also great for helping with milk supply, diaper rash, stretch marks and morning sickness!

-LS