Nipples, Lady Bits, Coconut Oil…Oh My!

Nipples.

Lady Bits.

Coconut Oil.

Yessum – you read that right!

You see, I am a real foodie. As a real foodie, I use copious amounts of coconut oil when I cook and bake. Coconut oil is pretty amazing stuff and it wasn't until after I began my journey towards living a real foods lifestyle that I discovered just how multi-functional coconut oil really is.

Us moms have to stick together when it comes to uh, em, “woman issues.” I mean, if you can't discuss cracked nipples and dried up, worn out lady parts with other moms then who in the heck are you supposed to turn to?

I thought that blogland needed someone to break the ice on this subject. So, here I am to the rescue.

I recently posted 333 Uses for Coconut Oil on my blog. If you are interested in reading more about this godsend then please go check out that post. In the meantime, let me tell you how coconut oil will save your cracked and bleeding nipples (from your Dyson vacuum baby, not your overzealous husband) and how it can make intimacy (with yourself or others) more comfortable. If you have had a baby you know that things don't exactly grease up the way they used to. Shoot – if you are over 30 you know that things don't grease up the way they used to.

Quick disclaimer – I am required to clearly state that I am not a licensed medical professional nor do I pretend to be one on this site. Take what I write as a launching off point to do your own research. My advice, experience, and suggestions are not to be considered medical advice.

Here is a quick coconut oil introduction for those of you not yet familiar with this multifaceted product.

• Coconut oil is antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.
• It has been used for thousands of years for just about everything in tropical countries.
• It is solid until the temperature reaches 76 degrees. Then it liquefies.
• When using coconut oil for anything other than cooking, you want to make sure that you purchase Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil (food grade). It will not have the coconut smell or taste like Virgin Coconut Oil does.

Now, about those sore nipples.

Coconut oil is really pretty amazing in helping to quickly heal and then protect damaged and sore nipples. I must warn you that it will stain clothing so you might want to give some consideration to the method I use. After breastfeeding, soak a cotton ball with coconut oil. If your coconut oil is solid then scoop a little into a glass container and microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up. It works just fine in either a liquid or more solid state so use it whichever way you prefer. I just scoop it out and plop it on the cotton ball. Place a second cotton ball over the first and then using cloth medical tape, secure the cotton ball (coconut oil side down) onto your nipple and surrounding area. Leave it there until your next breastfeeding session. Repeat. Keep doing this until you and your baby have mastered breastfeeding and/or you are no longer in discomfort and/or your nipples have healed. My daughter is 28 months old, still breastfeeding, has latch issue for medical reasons, and I am STILL using this method intermittently.

Did I mention that coconut oil is TOTALLY safe for baby? So, no need to aggravate your pissed off nipples more by rinsing off other creams. Just rip off gently remove the tape and cotton ball and pop baby on. Voila!

Coconut oil is also great when you have nipple blisters you need to pop. (You can read more about that in tomorrow's post). If you have never had one then consider yourself lucky. Most breastfeeding moms will get at least one at some point. These little clearish blisters hurt like a motherf&$#@%r!!!!!

And for the moment you have all been waiting for…(insert Barry White music here)…

Coconut oil can be used as a lubricant. Nothing fancy here. Just use it like you would any other lube but without all the added chemicals. Pure, sweet, natural goodness to help things move along. HOWEVER – it's most important to point out that coconut oil is NOT latex friendly. So … you know the drill. Pull out and pray. Use something other than a latex condom.

In the mood for some coconut oil foreplay fun? Try this recipe on for size:

Love Potion

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil 
• 1/2 Tbsp honey 
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

Combine everything in a small saucepan and heat on low until melted and combined. Pour in a small container immediately, before it cools. What you do with it from there is none of my concern. If you are reading this blog then I am going to assume you know what to do with it. I mean, you all figured out how to make a baby right??? And for the record, this stuff makes an awesome lip balm. (The ones on your face. Sheesh – you are a bunch of pervy mamas!)

Now – go out immediately and get yourself some coconut oil.

Be sure to check out my Products I Love page for information on where to purchase coconut oil!

Don' t forget to read the other posts in my Coconut Health series!