My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Newbies' corner

Breastfeeding

13 replies

user1474320794 · 07/10/2016 20:57

Hi just wondering whether there is anybody been through similar situation been breast feeding my 11 week old and I am so sore! I have sort of like actual tears around the nipple where you can see the flesh, bleeding and constantly stinging. Having to take parcetomal and ibruprofen as regular as I can, also using lanolin and coconut oil vice versa every hour and airing as much as possible. Any advice please? Didnt want to go to formula but think that is what will happen if it doesn't improve.

OP posts:
Report
fruitpastille · 07/10/2016 21:10

To help with healing - boots sell multimam compresses which are soothing. You can also buy stuff called jelonet from the pharmacist which is a moist dressing (actually for burns). I cut it into squares and used with a breast pad to hold in place.

I also used nipple shields (avent) and when very bad expressed some milk to give nipples a break. This was sore too though! The nipple shields are a bit fiddly at first to get the right angle. If they are wet they stick on better. I used Milton solution or scalded with boiling water sterilise.

It was very hard for me and I wonder if I would have been happier bottle feeding! I gave myself short term goals to keep going. Hope things improve for you.

Report
user1474320794 · 07/10/2016 21:19

Hi did yours end up healing, how long did it take? I don't seem to see it healing whilst I am still feeding, just a shame because apart from this it's going so well, baby is gaining well and also it seems to be a easier solution rather than bottle feeding, washing, sterilising, taking it all out when going out etc.

OP posts:
Report
MyBreadIsEggy · 07/10/2016 21:20

I would be getting baby checked for tongue tie x

Report
jellyspoons · 07/10/2016 21:23

I found lanolin made my nipples worse... I know others swear by it but mine improved loads when I just let them air dry

Report
user1474320794 · 07/10/2016 21:32

I'm not that keen on the lanolin myself it doesn't seem to be helping it heel much but I think it's preventing it from bleeding and preventing it from getting worse maybe just scared I'll stop using it and it'll get worse

OP posts:
Report
user1471528942 · 07/10/2016 21:39

Have you tried putting some of your breast milk on your nipples then letting it dry? It has amazing healing properties and worked for me.
Also agree that it is worth getting baby checked for tongue tie. Do you have breast feeding counsellors in your area or a local la lleche league where you can see someone and get advice?

Report
plimsolls · 07/10/2016 21:41

I used nipple shields to feed plus a combo of Lansinoh cream and MultiMam compresses. I let breast milk collect in the shields to "bathe" the nipples as I was told it speeds healing too.

The shields helped me with the pain of feeding whilst the creams etc got on with getting the nipples healed.

I also had to reconsider my baby's latch & positioning to prevent more damage. I found The Miskin Method breastfeeding book really helpful for troubleshooting issues.

Didn't take long for everything to get better. A day or two of shields plus creams reduced the pain, then about three days of retraining baby's latch.

Report
fruitpastille · 07/10/2016 21:41

Mine were a bit up and down. They would heal but then I would get another crack. I got mastitis a few times too. 3 babies fed to 6 months ish each. I had lots of different help - midwife, hv, feeding counsellors the lot! Tongue tie is worth a try.

I used bottles from 6 months and if I'm honest found it a lot easier. Dh sterilised them and made them up Grin

Report
Marmighty · 07/10/2016 21:41

Yes put breast milk on them! I found it helped more than other things. Get help with latch too. Good luck

Report
user1474320794 · 07/10/2016 21:58

Would a nipple shield help the tear/crack I feel as though it might make it worse as it will pull it more? I don't think it's tongue tie my health vistor thinks it may be where I have large nipples the attachment cannot be 100% in babies mouth. It's difficult when feeding is sooo unbearable yet you suggest formula and bottles and your made to feel you won't be providing adequately for your baby.

OP posts:
Report
plimsolls · 07/10/2016 23:03

Nipple shield helped the cracks in my nipples (it's why I used them) I don't know why you think it would pull it more? That makes me think there's something unusual about the latch or position you are using....

Report
gallicgirl · 07/10/2016 23:13

At 11 weeks, I wouldn't be expecting this level of discomfort. Do you perhaps have a breastfeeding support group you could visit? Have a look at the symptoms of a tongue tie to see if anything else matches, if not, then perhaps position needs to be looked at. It might be worth contacting a lactation consultant if this has been a persistent problem, I think they cost around £100 roughly. Best of luck and I hope you figure it out, you've done an amazing job getting this far.

Report
user1474320794 · 09/10/2016 12:09

Thanks ladies I think finally they are starting to heal, well the pain level has definitely dropped, I cut out using lanolin and only using coconut oil, also changed my positioning from cradle hold to the football hold position and only offering one breast each feed for longer , rather than both which is giving each breast longer in between feeds to heal . Thanks again :) fingers crossed give it few more days should improve lots

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.