Cracked nipples!!!

[Loveallmyboys]

First of all, OW!!
Today, feeding from my right side has been excruciating and I've just noticed a crack/split on the end of my nipple. Man it hurts! I'm dousing it in lansinoh but obviously I still need to feed the little guy.
Any suggestions on how to get around this would be very welcome indeed because my left side is pretty much empty and at the next feed we should use the right... Scared!!
Thanks

[stargirl1701]

Multi-mam nipple compresses.

m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Multi-Mam-Instant-Relief-Compress-1-x-12-Pack_121154/#un_jtt_addtohome_hidden

Hydrogel pads.

www.medela.com/UK/en/breastfeeding/products/breast-care/breast-nipple-problems.html

Keep it clean as it is an open wound and can be a route of infection. Change breast pads very frequently. Express from that breast to 'rest' it rather than feed directly. Try nipple shields. You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen if it is very painful.

Get some RL help to look at the latch.

And, a glass of wine, OP.

[Loveallmyboys]

Ah wine!!!
I've got some nipple shields, should I use them instead of pumping or do both?

[stargirl1701]

If you feel ok using the shield, I would just use that. If it hurts too much, pump.

Keep it clean! I ended up in hospital for 8 days with blood poisoning after an infection entered my bloodstream through a cracked nipple.

[HappyAsASandboy]

I would avoid nipple shields as the baby can sometimes become so used to them you have to use them for ages. They also mess about with the baby's latch, and need sterilising etc. All in all, a bit of a faff.

If it is an early crack, then I'd keep going with the Lansinoh, and try to leave the nipple (once Lansinoh slathered) out in the air. If you can't bear to feed from that side then use the other side, and reassess at the next feed. If it was a smallish crack, then it'll feel a lot better in another few hours, and you could do a single feed from it, then do two or three feeds from the ok side again. It'll repair very quickly with only being used sometimes. You might end up a bit lopsided because your ok side will up the supply because it's used more often, but this will even out again in a few days of reverting to alternate boobs.

Your 'empty' boob isn't empty btw. Boobs are never empty. They keep making milk as your baby feeds, so when they feel empty it is just that the reservoir is empty, and baby must work a bit harder to feed as the milk is produced - great for building supply :)

Good luck, and I hope the crack heals quickly :)

[Loveallmyboys]

Thanks ladies. Using a shield at the mo and it's uncomfortable, but bearable!
He was 10 weeks prem so is used to bottles and boob and I used shields for a few days about a month ago as is latch went a bit rubbish. My little feeding chameleon! We are quite the dedicated boob team

[Loveallmyboys]

I don't sterilise, just wash well and dry thoroughly