Saga of sore nipple at 16 months continues - help!

[lyndyloo]

What to do????? Left nipple got sore after a lazy latch one day and now there is a small gash at top of nipple where LO's teeth appear to have slightly punctured the skin. It really hurts and her teeth go in the same place every feed!

We are down to 3 feeds a day but she always wants both sides and screams if I refuse. I am scared I get an infection in the nipple now.

Was trying to stop bfing but she seemed to get so depressed about it I have kept going but I need some advice now. Any suggestions??????

Will nipple heal on it's own or will the 3 feeds keep it unhealed? I'm waffling but am soooo sore and dreading feeds now.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Hi Lyndyloo, the best tip I was given for broken skin on the nipple is don't let them dry out. Apply dollops of Lansinoh on the area during the day (you don't have to wipe it off before a feed). They will heal even though you are constantly keeping them moist, if you let them heal by drying out they will keep cracking again.

Maybe while the nipple is healing, try and encourage your dd to feed in a slightly different position so the affected area is being brushed against her teeth.

Good luckxx

[BadZelda]

Lansinoh? Nipple cap?

[lyndyloo]

Thanks for tip re Lanisoh - forgot about that.

What's a nipple cap? You mean the shields that look like a teat? I could try that but at 16ms I think she might wonder what is going on!!! Also could never get my head round them and how to get them to stick on.

[cmotdibbler]

Will she feed in a different position ? I managed to get a nasty tooth abrasion after a couple of disturbed nights where we co slept and I was too lazy to turn over, so he just kept on feeding with his teeth in exactly the same position. Making sure we didn't use that position for a few days, plus Lanisoh (will I ever finish the tube ? - been using it for 18 months and theres still loads) healed it up nicely.

[monkeybird]

Jelonet - used for healing burns and open sores - can be bought from the Chemist (you might have to, er, elaborate about what it's for...) and works well in between feeds.

Cut it into small squares, remove the (two) backing pieces and smooth 1 or two squares (on top of each other IYSWIM) on the nipple

Used with a big lump of lansinoh also on the sore spot and then a breast pad to stop your bra getting gooey it works really well

[laundrylover]

Lyndyloo,

I had this exact problem a few months ago - god it was painful and I thought the cut would never heal. I too thought about stopping bfing and got quite cross with DD2 when her teeth were constantly opening up the wound.

Anyway, I used sudocream after every feed and especially overnight. I also had a night away which helped!

You could still try nipple sheilds - put it over your nipple and when she latches on your nipple kind of fills it up! I have teeny nipples and have managed to use these when I had thrush.

I too was scared of infection but it did heal eventually on it's own. Took a few weeks though and she did open it up again once. Stiil bfing at 19 months and has been fine for months. She had a tummy bug last week and I was really glad to be able to bfeed her when she was poorly.

Hope your nipple heals soon.

[BadZelda]

And I feel your pain...my second hasn't got teeth yet, but seems to have managed to reopen the crack I got when learning to BF with number 1...ouch...maybe it's the scar tissue that's not as strong?

[lyndyloo]

Thanks. I have read a few articles on kellymom and think she is dragging the nipple down a bit so top teeth digging in. I need to change position. Not so easy - she's a big girl!

Have been slapping on lanisoh and will look at getting the dressing you mentioned monkeybird.

It's still hurting tonight - just gritted teeth throughout the feed....Not what you want really.