Cluster feeding, sore nipples and nipple guards

[GavisconGirl]

I've been exclusively b-feeding my daughter who is 2 weeks old today. She has been cluster feeding twice a day in the early evening and in the mornings, which has left me exhausted and tearful with sore nipples. She goes on like a piranha when she is really hungry. She has got me engorged again from all the feeding. I think the latch is OK as it doesn't hurt when she isn't feeding incessantly. I was on the point of giving up when I started using nipple guards which has made feeding bearable again, but I am concerned about wearing them for too long - will it cause more problems in the long term? I'm also wearing nipple shields between feeds and using lansinoh constantly.

What are other people's experiences of nipple guards and how soon should I stop using them again? To be honest, I'm dreading taking them off because it has been so much easier with them on.

I think maybe you should contact one of the BFing helplines. Contact numbers are listed down the right hand side of this webpage

Hope this feels better for you soon - but you do need to get professional advice :)

I breastfed my dd from birth to 10weeks with nipple shields as she wouldnt latch with out them until I managed to wean her off them. I didnt notice any long term problems but I had other issues with bfeeding so never had an awesome supply anyway. But am still breastfeeding my 6month old dd and wouldnt be if it wasnt for the nipple shields so just keep with what is working, but second the getting professional help too.

I know you are not supposed to use nipple shields, but like Thandeka for me they made the difference between carrying on breastfeeding and giving up

I used nipple shields until my LO was 5 months, when she weaned herself off them. No supply issues for me either.

Thanks all for your comments. I will go to the bf support clinic next week, but in the meantime will try not to worry about using the guards. I had no idea b-feeding would be so hard!!

it is hard- so hard but promise promise promise it gets loads easier if you can tough it out. For some ladies that is from 8weeks (or earlier- lucky things!). For me it was 16 weeks because I had loads of ishoos but it is an absolute doddle now. 5mins and she is done!