Bruised Nipples

[Steviebecs]

My first born is 8 weeks old and is exclusively breast fed. In the last week BF has become very painful, and I have visible bruises around my nipples. It feels like the sucking action has gotten harder, but he is feeding for just as long as he always has. I have tried moving him to different positions, breaking the latch and re-attaching him and trying to keep him from feeding more often than every 2 hours to give my boobs a rest. Does anyone have any advice as to how to resolve this problem. I am considering giving him a formula feed in the evening before bed, as I am struggling to express BM in any regular quantity.

Thanks

becs

hey
i think u aint taking enuf fluids n yur baby is probably struggling to get any milk out. Make sure u take lots of fluids n yur breasts are alwys full.
Im still breast feeding my 1 year old full time coz i dont work,so why shuld i waste money on formulas when ive milk. I make sure i take a litre of juice diluted with water in the morning,anothr 1 at lunch and maybe 2 litres b4 bedtime. If its cold a take milo or rooibos tea,no coffee 4 me.
Once uve enuf milk,i doubt if yur baby wuld suck u painfully. Maybe anthr reason wuld be coz ure new at this,breasts can be really painful dear. Look 4 a nipple cream and apply b4 feeding.
But my advise is please dont give yur little one formula yet if nothing is hindering u ...goodluck n happy 2011 to both of u

Primmy, I doubt that Becs is suffering from not enough milk as a result of not drinking enough herself. We might feel dehydrated and a bit crap if we don't drink enough as we breastfeed, but it shouldn't affect the quality or quantity of milk (unless a woman really was starving herself of liquids!). It would 'just' make the mother feel unwell.

There might be other reasons why the OP's baby is suckling so fiercely - inefficient latch? Growth spurt? and if you're bruised, I think you should see a bfc or other expert, who can look at the problem visually and watch your baby suckling.

What do the bruises look like? What colour are they? Do you have any shiny, hot areas on the breast?

Sorry you're having problems, it sounds really painful. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along in a short while.

Hi
Thanks for your reply. Iam drinking lots of water and fruit teas - there is plenty of milk there, he is just sucking harder and also gumming down on my nipples very hard.

I struggle with expressing because my boobs are very large and none of the attachments or different types of breast pump seem to attach to my boobs properly.