Oowwww! Cracked nipples

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My dd is 18 months, and I've been so lucky, breastfeeding from day one with almost no problem. Suddenly, out of the blue, I have cracked nipples and am in AGONY, can't let her near the left one and the right one is almost as sore.

Any advice? I really don't want to wean. Got some lanolin from the pharmacy, and she said if not better by Monday, to go to the doctor, but what can he do?

Help! FP

hi there

cracked nipples are almost always due to positioning problems, and while painful can be sorted out. It is possible that as your dd has grown that you have not accommodated her new size in the way you are positioning her at the breast ( sorry, I really don't mean to pick on you).

How do you feed her? Lying down or cradling her? It could be something as simple as tucking her around you jsut a fraction closer, drawing her knees closer to you so that her head can flip back more so that she can get more of your nipple in her mouth.

HTH

While trying SW's excellent advice, in the meantime squeeze out a few drops of milk and dab them on your nipples. Works better than any cream (I had really bad cracked nipples and this tip from my midwife really helped). Lots of people also swear by Lanisoh cream.

What eventually healed my cracked nipples was using a hairdryer to keep them totally dry in-between feeds.

Aha! I had not thought of positioning! She does like to feed in all sorts of wierd positions, such as upside down, backwards, you name it. We almost always feed lying down, as it is only before sleep and naps now. I will start to make her lie propeerly from now on!

I am actually sitting at the computer topless now to dry them out! (What a lovely picture) and will try the milk too.

Thanks so much
FP

Blimey, FP, let's hope the hairy-handed lorrydriver lurkers aren't reading this thread!

I fed ds2 til he was 2 lying down, the last 9 months just before bed, and I found just drawing him closer and stretching out his legs helped.

Good for you for keeping going this long, hope your nip sfeel better soon

LOL at hairy handed lorry drivers....eek

lol too!