Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

nipples too big?!

4 replies

nancydrewfoundaclue · 09/05/2011 12:55

OK bear with me Grin

I have never considered myself as having anything other than distinctly average nipples but apparently the fact they are getting squished flat whilst feeding is a sign that they are in fact too long Confused

DD was a small baby (6lb 1oz) and due to being a little early and very sleepy she dropped down to 5lb. My nipples became very sore and cracked with the constant feeding. I saw lots of MW's and BF advisors in the first ten days and was advised by all that latch wasn't a problem and that things would get better as she got bigger.

She is now 9 weeks and my nipples are still getting squashed flat. The main part of the feed is not painful but towards the end it gets uncomfortable and my nipples have developed hard white ridges, which are tender.

Is this going to get better? DD now weighs 9lb so I don't think her size is an issue and her weight gain has been better than expected but I would really like to look forward to a time where it is not painful.

She has also started to "fuss" quite a lot at the breast, pulling the nipple in her mouth and latching on and off constantly. I had thought she was suffering from wind (she looks uncomfortable) but now worry she may be struggling to get the milk she needs.

OP posts:
japhrimel · 09/05/2011 13:37

Well I've got quite big nipples and don't have this. Has she been thoroughly checked by qualified and experienced people for any signs of tongue-tie?

RitaMorgan · 09/05/2011 14:37

Sounds like a latch problem to me - squashed or lipstick shaped nipples can mean they are getting pressed against the hard palate instead of being further back in the mouth.

Have you seen a breastfeeding counsellor, or been to any groups? I'd try getting in touch with La Leche League or the NCT to see if there's anyone in your area you could go and see.

nancydrewfoundaclue · 09/05/2011 17:12

She has been checked for tongue tie and is fine and I have seen five BF counsellors on three different occassions. Her latch has been described as "looking perfect" and it certainly does look good to me: mouth wide, chin to chest etc. It just doesn't feel so good.

I am not in UK now and it is difficult to find anyone here to look.

OP posts:
RitaMorgan · 09/05/2011 17:46

Do you mean the baby's chin is against her own chest?

Maybe her head needs to be tilted back more with her chin pointing into your breast.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page