Sore nipple, shields, engorgement - help!

[babyblabber]

DD is 2 weeks old tomorrow & feeding was going well but over the weekend my right nipple got so sore I can't feed her from it anymore. Same thing happened with DS & all I remember is I 'rested' that boob for 2 days, only fed from the other side a pumped to relieve engorgement.

This time though, no matter how long I pump for, my boob is still engorged and very sore. Am now wondering if I'm pumping for too long and making matters worse. Any idea how long to pump for just to relieve engorgement?

Also have managed to get her to feed with a nipple shield on that side a couple of times (she's not really a fan) but I know she's not getting as much milk through them so again am thinking maybe it's making matters worse, letting her suckle without the advantage of her emptying the breast (she does relieve engorgement a bit so is getting something)

Any other tips to get my right boob back on track?!!

Hi, is your breast hot and hard to the touch?

It's hard when engorged but not hot or red. Had mastitis last time and really want to avoid it this time.

Congrats on your new arrival

Have you tried hand expressing? I found it better than a pump because you can massage the whole boob area and find the segment that is blocked. It could be a blocked duct rather than mastitis so you can do lots of home methods first:

I heard on a course the other week to try putting a vibrator or electric toothbrush on the breast to get the duct unblocked.

Or combing it towards the nipple.

Ideally, if you can get baby to feed from it, they have the best suckle to drain boob.

You can take paracetomol and ibruprofen for the pain, ibruprofen is good as its an anti-inflammatory.

Try a hot bath/shower. And then alternate with a cold flannel.

If all else fails, I'd defiantly speak to your GP or HV.

Hi try 10 minutes feeding or 15 to 20 after let down with a pimp and rapidly cooling your breast the cabbage trick works well here unless you can do frozen peas. I couldn't. If you can feed without the shield it is better, it will be painful but will make emptying your breast easier for your little one. Hope this helps