Breast feeding is such a problem :(

[RachelC86]

Hi Im having some huge problems relating to breastfeeding my LO who is 5 weeks old today.
For the last week I've been unable to breastfeed him properly as I've major cracked nipples and around the nipple itself is very inflamed and is too painful to allow him to latch on, so I've been using a manual pump to get the milk to him but I don't like using it and really want to breastfeed him properly as I miss the bond between us and the constant sterillizing and preparing bottles is a pain.

Can you get some nipple shields?

This can allow them to heal but still feed. I have never used them but I understand they can be tricky/interfere with a latch so hopefully someone will be along soon to add more

Also, you don't need to sterilise anything when you are pumping breast milk - hot soapy water and air drying is enough

Have you been to a GP to see if you need antibiotics? Maybe Thrush if the skin is cracked and sore

have you checked you latch with a peer supporter at all?

I haven't seen my doctor yet as the midwife said to use nipple cream and pump.
I have got some nipple shields but the whole preparation seems complicated. U have to remove them once baby is latched on but to me that just seems pointless as u have to move baby off to remove then back on :/

Hi aesopslabials.
No I haven't had help with latching on, I've only read leaflets and read stuff online to refere to

Re the cracked and sore nipples, I can totally recommend Multi-Mam Compresses. You can get them in bigger Boots. They are little herbal impregnated moist compresses that you place in top of your nipple in your bra. They are amazing! After using them for a day/ night my nipples are virtually back to normal. It says to use them for at least 5 mins but I keep them in continually. Plus, one sachet is enough for both nipples, I just cut the pad in half.

Defo worth a try. Hope things improve soon. X

Similar idea to sleepy. I used hydrogel pads ( medela and tommee yippee make them). Used them on top of lansinoh for 24 hours each set. Really helped my awful nipples.

good advice here on healing your nipples but as well as healing you need to look at why you are having nipple damage. Can you get see someone in rl to check your latch and the babies mouth. Jack Newman website has some great advice for getting a good latch.

Agree with nearly, you can use all the creams, shields, hydrogel dressings in the world, but if you aren't addressing the cause of the pain (which sounds like latch, maybe check for tongue tie too?) then things won't heal.

Can you get to a breastfeeding group or find someone that really knows about breastfeeding to observe a whole feed? They will probably need to watch how your baby comes on the breast, how he feeds whilst on the breast, and how things look after he has finished his feed (in terms of if your nipple is squashed or misshapen for eg.)

Well done for being so determined and keeping up with the pumping but you sound like you're suffering so seeking some help would be a really good first step to getting him back on the breast.

Thank u all for the great advice :)
I have asked the HV to come and help me with the breastfeeding and mainly the latching on issue I'm having. So hopefully I can get some help with that. Another problem I seem to have is my baby himself, when he latches on and starts to feed he's great for the first 10-15 mins then stats to wriggle and tug on me which I personally think caused the nipple pains in the first place. Plus the constant attachment and moving about on me and using me as a dummy.
He was checked for tongue tie and he doesn't have it x

I would try and see a BF counsellor, go to a BF support group or even better find a lactation consultant - keep asking for help until it's pain free.

I used nipple shields for the whole feed for about 2 weeks. There are two purposes of nipple shields. 1) to help women with small or inverted nipples to latch the baby on. 2) To protect sore nipples. I think you've read advice about the first purpose but you are actually needing help with the soreness. Do whatever you need to to keep feeding!
Good luck! x

Mine is now 4/12 and did/does the wiggle and tug thing, I started removing her, doing some winding/jiggling to distract and then going back if she still wanted food, it seemed to be her way of saying I've had enough for now!

If you can try and get a fully trained bf counsellor. HVs and MWs don't always have the right training for dealing with breast feeding issues.

Someone up thread has already pointed out you don't need to sterilise when giving breastmilk, hot soapy water and a rinse in hot water will do just fine, so that's one less job for you to worry about.

The 'breakthrough' point comes at a different time for all of us. Some women 'crack' breastfeeding in a week or two, most women seem to be around the 6 week mark, and for others like myself it can be as late as 12 weeks. Suddenly one day you're feeding and you realise it doesn't hurt and it's all so simple from that point. You will get there if you can get the right support and help now.

If you need a break then just give a pacifier - they're not the devil's work and can be really useful to give your baby 'sucky comfort' whilst giving you a break. During the day, when you're not tired, if baby starts latching on badly, then just break the seal gently by slipping your finger into his mouth, and relatch.

And never forget that a glass of wine and a piece of chocolate cake will help get you through the evening feeds.