Nipple pain, let down and other queries

[louloutheshamed]

I had dc2 12 days ago. I fed dc1 for 18m but for the first 6 weeks or so I had sore cracked nipples. I naively thought that I'd be better at it 2nd time round but the left nipple is vv painful and cracked. I don't think the latch is quite right on that side and I am applying Lansinoh like it is going out of fashion but it am doesn't seem to be helping!! I just have to ride this out don't I??

Also I sometimes get this overwhelming feeling of my breasts becoming full and tingly feeling- sometimes it just happens when I'm sitting chatting- not feeding and no apparent cause? My Mum this is my 'letdown' but I have never felt anything like it before, I didn't have it with ds. it can make my breasts feel sore/tender- is this normal?

Also I seem to hae oversupply issues- I never had this last time and never required breast pads but now I am leaking milk all over!? What can I do?

Baby is gaining well- went from 8lb 10 at birth to 9lb1 on day 10 and getting weighed again tomorrow.

Hi there,
I've got 3 children & every time I had to grit my teeth for the first 2/3 weeks of feeding. Then it started to settle down & become less painful. Might be worth visiting a b/feeding clinic to check your latch though.

No, you shouldn't 't have to 'ride it out' - get thee to someone who knows about breastfeeding and can observe a whole feed. You really shouldn't have to suffer like this.

If you had this before, it might be worth checking for a tongue tie as it is hereditary. Or perhaps the latch needs some adjustment, but get an expert to help you - do you have an infant feeding advisor at your hospital? They would be a good person to track down.

What you describe does sound like your letdown, it should settle down, as will the leaking as your supply gets calibrated.

Hope you get some help soon and breastfeeding becomes pleasurable rather than painful.

I had that 'let down' feeling with all my three babies, sometimes if they were crying my milk would start to flow. It was a real tingling, slightly painful sensation.

I struggled with positioning every time so don't feel bad about it. If you have a decent relationship with your HV why not ask her to take a look at the latch? She may spot something that you can't see from above. Or maybe a breastfeeding counsellor could help.