Newborn and soreness

[midori1999]

I had my DS in the early hours of thurs morning. Feeding seems to be going well, but I'm getting quite sore and it's sore for most of the feed. No nipple damage yet, but wedge shaped nipples when he unlatches.

I've tried different positions, cradle, rugby ball, laying down and 'biological nurturing'. I'm making sure that baby has a big, open mouth and is leading with his chin to latch etc and his lips are well curled back once he latched. A lot of my areole isn't in his mouth, but there is more of the 'bottom' (near his chin) of the areola in than the top.

I have large breasts, 36HH and so very large areola and nipples. DS was small, just over 7lb but only 50cm long, so I'm wondering if its just a case of large nipples/small mouth and will therefore just get better as he gets older? I had similar with DD, but ended up with one badly damaged nipple then and want to avoid that this time.

As far as I know from my experience (and it is so personal) both times (I have 2 DS) early weeks soreness is normal, it will settle down by around 3 or 4 weeks, but My second DS is now 4 weeks and still sore feeling for the first few seconds as he latches on, or if he has been feeding often or fussing on the breast. Some people have none of this at all or only a few days of it, but for me both times it has been sore, to the point of cracked/ bleeding but only for a Few weeks whilst getting established. Lanolin ointment is a must to get you through this time. This is the time breast feeding is being established so if you feel your latch is good, it might just be a sore phase as your body adjusts your boobs to their new role. It shou.ld pass, and get better soon at least. Ask your midwife to recommend a breast feeding councillor if you are concerned or want a second opinion on your latch.

Hope that helps, and know it should pass and just try (!) to relax your shoulders when baby latches on and breathe.

Thanks for replying.

I'm a peer supporter, so I should have more confidence in myself really... always more difficult when you're exhausted and its your own baby...

Things are much better now, I think as he's opening his mouth that bit wider and keener to feed now my milk's coming in. I have been attending La Leche League meetings while pregnant though, so if I get stuck ill have a chat with one of the leaders.

Congrats, Midori! I hope things are getting better for you. You probably know to check this, but get a reputable lactation consultant to look out for tongue tie - anterior or posterior - and possible lip tie. These are also linked to a high palate which can cause the symptoms you describe, which was the case for my dd.

Otherwise I hope you have gotten to eat at least a little cake since giving birth?! :)