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[squirmyworm]

been bfeeding now for 5 months (hooray) and after a truly horrendous start was feeling fairly satisfied that everything was sooo much easier - could feed in public without wincing or yelling etc and could feed in many more positions etc etc

However I have suddenly got a cracked nipple again on my really problematic side...why? any ideas or advice on what I can do to get rid of it? it's quite painful but I can think of no reason it's suddenly appeared as everything was going so well

bump

please? anyone? really sore now

i'm had similar problems with my ds2 - now 9 months. to accelerate healing air breast as much as possible, if inflamed chamomile hot compress or put a chamomile tea bag in bath and submerge side that is painful. also have tried 'photolacca' homeopathic remedy from weleda for mastitus with good results and savoy cabbages. what do you mean when you talk about 'problematic side'? does your baby favour the other side or are you getting reacurring cracked nipple on that side? if latter might be worth mentioning (because this affected my feeding) that if you feed in same place ie: one side of the sofa/or if your right handed then when you position on left breast you don't give same secure position for that side. i have ended up always feeding my ds2 upstairs in dark with lights off and hall light on, top off, pillows propped up on both sides and lots and lots of patience and we are now getting there. know how you are feeling, take lots of rest and hang in there

spelling error: meant 'phytolacca'

Is your babe on solids? I got a very painful nipple due to irritation of solids - caused an eczema type reaction on my nipple. Was cleared up with hydrocortisone cream from GP. Other cause of pain could be thrush however that is unlikely if you do not have deep seated breat pain. Have you got lazy with positioning? Sometimes we can get a bit lax with older babies ensuring they are latched properly with their body facing your body. Is babe lying on his/her back with their head turned towards the breast? That can cause trauma.
Make sure that the latch is good - try lansinoh nipple cream to heal crack. HTH.

thanks both

yes mears - just started solids - interesting to think it might be related...hadn't considered that. will see gp and suggest that if it gets worse.

had thrush in first few weeks (excruciating) and this is only about an eighth as bad in terms of pain so (fingers xed) it's just irritation of some sort and a crack. I have got lazy with positioning - often feeding him on ds back with his head turned - will try to be more disciplined with that too.

Shrub - when I had thrush my left side was always ten times worse than my right and was the more badly cracked nipple and longest to heal. will try chamomile in a nice bath (good excuse!) and actually have a savoy cabbage in the fridge (must be fate) so will whack a leaf in my bra as I listen to the archers. funny old game this motherhood - eh?

Many thanks for advice - will see if I can heal it in the next few days

second mears recommendation with lansinoh. also forgot to add if crack is to the side of nipple maybe try the 'football hold' position (where you sort of tuck him in under your arm) so he gets his milk from the top and bottom quadrants. are his teeth coming through? - sometimes you can't see them but you will be able to feel them!!