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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

I seriously need to swear!!

12 replies

Writerwannabe83 · 02/05/2014 13:31

I need to unload and scream FU*K me!!!!

I've had a crack in my nipple that's never really had chance to heal. It's been there a few weeks and although it hurts when DS initially latches, the feeding itself isn't painful.

However, in some kind of frenzy, whilst feeding, he started turning his head and has opened up the crack! I could have cried when it happened! It hurts and stings so much. I'm going on a hunt for some paracetamol.

I'm seeing a Lactation Consultant tomorrow and it can't come quick enough. I've thought for weeks that something wasn't right with his attachment and finally I'm going to get some help!

God my nipple hurts

OP posts:

FatalCabbage · 02/05/2014 13:38

You can swear all you like here. Nipple cracks are torture.

and best wishes for relief. Ice pack?

tiktok · 02/05/2014 14:05

Ouch ouch ouch.....nipple cracks are horrendous.

I really hope you get help soon.

stargirl1701 · 02/05/2014 14:53

Wound shield/Hydrogel pad? Promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection.

Nipple shield or pumping from that breast to give it time to heal?

McBaby · 02/05/2014 15:28

Jelonet for moist wound healing.

Original poster

Writerwannabe83 · 02/05/2014 16:39

I've got some nipple shields but don't understand them! They look so big!! How is my baby supposed to get the plastic teat and my breast in his little mouth?! The logistics just don't seem to work in my mind...

I'm definitely liking the idea of pumping off it...

If I only feed off the other side though will that breast start producing more milk because it's being used more frequently? I don't like the thought of becoming painfully engorged....

OP posts:

FatalCabbage · 02/05/2014 16:43

What sort of shields do you have? They should cover your nipple and scarcely anything else - maybe a centimetre around? Baby may only latch on to the shield, but the massaging/vacuum seal is the same so tends not to affect supply once established.

I got nipple cracking so bad I lost an actual chunk of nipple but using shields for a good period led to complete healing and feeding to 26m (plus his two brothers). It's still scarred but functional!

Original poster

Writerwannabe83 · 02/05/2014 16:49

The nipple fits nicely inside it in terms of width, but the artificial teat sticks out further than my actual nipple does, hence Why it looks so big. So the baby can actually just latch onto the teat as opposed to needing a mouthful of breast too??

OP posts:

tiktok · 02/05/2014 17:03

Nipple shields - sounds as if the ones you have may not be a good fit for you, writer. The baby can draw the nipple into the teat part, as he latches on, and if there is still a gap then it's not fitting as it should.

There are different sizes and shapes of shield - you may need a different sort.

Shields have their drawbacks but they certainly have their uses, too. But they have to be a good fit.

FrankelandFilly · 02/05/2014 17:10

If you've got a nipple crack that won't heal it sounds like you have a latch problem. I was exactly the same - nipple cracked at about 5 days and just got progressively worse. I was in so much pain every time DD latched and often cried. 3 weeks ago I developed mastitis and had to stop feeding from the affected breast as it was so swollen and tender. Ice been pumping on that side ever since and lo and behold the crack has almost healed.

DD had her posterior tongue tie (which midwives missed and GP told me "wasn't bad enough to treat") snipped 10 days ago so I'm hoping I won't get another crack once her latch improves.

dannydyerismydad · 02/05/2014 17:10

I've heard great things about multi mam compresses to soothe and heal cracked nipples swiftly. One mum I know calls them boob holidays.

mrsmugoo · 02/05/2014 18:05

I've had a bad crack on my left side that took weeks to heal and had actually left a ridge like permanent scar!

DS never latched onto a nipple shield either - he just gave me a "WTF" look haha!

Agree with expressing on that side for a couple of days to let it heal, by now your supply is more established so you shouldn't suffer engorgement and should go back to normal after.

Btw - DS here is also thrashing his head around on the boob at the moment - ouch!

Original poster

Writerwannabe83 · 03/05/2014 02:15

Well I expressed earlier and although I was anticipating it to hurt, it didn't. I think my nipple is glad of the break!! I have continued to feed on the right side (the good side) and can now feel my left breast starting to get firmer as the milk is building up......I just don't think I have it in me to express at 02.00am....

OP posts:

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