Distraught at prospect of having to stop breastfeeding 4.5 month old DD

[SallyMischievo]

For the last couple of weeks, breastfeeding has been incredibly painful, not due to latch but due to DD doing what I can only describe as clamping on. I wonder if she may be beginning to teeth although I can't see any stumps? We had to take her to A&E a couple of weeks ago as she vomited blood which it transpired had come from my nipple, although it was not visibly bloody on the outside. Despite smothering my nipples in Lansinoh and using Multi-Mam compresses for the last two weeks, I am in considerable discomfort and have started dreading feeds.
I am anxious that I am fast reaching the point of moving to formula feeds but every time I contemplate the prospect of stopping breastfeeding, I am in pieces. I have loved feeding her up until now and really wanted to EBF until we are weaning and gradually cut down on feeds then. I worry that she will cry to go on the breast and feel utterly confused as to why my boobs are being denied to her and I know it will break my heart. Please help!

Sally, something is up here, and clamping, especially clamping that has started only recently, can be amended.

It may be she is clamping because of undiagnosed tongue tie; perhaps because of an abundance of milk flow she cannot control (linked with over-supply); because she needs a deeper latch now.....it may well help to have someone who knows what's what observe a feed.

Do a google search on clamping while breastfeeding for further ideas.

Hope there is someone you can see - breastfeeding counsellor, lactation consultant, knowledgable HV.

Is there any way you can see a lactation consultant? There are usually several in one area, they often know each other, some even offer free drop in clinics too.
If you want to keep going they may well be able to help or even fix the problem entirely.
Both my DSs had tongue ties, feeding was different with both, and the lactation consultant was invaluable both times.

Thank you both, I will seek advice as it does seem unusual that we have not had any problems with latch until very recently, (aside from in the first three or four days after DD was born when she was finding her way!). I put it down to her having a tummy ache at first as the clamping on and sucking furiously seemed to coincide with her being uncomfortable and windy and doing a couple of runny poos. I really don't want to give up BF so am determined to try to work out what is going on. My right nipple is leaving a very small yellow stain on the compress but I don't think I have mastitis. Is there anything else I can do to try and heal it, whilst still feeding from it?!

Best thing I found for healing was air and Lansinoh. I'd express a drop of milk out to clean my nipple with, then let it air dry til there was no moistness left at all. Then a layer of Lansinoh before putting boobs back in bra.
I really hope you can get it sorted soon!