Bf suddenly painful again at 2yrs

[Terrifiedandregretful]

I had such a hideous time at the start and was in pain for 5 months. Since then it's been pain free and I want to bf as long as dd wants to to 'get my pain's worth' as it were. But it's suddenly started hurting again at two years and my nipples are all cracked around the base. I normally only feed once a day but dd is ill and wanting to feed lots and lots. To give up now would devastate me when dd wants it so much, but I'm not sure I can face going to a bf cafe again - too many traumatic memories! Does anyone have any latching advice or words of wisdom?

Could you be pregnant? This is a not uncommon side effect of pregnancy.

The cracked nipples def need treating. Have you got something you can apply?

I was also going to ask if you were pregnant?
I'd get some lansinoh on those nipples to help with healing. I'd also go back to basics with latching. Older babies and toddlers can develop a lazy latch, especially when teething. Make sure she's positioned well and taking a big mouth full rather than just latching onto the nipple. Try the flipple/exaggerated latch technique.
Finally, don't feel guilty about limiting the amount or length of feeds whilst you're healing. She'll still be getting milk but it gives you a break and a chance to heal which will help you keep your breastfeeding relationship going in the long run.

Thank you. No chance I'm pregnant as dp and I have split up . I didn't feed her this morning and actually didn't feel too bad about it. I think you're right I need to limit time and frequency to allow me to heal. I just powered through all sorts of hideous pain at the start and I'm still pretty traumatised by it. I found the 'flipple' helpful so will try that again.

I get what you mean, I had pain the first 16/17 weeks and had to work so hard to get through it that I wanted to feed for as long as possible after that.
I hope you manage to resolve the pain issues!