Sore nipples with newborn - how to stop it being painful

[harleysmammy]

Hi. I have a 3 day old boy and he's a really good feeder the midwives and doctors have said. He latched on amazing the first ever time he fed about 20 minutes after he was born and since then he's latched on by himself every time. He feeds for quite a while but they said this is just because he's a chunky boy (9lb 3oz) and he's gutsy haha. It didn't hurt at all at first but now it's starting to get painful now throughout the whole feed. At first it's unbearable but then it gets tolerable. They feel hard and stingy when he's not on the boob, kinda like sun burn feeling. I thought maybe putting hot water on cotton pads might help or sudocrem but I don't want to put a cream on then feed him in case he gets it in his mouth. Does anyone know how to stop the painful feeling? I'm not giving up breast feeding, thats not an option and I am willing to live with the pain if that's just what happens but as a ftm i just wanted some advice. Thanks x

Lansinoh, it's miracle stuff. You can get it today from the supermarket. In the mean time, let some milk sit on your nips and air dry after each feed.

Yes get yourself some lansinoh- you can fed through it, it won't harm baby.
It might last a week or 2 but it does gets better.
And the cabbage trick sounds random but it also helps while your supply is getting sorted out and you might find your breast endorsed.

Buy a white cabbage, cool in the fridge.
Chop in half and stick a leaf in your bra...it's like the old cucumber on the eyes for your boobs!
Just don't fall asleep with them in there on you'll wake up with cabbage soup.....

Engorged not endorsed!

Lanisoh and an ice pack. It gets better very quickly.

sorry to sound dim....do you put the ice pack on the nipples or engorged area? am having similar trouble. thanks

Gosh I remember those early days. They do toughen up soon - but at first it's like rubbing your nipple on a cheese grater isn't it. I remember crying to the NCT breastfeeding support woman on the phone. I remember one was slightly less painful than the other so for about 24 hours I fed from that one and expressed from the other. It did help. Lots of Lansinoh. It's the only cream that works. Good luck OP.

Like everyone has said Lanisoh and a cold cabbage leaf wadded also recommended by an awesome HV. Worked a treat. I feel for you...it's been over a year since that pain buto I remember it like it was yesterday. shudders

Lanisoh and time unfortunately. I'm 11 months into feeding but can still remember those first couple of weeks, i reckon you could run over my nipples with a 14 wheeler and i wouldnt feel it now.

If there still sore by the end of the week get your latch checkes at a support group.

Might it be thrush? From what I remember, it feels like shooting pains. Had it with both dc but waited a b I t too long to be diagnosed and left boob was always a problem.

If you're 3 days, you're probably at the rock hard stage too. Put warm flannels on in the shower. You will spurt everywhere, but it helps.

I would first of all get checked for thrush ... use nipple shields until they heal and let them air dry (try not to wear a bra/top for as much as possible) I even now take my bra off in the afternoon when I'm not going out and it works amazing !
I used a lot of Lanisohn but I think I used too much as they never really dried out IYSWIM x

Another vote for getting checked for thrush. I've been docs this morning for it. With hindsight Should have gone a few days ago check baby's mouth too.

Also check your nipples aren't beginning to crack (looks more like splits). This can happen because of a poor latch, often caused by tongue tie which your midwife can check for. Other tips that helped me - if the baby latches on too quickly it can also cause sore nipples - it sometimes helps to put your little finger in their mouth whilst you get their head in the right position to slow down the latching on. Also a good feeding cushion can help with really young babies positioning as it's best to try to keep their body horizontal and your arms ache after a while.
Good luck and enjoy - dreamy days...