Scarred Nipples...

[j5baby]

I'm expecting my second child and have a query about breastfeeding. With my first dd, I had a lot of discomfort bfing. Midwives would tell me that she was latching on ok, and she was certainly get enough milk, but she used to sort of 'chomp' on me. Consequently, the area around my nipples became 'worn' and 'scarred'. In fact after a month, I resorted to expressing my milk only.

Now I'm expecting my second child, and really want the bfing to work properly, however, I'm a bit concerned that once the baby is on the breast, the scar tissue will get sore and open up again.

Can anyone relate to thi? If so, is the scarring an issue, or could baby number 2, just feed differently to first dd.

Cheers.

Sounds painfull. No wonder you are worried. I'm no expert here at all, but surely if tthe tissue has healed then there is no reason why it willopen up again. Aloe vera direct from the plant is great for scar tissue, so you could put some on now in preparation.

How long since the tissue healed?

Tissue started healing about 3 years ago. I know is sounds a long time, but the skin that was affected is still much lighter in colour, and new looking. I just don't want those first few days of starting b/fing to affect that area of the nipples. Perhaps I should get some nipple shields in...although last time I was advised against using those!

Have you asked the midwife? If nipple shields put your mind at rest then use them. I thought people advised against them as they can cause problemswith the latch,so just keep an eye on it.

I would have hoped that after 3 years the tissuewould have healed fully. The only thing would be that baby 2 could do the same thing,but they are all different,so its probably unlikely.

I had a nightmare with DS and now feeding DD and its going well...you are more at ease from the start 2ndtime, so its different.

How long have you got?

I had cracked nipples with dd and gave up BF by 6 weeks. I could see the scars where the cracks healed and was worried they'd be somehow weakened. However, this time but I haven't had any cracks thank goodness. Ds has been a better feeder than dd and I got very good help in the first 10 days. I won't lie & say it's been easy this time but it's been a much better experience so far. Still waiting to actually enjoy it, though.