Is this the end of my breastfeeding journey!?

[mangosmoothie123]

My baby is almost 10 months old and I have exclusively breastfed her. We have never had any difficulties or complications when breastfeeding and her latch has always been great.
I have recently developed a laceration underneath my nipple. It started off what looked like a tiny hole, but over the last couple of weeks has grown to about half a cm and is relatively deep. It doesn’t bleed though.
I have been using nipple balm after every feed, cleaning it regularly and changing breast pads frequently, but it just isn’t healing. It is agony as soon as she latches on, but when she’s feeding it’s fine.
I have absolutely no idea what has caused it, but I’m desperate to heal it!
Any ideas!? Or is this the end?? I’m not ready to stop😢

A large hole that its continuing to grow on any part of your body is a concern and needs to be looked at by a doctor regardless of whether you carry on breastfeeding.

Have you spoken to a BFC @mangosmoothie123? Have you got the BFing Helpline numbers?

This article from Kellymom might help but I really would recommend seeking some RL support whether you’ve decided to continue or not

@BunnyRuddington thank you for your reply and advice. I went to my local breastfeeding support drop in and they showed me different positions to try and to let the area remain dry as much as possible and it seems to close up!! The trouble is, where the cut is located is a really awkward position, sometimes my baby latches on she pulls the cut back open😅 but it does seem to be slowly healing!!

Also, thank you for sending me that article, that’s got some very helpful tips on there that I’ll be using!! I appreciate it🥰

That’s no problem. I hope it heals soon

I had this with my first. Every time she had a cold or teething etc her latch changed. Had all sorts of issues. She didn't bite but hey to teeth made a deep cut above my nipple. I tried to feed less of that side to let out dry as much as possible. It did heal though I still have a good scar there!
I feel you and hope it heals soon

Sounds so painful!

Could you just feee off the other side? I've known some people who have done this and their supply has stayed in the breast they're still using x

I fed from a single breast for a year, as for some reason my first would only latch on one side. It made my breasts look a bit wonky but baby was happy and it seemed to work OK. They returned to normal post and my 2nd happily fed from both breasts.

Personally I would move to feeding only on one side, and haakaa or express on the side with the cut.

I strongly advise seeking medical advice just to check it isn’t infected or a different problem.

Good luck, it’s really tricky but you’ve given your little one such a brilliant start.