Breastfeeding struggles after NICU: cracked bleeding nipple and keeping milk supply up

[Anxious24]

I have a 7 week old baby. He was born at 32 weeks, due date in a week. He was in nicu and now home. I pumped a lot and had breast milk via nose tube. Now trying to breastfeed at home. My right nipple is very cracked and bleeding. It’s been like this for weeks but today he fed and tore large scab off. I can pump that side but breastfeeding is so painful.
Do I just feed on left? But worry there won’t be enough milk and pump on right to keep supple up. I pumped now and only got 40ml on right. I breastfed my other 2 children with minimal problems. I’m really down about everything. They said latch etc was fine in hospital. Can I get my milk back particularly on the right and how do I?

Can you get a nipple shield? I fed my second with shields for weeks.

I tried a shield but baby will not use it. He also hates dummy. I can keep trying shield. That would be the best if it would work

The two things that saved my nipples in the early days were Lanolin cream after ever feed, and hydrogel patches when my nipples were cracked.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medela-Hydrogel-Cooling-Cracked-Individually/dp/B0FB495RFY/ref=asc_df_B0FB495RFY?mcid=9d9644259b563f179313c26f5210ff90&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=749013856680&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17500922842440183551&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046783&hvtargid=pla-2431963835466&psc=1&hvocijid=17500922842440183551-B0FB495RFY-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

Are there any breastfeeding support groups in your area?

It’s perfectly natural for it to look like you have a lower supply in one breast when you are pumping. This isn’t always a true reflection of your whole supply.

To keep up your milk supply in the right, continue doing what you are doing. Feed from the left and pump the right every time. Don’t over pump as you will end up with a potentially painful oversupply.

Sounds like you are doing a fab job! Breastfeeding is tough and painful at first, you are acing it!

Sorry for the multiple posts. I’m up feeding my little one and I’m slightly brain dead from the lack of sleep.

Please remember that the total amount of milk you supply doesn’t really change. Instead the milk becomes more calorie dense to meet a growing babies needs.