Cracked Nipples

[StrangeTown]

DS2 is 5 days old and I have had cracks in both nipples since day 1 which are not healing at all. Latch and position have been checked by midwives and BFC and both seem fine.

After each feed there seems to be a 'frill' of blisters vertically down the centre of each nipple which then cracks and scabs. DS also has big sucking blisters after each feed. BFC felt DS was just a very fierce feeder with a strong suck.

Night feeding is awful, he is cluster feeding at night and I am not sure I can continue to BF - feel hopeless and last night ended up with tears streaming down my face in agony during each feed.

I just did some searches on here and people recommended the silverette shields, but they seem to be sold out.

Does it get better? How? Do your nipples just toughen up?

Any info and experience appreciated.

How did you get on? A bit that the bf person didn't know why you were getting blisters. That sounds like poor support (from someone with inadequate training?). Good luck. Do ring LLL, NCT or ABM for some help if you don't get it sorted by the NHS.

How are things strangetown?

OK - things have improved!

Still have cracks and feeding is still painful throughout the feed, but nothing like it was previously (no tears).

Midwife confirmed no tongue tie, but said he has a high, deep palate. She feels feeding will continue to improve as he grows.

I do feel like I can carry on now.

Thanks for all your support and advice - it really is the difference between giving up and keeping going.

I'm so pleased you feel things are getting better strangetown- a high deep palate would explain the pattern of blisters you described. What did she say about the milk dripping from his nose (just curious)?

He will grow so quickly- good thing in terms of nipple pain, but sad thing in terms of newborn cuddles! amazing how different bf can be with each baby, eh...

About the milk dripping from his nose - midwife said just a combination of lots of milk, fast let down, fierce suck and so there is a bit of overflow he can't swallow quick enough!

Glad it was nothing more serious -not to belittle your 'frill' of blisters ow!