Cracked bleeding nippes

[Madigan]

I am really suffering with cracked, sore and bleeding nipples. This is my 3rd baby - he is 5 days old, and I am really struggling with bf as a result. I would be extremely grateful for any advice - I don't want to give up bf, but I can't carry on like this ....

With DC1, I had a little nipple soreness at the beginning which would be sore for about 10 seconds after DC1 latched on and then would disappear. After a week or so, there was no more soreness.

With DC2 no problems at all - she breastfed like a dream.

With darling DC3 I developed sore nipples by about day 3 and was in excrutiating pain yesterday - so much so that I had to stop bf and give a bottle. Nipples bleeding and the skin coming off ... not pleasant.

I am CONVINCED it has nothing to do with baby latching on incorrectly/incorrect positioning ....... I have lots of experience of bf (with my 2 other children). It is DC3's actual sucking action which is causing the problem I think - he sucks incredibly hard and his gums are very hard, so he is almost biting the nipple (or that's what it feels like).

Today I have started expressing every 3 hours and then giving him the expressed milk - but I need to top him up with formula as well, as I am unable to express enough to meet his needs (I have never been particularly "productive" when it comes to breastfeeding).

So, would be grateful for advice on:

1. What I can do to get nipples to heal?
2. How can I keep milk supply up (how often should I express? and what sort of quantities should I be expressing?
3. Is there anything I can do to avoid this situation happening again, once nipples have healed?

Sorry for long post - desparate for some guidance, as I do not want to give up bf with this dear little baby but I just cannot stand the pain at the moment.

Many thanks

Silverettes are often recommended on MN www.breastfeedingheaven.co.uk/breastfeeding-products/silverette-healing-cups/prod_138.html.

I suffered terrible cracked bleeding nipples with dd1 and ds2, so much so that I gave up BF'ing after a couple of weeks. DD3 is now 14 weeks old and bf'ing is going strong, in part I think to using silverettes in early days (kind mumsnetter sent me hers!). They didn't instantly heal my cracked nipples but were much better than anything else I'd previously tried. Unfortunately I've lent mine to a friend in RL or I would have send them to you. Good luck!

hi Madigan

when i had similiar problems (the nipple basically began to spilt), once I stopped the Lansinoh it began to heal.
My frequent applications of the ointment were basically keeping it wet and open. it needed to scab over.

sounds daft but fresh air will heal your nipples much quicker than any ointment i promise you.
i see the ointments as something to soothe light cracking. for a proper wound putting ointment on it will keep it too moist.

hth and i feel your pain! i had an awful problem myself with dd 3 years ago.

No problem - glad to help, sorry for confusion. It's ok to be spacy when you've got a newborn! And very glad to hear you're getting some in-person help, and that feeding may be improving anyway.

The breastfeeding counsellor has just been (thank you NQC) and she was fantastic - really good advice and support.

She reminded me of the "nose to nipple" latch technique - which I think will help. She also gave me more general advice on feeding/expressing etc. It was really worthwhile and cost £20 for the home visit, which I think is fantastic value.

I am pleased to say that my nipples have almost healed now, and breast feeding is occasionally painful rather than constantly agonising - so definitely an improvement!!

Thank you yet again for all advice on this thread. Very much appreciated.

BTW I would really recommend Medela Swing breast pump - work v well for me.

xxx