Sore boob / nipple hand hold.

[OnNaturesCourse]

Since the start of the year I've had a super sensative nipple which I believe to have started when I had a nasty chest infection and accidently fell asleep with a hot water bottle on my chest (resulting in super dry skin all over the boob which has now cleared)

The nipple sensativity stayed however so I got it checked at GP. No lumps, no discharge but agreed nipple looked raw and sore so anti fungal and steriod cream given "until cleared". Used for 4 weeks and it didn't clear but got more sensitive. Back to GP who decided to give a anti fungal with no steriod. Nipple cleared up but sensativity cane and went for a few months after which the nipple got sore again, and my boob ached occasionally. Back to GP who said nipple looked fine now, no lumps, no discharge - told to leave it a while longer and that "it might just be sensative now"

Roll forward 5 or so months and I'm now 4 months pregnant and this nipple is agony. Anything goes near it and my sensativity goes crazy. I occasionally get a weird, random tingly sense in behind the nipple/down the boob. Absolutely nothing in the other boob now that my 1st trimester is done.

Last night both boobs leaked a little. Right one was clear liquid, left one (sore one) was yellow, thick liquid and not as much as the right.

Waiting on GP getting in touch again but my anxiety is throw the roof, I barely slept last night. I feel sort of fobbed off by the GP so far, and I'm hoping to find the courage to be a bit more pushy today and get this investigated further. Any advice on this? Anyone had similar?

I'm so worried as breast disorders and cancer runs in my family. I'm early 30s.

Forgot to add, the sore nipple looks almost cracked / blistered - it has done since the start of all this. Whereas the right nipple is smooth. Its not red or raw looking anymore however.

Only came here as I wondered what a 'nipple hand hold' was!

Thought it must be something for the baby to hang onto.

Yellow nipple discharge at this stage is normal. It is probably colostrum. Nipple sensitivity in pregnancy is TOTALLY normal. Mine felt like someone had attacked them with a cheese grater. I was fantasizing about sheepskin bras and I live in a hot, humid country. (Can you imagine the fungus? The SMELL???) Have you been in touch with your midwife yet? Talk to her. Look at the colour and shape of your nipples. If they are white on the tips (known as blanching) or they go navy blue you may have a condition called Reynaud’s Syndrome which is particularly painful. (I also have this - it is mostly associated with breatfeeding and breastfeeding difficulties, so if this is an issue, best be prepared early and talk to lactation consultant.) Also look at shape of nipple. They should be round, not pinched or oval. Something else you need to discuss. Meanwhile, if your nips are pink, pinky brown and round, but still a bit tender, I think you need to chat to lactation consultant anyway. Nobody knows boobs better.

My sore nipple is a odd shape but I've been told it's because i have a milk gland thing right under it, so it looks pulled to one side and that nipple never go flat because of it. It's always standing to attention slightly.

GP has had a feel again, and poked and prodded. Once again says nothng to worry about and it's just one ultra sensitive nipple. I expressed my concerns about it being only the one and was told it could just be the good boob for milk. No dry skin, no chapped bits, no rash, no lumps.

I do feel a little more settled but still not 100%. I have the midwife tomorrow so I'll bring it up with her.

GP did suggest soft nipple pads with a little bit of vaseline as a protective layer.

Lol @ the headline - yes it does seem a odd title now I look at it!!

Now that you’ve mentioned that it’s an odd shape, I reiterate the importance of seeing your midwife and asking to see your lactation consultant. You may have a tethered nipple, or it might be vasoconstriction. Best get it looked at.

Would a lactation consultant work with me before birth?

When you say super dry skin could it actually have been a burn?

Nah, it was a heat rash that dried out and cleared up.

It is worth asking. Mention that you are already having some concerns and would they mind seeing you.

I'll definitely mention it to them, it actually feels better today but it's real leaky!

@OnNaturesCourse

Would a lactation consultant work with me before birth?

Yes and seeing one before would be very helpful if you do wish to bf.