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Advice for avoiding cracked nipples in early days of breastfeeding.

30 replies

Lizbiz89 · 21/02/2023 18:11

So I'm very recently pregnant with my 3rd baby and I'm really determined to have a successful bfing journey this time around. 1st time I had latch issues so I ending up using nipple shields which meant that my dd wasn't getting enough milk so I ended up combined feeding for 6 months.
With my 2nd baby ds fed extremely well from the get go and even increased his birthweight in the first week. HOWEVER I ended up with extremely cracked nipples which made bfing (especially the latch) almost unbearable. Between that running around after a 24 month old I just couldn't go on any longer. Anyway I'm absolutely determined to have a successful journey this time around and was wondering if anyone could give me any helpful advice regarding the cracked nipples? Did you have any miracle products which helped you continue? My latch wasn't a problem as the midwives said it was perfect. Really want to avoid the cracked nipples this time around and the nail biting pain. Any advice would be really appreciated.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Fipfop · 22/02/2023 19:11

Silver cups! You wear them in between feeds, they collect milk and heal any sores so quickly!

MissSmiley · 22/02/2023 21:03

@Lizbiz89 I think it depends on the baby, I've bf five babies, all smoothly apart from one of my twins, he just had a very different shaped mouth, it made me bleed, was very uncomfortable, didn't continue as a result, the other twin and my older two were no problem, don't blame yourself, some babies are just easier/more difficult to get established

Redebs · 22/02/2023 21:28

If you're that sore, then there really is something wrong with the latching on.
Get a mirror and check underneath that the whole areola is in. If baby starts to suckle and you're not fully attached, then gently break the seal and do it again. Don't let a baby suck harder and harder if they're not positioned right.

For the first couple of weeks, it's normal to be a bit sore at the start of the feed, but it should get more comfortable after a minute or so.

Baby's suction can be incredibly strong at the start of the feed, but once they've got the nipple deep up against the roof of the mouth, the suction is just to keep it in place. If you're engorged, or if the nipple shrinks due to pain, then baby will suck hard on the tip only and that's agony.

I used to use a manual pump just before a feed to get the nipple soft and long enough. I had misshapen nipples that baby would chomp on when halfway in otherwise. Those little gums can be pretty brutal if you've not gotten the nipple in past them.

The let-down reflex timing is important too. Baby will suck hard and sometimes thrash around if the milk doesn't start flowing straight away. The expectation of pain can interfere with let-down. You then get a vicious cycle of no milk, so vigorous sucking, so no milk. Baby can get really frustrated with this and may chomp and suck harder until you're both in tears.

If this happens, then using a manual pump to get the milk flowing first, can be a solution.

Newborn babies can be really good at nursing and you think you're sorted, only to find they've 'forgotten' on day two and have to learn over again. While you do need to be patient with them, don't grin and bear it if initial soreness turns into pain. Get the latch right and the let-down sorted.

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SoInLuv · 22/02/2023 22:37

Hi,
I really recommend a tube of Bepanthen cream- it was advised for me by friends and family members and it die work:)

I'll use it again if needs be as I'm expecting baby #3.

templesit · 22/02/2023 22:55

I have 1 dc and successfully bf until 18 months.

I had no clue what to do so watched loads of bf videos on YouTube!

Biggest tips-

Smother nipples in the lilac tube of nipple cream after EVERY feed from day 1. It may show on baby's lips but won't hurt them. (I'd put a breast pad over the top otherwise the grease will soak through clothes).
Also apply after bath/ shower.
Do this for the first 6-8 weeks then gradually reduce the cream stopping 1 application for a few days then after 4-7 days the next one. It's slow but it will work.

Keep baby's chin on your boob as nipple goes in as it helps latch.

1 boob per feed for full feed when quicker feeds but Remember a newborn will feed for hours which is normal to build supply and this will mean you do need to swap.

Don't pressure yourself! If it's a bottle needed then so be it.

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