Breastfeeding

[Lg2021]

Hi there, hoping to get some feedback and advise!
Our BF journey has been really tough, ending up with nipple damage which is currently week 4 of trying to get one of them fully healed.
I am not sure if I have mastered feeding on the boob or if my nipple is now just used to the discomfort.. should I feel anything on the nipple when baby is on it? Should my nipples feel a little tender after? Does this mean it’s still a bad latch?
It feels like her tongue is going across my nipple, is this right? When she is on it appears to be the right latch ( cheeks firm, chin pressed into breast, slight double chin, nose clear)

I am in so much turmoil about continuing BF or not, sometimes I love it but most the time I hate it. We have been combi feeding (with formula) but I’m so anxious about my supply drying up .. they say that if I don’t put baby to breast (or pump) atleast 8 times a day and once at night that this will happen, I just don’t know what to do.. seems like they say this to scare you and to make you BF as midwives and HV are so cult like when it comes to BFIng!

It’s really hard, I feel no one tells you how difficult it is! Well done you for persevering.

Ways of helping your nipples heal… lanisoah cream, silver cups and cold compresses. Your nipples should be toughening up around now.

Is there a breastfeeding support group where you are? Peer supporters are really good at watching you feed and making little suggestions to improve your latch. If you Google La Leche League you should be able to find a local group.

Good luck!

You shouldn't feel her tongue going across your nipple. Has anyone checked for a tongue tie? My latch looked good but was really painful due to tongue tie. The midwives/doctors in hospital didn't pick it up/said there was no issue as she could lift her tongue but when I went for a proper assessment at a private clinic a severe tongue tie was diagnosed. Feeding became much better about two weeks after a division.