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Original poster

Breastfeeding pain

69 replies

Catarinah · 01/02/2020 19:51

Hi everyone, so my baby boy is now 4 weeks old and my nipples are very sore from incorrect latching. I have now been seen my a lactation consultant who's taught me how to correct my technique. I now believe the latch is better, but seeing as I've been doing it wrong for 4 weeks, feeding is still painful as my nipples are already sore. She has been checked him for tongue tie and believes he doesn't have one (he moves his tongue like mad, and when he cries hysterically I can see below all of his tongue and there really doesn't appear to be any issues). My nipple still comes off slightly lipstick shaped but only slightly (he does have a very small mouth as he was premature). I have attached a picture of his latch earlier for you to see. How long until my nipples heal whilst still feeding do you think? Any tips? I don't want to give up...

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AES256 · 01/02/2020 19:58

You could use a breast pump and bottle feed him for a few feeds a day until your nipples recover. It's not ideal, but you'll be sore for ages if you just carry on.

MrsW85 · 01/02/2020 20:00

Try nipple shields. It will get easier.

Pinkflipflop85 · 01/02/2020 20:04

Lots of lanisoh and air your nipples as much as you can.

ParsleyPot · 01/02/2020 20:14

You're doing really well, OP.

Beautiful baby. Bear

mummyofrb · 01/02/2020 20:18

Lansinoh nipple cream and lansinoh breast pads if you can get them, they hold a lot more moisture and don't chafe. The first month is the hardest, keep going you're through the worst of it now! Well done!! Xxx

Firecarrier · 01/02/2020 20:30

Fresh air!

And nipple shields

R2D2abc · 01/02/2020 20:42

Nipple shield were a heaven sent for me. With my first was all easy to breastfeed but with my DD it hurt so much especially to start with. Breast shields protected my nipples, put loads of lanolin cream, and try if you can to keep your nipples at air so it heals. It worked for me, I was at a point where I was bleeding.

SMarie123 · 01/02/2020 23:40

Have you tried mam compress( I might be spelling it wrong) they were a lifesaver for me!

I think if you pumped one side and gave it a chance to recover, and then alternated every feed which side you pump and which one you use? I fear if you pumped exclusively all the learning would be in vain.

Well done for persevering!!

Millie2008 · 01/02/2020 23:46

Oh my goodness OP well done for persevering; you’re doing an amazing job Smile
Agree with pp’s- just apply lansinoh cream continuously- you literally can’t use too much of the stuff in my opinion! I didn’t wear a bra to try and let them breathe a bit. Those first few weeks really are awful, I remember being in agony. But it honestly gets better and easier - I promise. X

Original poster
Catarinah · 02/02/2020 01:53

Well guys I am currently lying in bed... Crying... Because of the pain and examined my nipple and can see that there's a blister developing. I think I will have to give the shields a go but somehow feel disappointed to have to? How do I go about using them without it effecting his ability to breastfeed without them? I just need some time for my nipples to catch a break and heal!

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Original poster
Catarinah · 02/02/2020 01:54

Also, I am using the cream and am already on 2nd tube... I have also had mastitis which has cleared so I am having a though time with the bfeeding

OP posts:
toddlermom · 02/02/2020 01:58

Well done OP! No amaxing advice just to say you're doing so well. I had blisters, bleeding and mastitis and was in tears but at 4.5 weeks everything cleared and been loved since then. I did try the frozen cabbage /lettuce leaf in bra which was great for temporary relief but not sure if it did much. Good luck!

dressingfortv · 02/02/2020 02:35

Have you tried what my midwives in the states called the 'football hold'?

You put their body under your arm. It helped me no end.

dressingfortv · 02/02/2020 02:36

It's something about them latching harder on a different area. I had big lacerations from a bad latch that weren't healing and thought I was going to pass out from the pain. She showed me this new hold and it didn't hurt at all!

GrumpyHoonMain · 02/02/2020 03:15

Shields can cause more blisters - they really aren’t designed for long term use. What you need is a double breast pump, hot compresses on your breasts to soften the blister, and Lanisoh cream. Also I know it sounds crazy but you just have to nurse more. The more you nurse the better the blister will feel - don’t hesitate to delatch if you have any problems.

GrumpyHoonMain · 02/02/2020 03:16

When I have blisters I hold my breast like a sandwich and ‘feed it’ into baby’s mouth - it really helps

R2D2abc · 02/02/2020 05:09

I have used the shields for about a month with both my kids. They didn't do me any blisters and they both fed really well. In fact they were gaining so much weight. Don't feel discouraged to give them a try. At the end of the day it's hats down to you for managing to bf your baby, doesn't matter how.

Kinsters · 02/02/2020 05:41

I've been using nipple shields since day five because my baby wouldn't latch as my breasts were too engorged. I only have good things to say about the shields. My baby has gained weight well and feeds beautifully with so much less trouble latching, my nipples are no longer sore and I don't dread feeding her. Sometimes I don't use the shields and my baby still latches fine as long as my breasts aren't too engorged (partly because my supply is starting to regulate and baby is bigger and better at feeding).

Why do you feel bad for using shields? You're still feeding your baby just without the pain. I'm impressed you've continued with the pain for so long!

Original poster
Catarinah · 02/02/2020 06:13

I'm only planning on using the shields temporarily to give my nipples some time to heal, and I'm hoping to just continue bfeeding without so I'm worried that I won't be able to if I use the shields? I can't possibly nurse more, he's feeding on demand which is every hour or 2 right now... I have tried to football hold and lying on my side, every position hurts, and I can't see whether he's got a deep latch or not with the football hold as my breasts are too big to see underneath! Can I do it so I alternate every say 3 feedings with shields, then a couple without, then shields, no shield etc...?

OP posts:
Anna783426 · 02/02/2020 06:42

My little girl is nearly five weeks and struggled with her latch to begin with because of the size of her mouth Vs. the size of my nipples. Nipple shields saved us completely and now she has grown a bit we hardly ever use them but if my nipples are really feeling it or if I'm too engorged for her to happily latch on we do go back to them with no issues. I also express enough milk for one feed from a bottle each day to give me a bit of a break. She's had no issue going from breast to shield to bottle and is gaining weight well, plus all she's ever having is breast milk. It sounds like you're doing amazing, hope you can continue to make it work for you both

Original poster
Catarinah · 02/02/2020 06:54

I think that's the main issue here too @Anna783426 I'm a F cup and he was born 5lb5oz. Even when he seems as deeply attached as physically possible (see pic) my nipple still comes out slightly lipstick shaped, I think the blister is coming from rubbing the roof of his mouth. How did you introduce shields? Every few feeds or completely switch?

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PottersParties · 02/02/2020 07:00

This sounds so tough and you’re doing great. I had similar with both DCs, and in the end the horrific pain subsided at about 6 weeks as their mouths got bigger and my boobs became less engorged. So I’m hoping there’s light at the end of the tunnel for you! In the meantime they had the odd bottle of breastmilk and formula and were fine, no problems continuing EBF afterwards when I wasn’t struggling so much.

With blisters, try to air it as much as possible and let it dry out. If nipple shields work for you give them a go (unfortunately didn’t work for me). Have you tried popping a milk collection cup in your bra? The hole sits over your nipple and means it’s not rubbing on your bra.

Your plan for feeding on your blistered side sounds good- if there’s a time when your baby is hungrier give him that side so he drains it faster. Also, have you tried the ‘dangle’ method to feed? Could be good to try another angle, to reduce the pressure on your blister.

You’re doing amazingly, and it does get easier!

Anna783426 · 02/02/2020 07:14

We were sent home from hospital with a nipple shield so it was a case of weaning her off them after 2-3 weeks rather than getting her used to them. You do still have to make sure they are latched on correctly with the shield, just as you would with the nipple but the definitely helped us. I also use a haakaa to help relieve some of the pressure when they are really engorged before feeding her which helps too. I've found it's only really got much easier in the last week, and Ruby was 7lbs8 at birth. I never considered that having bigger boobs would cause any issues breastfeeding before having her but it's definitely taken us a while to figure things out

Original poster
Catarinah · 02/02/2020 08:36

I never imagined breastfeeding could ever be so excruciatingly painful :(

OP posts:
putputput · 02/02/2020 13:25

Try the shields- I used them for about a week with DD1 to allow myself to fully heal. Also second the suggestion to use the milk collection shields in your bra to stop any form of rubbing. I used to put cling film on my nipples to stop them sticking to my bra as that was opening up the wound again.

Are your nipples hurting throughout the feed?