Bleeding nipples while breastfeeding!

[Februarygirl]

Sorry if this topic is a bit gross! But I really need some help. I have been exclusively breastfeeding my 11-week-old with no problems (and breastfed my first child for nearly a year with no problems). But for the last week my nipples have been REALLY painful during feeds, and if anything it's getting worse. They are sore just in general too. I just expressed some milk from one as I couldn't face another breastfeed, and although the pump was less painful, I have noticed that my nipple is now bleeding in the rings or circles around the outside, and the skin is pulling away a bit. It's not like the cracks you can get on the tip of the nipple when you first start breastfeeding.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? I'm going to the doctor this afternoon but I have a feeling she's just going to say it's to do with latch... I asked on the phone if it could be thrush but she sounded dubious. Don't think it's mastitis. Any suggestions would be very welcome!!

Do you use any cream? I found lansinoh before and after feeds was a good barrier. When I had thrush I felt relief on feeding (and intense pain after feeds) so doesn't sound like that, but make sure you change disposable breast pads every feed just in case.

Thrush would feel like needles into your nipples and glass shooting up the ducts.

So is it the edge of the areola that is bleeding or where the nipple connects to the areola (sorry if that doesn't make sense)

It probably is a latch issue. You might find it is due to baby being bigger and you need to reevaluate how you are holding them whilst they latch.

I had this and developed a nasty infection. Go to your GP.

People always say ‘oh it’s the latch’. No, you are bleeding, in pain, skin coming away. That’s not right. Check with GP for infection and see bf counsellor. Nipple shields?

Ah OP, I feel you. Are you fair-skinned? I am and remember the midwives in the hospital (in Switzerland) saying I’d have a painful time BF with my light skin. They were not wrong.

I had bleeding nipples almost all the time. No latch issues; all checked by lactation consultant & midwives. It led to infections twice. I tried everything; every cream, every nipple shield, even spent £80 on sterling silver nipple guards! Nothing worked. I admitted defeat at 4 months with DS1 and stopped after the colostrum with DS2.

Thanks everyone, that's all helpful. It sounds like probably not thrush... I will see what GP says and also try a BF clinic. @jellybe, it is where the nipple connects to the areola.
I am trying nipple shields, they help a bit with one breast but not the other! Will keep slapping on the lansinoh cream too.

@FloconDeNeige that’s so interesting about the light skin! I have very light skin too, my nipples were so badly damaged. Still have scars on them :(

What did the GP say? Hope they were able to help.