Hey everyone,

Got a question for those in the know with breastfeeding - my little man is latching on properly as stated by midwife, and feeding well etc...but my nipples are killing me - burning, cracked and think a little blood blister on one (tmi sorry!). Does it hurt a little even if you do it right? Can't work out what is going on - is it something to do with fact my proper milk isn't in yet?

Sarah & 2 day old gorgeous boy with a hoover for a mouth!!x

At ante natal the other night the MW said if it wasn't for these she would have ripped her own head off with the pain.

Apparently there rated the best because there slim,soft and not to floppy that they wont fall off you breast. Plus because they are slim the baby doesn't get confused with the nipple/teet scenario.

And she also said Laninsoh cream for the nipple. Its expensive at almost £10 a go, but she said once you've finished BF, its great for skin, face or body.

Hope this helps, Ive already got mine on my wish list at Boots ready and waiting to be ordered..lol..

Hugs
Mrs Moo xx
4wks&6days till DD

Hi hun,

I havnt actually tried these myself as im only 29 weeks pregnant but i plan to breastfeed my baby too. I know my cousin had exactly the same problem with her little girl and her nipples were very sore. Her midwife advised her to try breast teets, basically like a bottle teet but a much more flatter one that fits around your nipple for the baby to suckle. I have seen these in boots for about £3.99 so maybe its worth having a go with some see if it works. Im gunna get sum in just incase i suffer the same as you.

Good luck Huni xxx

I had the same problem. First few days were fine for me (just a bit sore) but after a week my nipples were red raw, my baby was feeding every 2 hours which made it even worse! After a week I got a breast pump hoping to give my nipples a break every now and then but unfortunately my milk flow was very slow and it took an hour to get even a couple of ounces. Midwives don't care if your nipples drop off they just want you breast feeding-spoke to several people about this and they felt the same.

I tried for just over two weeks, I remember on the Monday I spent the whole day either pumping or feeding the baby from the breast and it was one of the worst days of my life. At a time when I should have been enjoying my baby I hated the thought of having to feed her yet again! The following day I decided enough was enough-I went to the supermarket and bought formula milk and it was the greatest feeling ever - I felt I'd won the lottery, just making the decision to go on formula milk was a great weight lifted of my shoulders.

Everyone puts pressure on us to breast feed but I know I'm a much happier and better mother because of my decision - I think I would have ended up not feeding the baby at all if I'd carried on breast feeding.

My advice to you is to carry on until you think you can take no more - maybe it may get better for you but if not don't feel you have failed, the first few days breast milk is the most beneficial to your baby. I come from a big family, one of my sisters had 3 children and didn't breast feed at all and they were and are perfectly healthy, another sister breast fed her 4 children and 2 of them have severe excema, another sister breast fed her 3 children and 1 of them has asthma, and my sister-in-law breast fed her 3 children and 1 of them has asthma.

Sorry for such a long reply but I know exactly how you feel and the pressure you're under - wishing you all the best in whatever you decide to do.

Anna

I hear it can be agonising - particularly if you're certain his latch is right it'd be worth checking if this is causing the pain.

If it's not that it may just be that you've got a little dyson on your hands and things will improve over time...

Good luck xx

Hi Sarah,

Most people find breastfeeding difficult in the first weeks and painful. It does get better. I found putting breastmilk on my nipples and leaving them exposed to the air after a feed helped a lot. They will toughen up after a while and it won't be painful.

If you're feeline engorged savoy cabbage leaves can be helpful - put them in the fridge for a while first. Plus you could try and express and freeze the milk for later on.

Good luck - breastfeeding can be really tough but worth it in the end.
Cherry x

"Not sure "

Hey Sarah...not sure if this is the case with all new breastfeeding mums as this is my 1st, but have you tried putting Lanisoh cream on your nipples to help?

Sorry Im not much help, some of the other girls will know Im sure! Hugs...Sharon 34wk pink bump x

Hi Sharon,

Yep tried this... my boobs are so boiling hot that it melts the cream! Sorry tmi but this is total shock to me...thought there was only pain if you had problems with it... Can't seem to find anything that helps - the fact that I've only been doing it for a couple of days scares me a lot too - can't imagine a week down the line. Thanks for suggestion though x

it might help you...failing that maybe speak to your health visitor...I dont think it should be sore all the time....I hope! http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.as-px?articleId=63&sec tionId=8
Primary engorgement occurs when the breasts become too full with milk, before your milk supply has had chance to regulate itself. You can help to prevent this by:

massaging the breasts gently to encourage the let-down reflex,
expressing milk after a feed if your baby has not fed enough to soften the breast,
taking a warm bath, or putting a warm compress on the breast, just before a feed, and
offering your baby frequent feeds.

tc Sharon x