Question for Breastfeeding Mommies!

JezieNeeChan

So, I am really panicking and probably overreacting, but I needed some reassurance. Long story short, the little man had some bloody spitups and stools. The doctors told me it was from a crack in my nipple, but part of me just can't shake the feeling they must be wrong. I mean... he doesn't ACT like anything is wrong. I'm certain I'm just being paranoid... but I am seriously going crazy and sick with worry. Did anyone else have this happen? Should I stop nursing him on that breast until it is no longer painful?

Thank you for your help and support. Love this group!

dshannah

Yes!  Hand express on that side (or gently pump) until your nipple heals (it shouldn't be too long, a a day or two at most if you use Lansinoh to heal the crack). Then, before you go back to nursing with that nipple, put Lansinoh on it before your son latches on.

If it's still painful at that point, give it more time but also visit an LC to make sure your son's latch is correct.

But it's nothing to worry about--red blood in baby's spit up and stool (I've been told by nurse friends) is almost all of the time blood from the mother. And if not, it's probably from a cut in the baby's mouth or rectum, neither of which is particularly serious and both of which will heal on their own.

If there were something wrong with your son and the blood was coming from his GI tract, his stool would be black or have black bits in it.

JezieNeeChan

Thank you for the advice and reassurance. Being a new mommy is probably the most stressful thing I have ever done! Phew!