Two questions, One kind of ridiculous!

MrsNiner

First, how long is it okay to put witch hazel pads on my episiotomy?  I am scared it will get infected or not heal right if I don't put one on every time I use the restroom.  Will wearing them for too long be harmful?

 

And second, this may sound like a ridiculous question, but this is my first time breastfeeding and I'm not sure what's "normal yet".  After DS has been nursing for awhile and I take him off, the tip of my nipple looks like it has "opened up".  It doesn't look closed like it used to.  And when I pump, I can see it kind of opening up.  Is this normal?  It kind of freaks me out and when I look at my nipples after nursing, it's just very strange because I've never see them look like that before.  One of the joys of breastfeeding, I will assume?

JessiRaye

Not sure about the episiotomy as I had c-sections.

But the nipple question...Are your nipples bleeding, blistered or really sore? Mine look a little 'open' in some areas right after milk is expressed. It is just in the areas where the milk really flows though:) But last week I actually had an open blistered/scabbed area that I needed to use an antibiotic ointment on to heal up. I'd say if you aren't really cracked or bleeding, you are probably fine! 

StreefToBe

I'm not sure about the first question either, but the second, yes that appearance is normal. The most important thing to remember when breastfeeding is that it should not hurt. If it hurts that means the baby is not latched on properly, you need to break the seal and relatch the baby or your nipples will get very sore and potentially break open or get blisters.