Lightning Boob?

weebos8

I have never posted here before but I am feeling a bit desperate.  It hurts so bad every time LO nurses on my left breast.  Like I am wincing in pain, and I had a natural birth, so I know pain!  We have had latching on issues from the beginning. The LC said my nipples were small, but what he does is latch for a few seconds, take a swallow, and then unlatch.  He does this like 6-10 times before he will actually eat.  It is so painful and it feels like sharp shooting pains through my breast.  I am taking ibuprofen 3x a day per my doctor's orders, but it is still just very painful.  I am also pumping a bit to relieve some engorgement.  I guess my question is this something that will get better as he learns to latch better or are we going to have to struggle and me continue in pain?  

Thanks so much ladies, I am just at the end of my rope here.  

Chicwed

have you tried getting a nipple shield?  that may help with the latching and since your nipples are small.   ask your LC or you can buy them at BRU.

weebos8

I have one that I used at the hospital and for a day or so after until my milk came in.  He was doing so well and latching without any problem that I stopped using it.  I guess I should try it again.  Thanks for the response!

harleyjo

Since it is only the left side, and the pain is throughout your breast, could it be something else besides latching issues?  Such as mastitis or clogged duct?  Although I have not experienced either of these, so I'm not really sure if that could be it, but something to think about?  You shouldn't have to take Ibuprofen 3x a day for latching issues on one side I would think...

crysmike

harleyjo:

Since it is only the left side, and the pain is throughout your breast, could it be something else besides latching issues?  Such as mastitis or clogged duct?  Although I have not experienced either of these, so I'm not really sure if that could be it, but something to think about?  You shouldn't have to take Ibuprofen 3x a day for latching issues on one side I would think...

I was wondering this too. I had a milk bleb (milk blister) on my left side, that created shooting pain through the breast. Look for a very tiny white spot - it could be backing you up. If that's the problem, your OB can open it with a sterile needle. If it is clogged ducts, expressing milk in a hot shower and hot washcloths before nursing might help.

Also - if your little one is having trouble getting a latch - Try pumping for a minute. That draws out the nip and might help. GL!

Birdies08

weebos8:

I have one that I used at the hospital and for a day or so after until my milk came in.  He was doing so well and latching without any problem that I stopped using it.  I guess I should try it again.  Thanks for the response!

I would check with a LC before starting to use it again- they can be hard to wean from!

I agree with PPs that it sounds like it might be something else. Do you have a nurse or LC you could call to ask? When I had thrush, my main symptom was shooting nipple pain.

This article is mostly about thrush, but it has a list of reasons for nipple pain at the end: https://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvoctnov98p91.html 

weebos8

Birdies08:

weebos8:

I have one that I used at the hospital and for a day or so after until my milk came in.  He was doing so well and latching without any problem that I stopped using it.  I guess I should try it again.  Thanks for the response!

I would check with a LC before starting to use it again- they can be hard to wean from!

I agree with PPs that it sounds like it might be something else. Do you have a nurse or LC you could call to ask? When I had thrush, my main symptom was shooting nipple pain.

This article is mostly about thrush, but it has a list of reasons for nipple pain at the end: https://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvoctnov98p91.html 

Thank you so much for this article.  Very interesting.  I called my doctor this morning and he put me on an antibiotic, thinking it is mastitis.  Thank you all so much for your great answers! 

harleyjo

weebos8:

Thank you so much for this article.  Very interesting.  I called my doctor this morning and he put me on an antibiotic, thinking it is mastitis.  Thank you all so much for your great answers! 

Good to hear you might have found an answer and are getting it taken care of  

Birdies08

weebos8:

Thank you so much for this article.  Very interesting.  I called my doctor this morning and he put me on an antibiotic, thinking it is mastitis.  Thank you all so much for your great answers! 

NP! I'd recommend taking a probiotic while on the antibiotic. Feel better soon!!