Can I get your opinion? Nipple pain

metucker

I cried all weekend because of hormones and nipple pain. I knew there was a bf support group at my hospital Monday morning so at every feeding I just kept telling myself to make it to Monday at 10. I met with the LC and she said the latch does look good and V does not look tongue tied. She suggested letting her eat until she stops sucking vigorously and then take her off so she doesn't damage my nipples any more. She said she really can't see it getting worse based on what I showed her. 

As it stands now, both nipples are scabbed and super sore. I dread her latching on but I'm trying to relax. Once she starts sucking it is still painful but not as painful as when she first latches on.  She eats for 8-12 minutes on one side and that is typically it during the day until 2 hours later. At night she will usually take both sides.  She has had 5 poopy diapers today, but I worry that she is not eating enough. She is 6 days old. Do you think it's feasible to keep going like this? Thanks for any help.

RLMarinoatc

With my son I had a cracked nipple.  the pain was intense!!!  What I did was change the position I held him in while he was nursing.  (I know there are photos/descriptions of positions on kellymom.com)  My advice is to rotate positions each time, because that will change the part of the nipple LO is latching on.  It won't get rid of the pain, but will make those first few sucks less intensely painful.I also used a lot of lanisoh cream and "dried out" in between nursing sessions.

Also, when you take her off, make sure to use your finger to break the latch, don't just pull the nipple out of her mouth - ouch!!

Also, It definitely gets better!!  My DD is now 3 weeks old, and it's not painful at all. (And once the pain goes away it gets sooo easy.) So hang in there!   Good luck!

Ashley&Scott

Get some nipple butter. (I've also heard there is a prescription cream, ask your dr.) Expose your nipples to air as much as possible & get some gel soothies. Her diaper output sounds great, how many wets? It doesn't sound like she's having problems getting enough. Hang in there mama, it will get better!

Ashley&Scott

Also make sure your LO's top & bottom lips are puckered out when she's latched that will reduce the pain. If they aren't you can gently pull them into position without unlatching.

jenbelsan

I'm not the OP, but thanks for the advice. LO is 7 days old and it's my right side that is painful.  Changing positions sounds like a great plan!  Good luck OP, the lanolin cream really does help!

aeshipley

Go to the doctor and get a prescription cream to help your nipples heal. I had multiple cracks and dreaded everytime I had to feed my baby. My doctor prescribed a cream called fusidan (sp?)- he said it was similar to a ploysporin type cream- whatever it was it worked. Things started getting better almost overnight.

Same as you I saw mulitple LC's who said that the latch was good, LO had a bit of a tounge tie but really technique wise there was not much that I could change. I still get a bit raw every now and then but things have definately gotten much better.

Hang in there. I know how tough it can be when you are sore.