Extremely sore nipples - how am I going to nurse?

MDmama519

I plan on calling a new LC in the morning but, what should I do in the mean time?

My nipples are wrecked.  I thought we had a good latch but, I am dealing with cracked and sore nipples. I took 2 days away from nursing and pumped to allow my nipples to heal and I put her back on the breast yesterday. I've been trying to fix the latch but, I can't nurse through the pain anymore.

I've been letting my nipples air dry. I've been using breast shells. I try rubbing expressed milk on them. I've tried a heating pad. I have Canadian Nipple Cream. I have even tried a nipple shield.  

I nursed her about an hour ago and I cringed in pain the whole time. I really don't think I can make it through the night. I tried pumping a bottle to feed her and only got 1 oz. from each breast. How do I get through tonight?

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mnewlee

I'm not sure what Canadian Nipple cream is so it might be the same thing but have you tried Lanolin? You can get it at Walmart and Target in the baby section.

I usually get relief in one application. (Granted, I've never had anything as severe as what your describing) 

 

You might wait a couple of hours after a feeding (a few minutes before she's ready to eat ) and try pumping again. Also, if you pump first thing in the morning you might have more success. That could give you a break from a couple of feedings.

MrsPinkPeony

I completely feel your pain! I was in the same place a few weeks ago. The bleeding/pussing/throbbing/sharp pains almost led me to give up many times in the 1st few weeks. I saw a LC when DD was 3 days old bcs I cried and cringed through every feeding . I also had/have trouble with the latch, but it did get better. It's not great, but better. I found that making sure DD I'd perfectly at breast height and completely level helped quite a bit. I use my breast friend, which u can buckle tightly to stay right Under your boobs And put a small pillow under it to keep it high. Also, we were must comfortable in football hold on one breast and cross cradle on the other because DD had a hard time turning her head on one side due to in utero position (LC made me aware of this). Also, the hospital had me using the wrong size nipple shield and the LC put us on one they got better. Huge help. I was still bleeding, but it stopped and I healed about a week after. Also, got a perscription for all purpose nipple cream from my doc and liked it better than the other creams I had purchased. I still have nights of terrible pinching pain- I say it feels like if I am getting tattooed on my nipples . Needlepoint pain over and over. But some feedings are completely painless now. I heard it can take up to 6 weeks for it to get better and I didn't think I could make it that long, but I did! And do can you! Hang in there mama!!! You are doing a great job! Good luck!

MDmama519

mnewlee:

I'm not sure what Canadian Nipple cream is so it might be the same thing but have you tried Lanolin? You can get it at Walmart and Target in the baby section.

It's a rx cream. I tried Lanolin without any real relief.

I'll pumping before her next session to see if that helps . Thank you!

bretlee

I know exactly how you feel. How long did you use the nipple shield for? After just a day or two of when I started using it, it didn't hurt anymore. The first couple times did still hurt, but I stuck with it for awhile until it stopped hurting and I actually looked forward to feedings.

jllmb79

I was in the same boat almost 1 yr ago.  Cracked bleeding Nipples because my Lo was Tongue tied and wrecked my nipples and to add to it I got a yeast infection.  I cried my eyes out in pain and put my LO to the better of the two first and I pumped a few feedings. My savior was Dr. Jack Newmans All Purpose Nipple Cream. It is a compound that you need your Doctor to write a script for and fill it at a compounding pharmacy. 

MDmama519

Thank you so much for the responses ladies! 

I tried the nipple shield with my right breast and was still in a lot of pain even with it on. When she wakes for the next session, I will try the left breast which is not as painful.

I'll also ask about getting some APNO. 

Pinaysis86

Oh I completely understand. Try to alternate between the pump and nursing. I always felt the pump wasn't nearly as rough as a bad latch. With time it gets easier as your nipples become more 'tough' and then you don't really feel anything. I remember seeing my milk turn pink while I was pumping because my nipples were bleeding! There is a light at the end of the tunnel promise! Also have you tried cold or frozen cabbage leaves??? Sounds crazy, but I swear by them. I would put them in my bra after nursing. So soothing and it helped! Good luck hun!!

bunniekrissy

I had cracked, bleeding nipples for the first 4 weeks. Then it suddenly got better. One thing that helped was I would cover my nipples with plastic wrap and tape it sealed to keep them dry when I took a shower, since I noticed that after soaking in the water they would start to fall apart again after some slight improvement during the day. I know the pain is awful, but it will pass! I hope it gets better soon!