Fixed latch issues, but is nipple SO sore

lauren5228

My LO's latch issue went undetected in the hospital and home visit because it was his bottom lip turning under half the time. Because I was told everything was normal, I fed through the excruciating pain. I noticed this myself and fixed the issue, and my left breast has recovered wonderfully. However my right nipple is so cracked, cavernous, scabbed and sore I cant bear to nurse him on it. This is also leading to engorgement, although I am trying to hand express often. I just pumped and it was sort of painful so I'm wondering if that could make it worse.

Should I wait until it heals to pump or attempt to nurse?  I am at the end of my rope with the pain I do use lanolin and leave milk on the nipple. Help! 

OhBaby+2013

Try an adviL and a Tylenol.  They will help with pain and swelling and have no interference with your milk.  Also give the nipple as much time in the open air as possible.  Good luck and good work!

Danni7535

I'm interested in what others advise. I would say pump and let lo nurse on the other side. The other thing you can consider is using a nursing shield on that side while your nipple heals. However, that could be equivalent to playing with fire because many people start using a nipple shield and then have a hard time getting lo to nurse without it. It can also affect your supply, but some people on here who've used it say it didn't hurt their supply. Anyway, I would research nipple shield before I tried one, and then I would only use it with caution.

Oh, and the most obvious advice is call a lactation consultant. They'll definitely know what to do in your situation. Good luck!

CLLDLL

I agree with PP. See an Lc. Definitely don't stop nursing or pumping. That will kill your supply. Try advil and use Lansinoh soothies when you aren't feeding. They are awesome for healing.   I had good luck with a shield too. Someone told me to only use it at the beg. of a nursing session, then finish without it. We did that for a week and then I was healed and LO weaned off the shield with no issue. I don't think my supply was affected either. Hope you feel better soon!