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Breastfeeding
bleeding nipple
while i was bf'ing in the middle of the night, one of my girls started squirming at my breast and refusing it. i looked down to see what the problem was, and saw that my nipple was bleeding. i didn't feel any pain, but saw some blood. i'm fairly new to bf'ing and my girls are preemies, so i use a nipple shield to help them latch on. i don't know if the friction caused the nipple to crack and bleed, but i was wondering if i should give that breast a break for a couple of days before i bf or pump. i had mastitis a couple of weeks ago and scared that i might get it again if i keep aggravating the nipple. what are your thoughts?
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Re: bleeding nipple
I would be careful about not bfing or pumping at all on that side, because if you become engorged that could actually lead to mastitis.
Maybe others can give some good advice about how to deal with your tender nipple. I haven't experienced bleeding but I did have a blister at one point. I kept nursing with it (but offered that breast second) and after a few day it healed up.
You might call a LC or local LLL leader for advice, too.
I had bleeding, cracked nipples for a fair amount of time and just fed right through it although DS never refused.
I too would be very wary of not feeding on that side as it could affect your supply and/or lead to mastitis again. I don't know the right answer but if it were me I'd continue to feed as normal. Continue to offer it as normal and if they refuse then pump but give it a shot first as they are the most efficient at emptying your breasts and thus reducing your risk of a clogged duct & mastitis.