Bleeding nipple :(

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

I started pumping a few minutes ago and looked down and noticed the bottle was filling with blood tinged milk. I removed the flange and noticed my nipple was bleeding. I let the milk dry on my nip and then applied some lanolin. Is there anything else I can do? Should I keep LO off that boob for a while?

KMKaiser07 · January 2014

I had that problem when we first started BF. I had such deep cuts and we had a scary moment where he spit up and it was all blood so we were panicking trying to figure out if it came from me or LO. Before feeding, I hand express some milk so he doesn't spend as much time working hard on my nipple for the milk to flow. I apply lanolin after every feeding and every time I shower. I then walk around with my boobs out letting them get air. I have been using nipple shields until the sores heal. I continued to BF on the sore side just so I wouldn't have my supple suffer. Pumping doesn't do exactly what LO does. All of that combined has made a world of difference! I no longer bleed and the sores are almost gone. I really hope you get some relief soon. I know just how painful it can be.

Buckeye608 · January 2014

When my nips were all busted up I used nipple shields in between feedings. I found that it helped them heal if they weren't rubbing against my clothes. I bought the Medela brand. You can take off the backing of them and just use the plastic dome if the backing is uncomfortable on your areola.

KMKaiser07 · January 2014

@Buckeye608 are you talking about the soft shells? Those are different from nipple shields. Also a great thing to help with the healing!

Buckeye608 · January 2014

KMKaiser07 said:

@Buckeye608 are you talking about the soft shells? Those are different from nipple shields. Also a great thing to help with the healing!

Bah! Yes I did mean soft shells! My pedi actually discouraged nipple shields for our particular issues. Sorry for the confusion!

KMKaiser07 · January 2014

Yeah I would recommend discussing nipple shields with the pedi before using them. I got mine from our pedi because of our issues and she does not want me using them longer than I need to.

sportsmomma · January 2014

You can do 1 minute salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) too. For me working on latch is what's most important but I'm not clear on whether it's LO or the pump causing problems for you. Hope it gets better soon!

KMKaiser07 · January 2014

I also remembered you can contact your ob and have them fill out a prescription for newmans all purpose nipple ointment. I had a lactation consultant tell me is works wonders far better than lanolin.

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Bleeding nipple :(

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