Help with unlatching/ large nipples?

Susiepoo04 · June 2014

Having a hard time bf-ing. Cracked bloody tender nips and LO took off some pieces of the tips... I think maybe its poor unlatch technique? How do u unlatch? Does finger go between gums or not? I was told I have large nipples for baby's small mouth so maybe that is causing problems with unlatch? Any advice appreciated

Unknown · June 2014

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Kris2011RN · June 2014

Get hydrogels, they will help with your nipples. Honestly I tried EVERYTHING last time with my crack nipple. I ended up putting on neosporin and washing it off before I fed DS. I would put the smallest amount on my nipple after feeds. FYI: I read everywhere that you aren't suppose to put neosporin on it bc LO can swallow it and it is unsafe, hence why I washed it off. It healed up pretty quickly after that.

Unlatching I just put my pinky finger in the corner of the mouth sometimes I have to get between her gums. Definitely see a lactation consultant or find a LLL meeting.

momo214 · June 2014

I second the hydrogel pads. I was the same way with torn up nipples, and they really provided great relief. I also use a finger in the mouth to break the suction if needed.

jenb_99 · June 2014

I've been mixing a tiny bit of lanolin cream with Aquaphor and using that on my nipples. It works so much better than lanolin alone. My nipples were cracked and peeling, and this mixture healed them almost overnight.

usernewname · June 2014

Ouch!

Yes us large nipplly folk have troubles. I find supporting my breast held by my hand then it helps.

I've read a lot that their latch improves when they get bigger and can latch to more area. I'm holding into that!

Nmooney1 · June 2014

As pp said, stick a pinky in the side of LO's mouth to help break the suction. Can I ask why exactly are you breaking the latch?
Don't put anything on your nipples that you need to "wash" off. Soap can make your nipples even worse.
Mine are finally almost healed (still have a chunk on each side missing). I rotate between lanolin and coconut oil. I also wear breast pads 24/7 to keep my nipples from drying and sticking to my bra. You can also squirt a little breast milk out and run it on your nipples an areolas and allow it to air dry. When the milk dries, it forms an all natural protective barrier.

MissLadyTay · June 2014

I have to really shove my pinky finger into his mouth. Like, way in there. LC said don't be afraid of hurting the baby - you have to protect your nips!!

Susiepoo04 · June 2014

@Nmooney1‌ I break the latch after he's been on the breast for a while (~15 min) and kinda is half sleeping but still sucking. Surprisingly he has a very strong latch even tho he still seems half asleep.

Thnx all for the advice. I need to figure out the pinky in the mouth technique. I have a hard time getting him to open his mouth wide enuf after doing so as my nipple still scrapes between his gums. I guess I def shouldn't stick my finger betw his gums. Seems to make him chomp down even more.

Trying the hydrogel and lanolin and will try the others too. Sticking with bf ing for now but hoping it gets better!

MrsT2008 · June 2014

Stick your finger between his gums if you have to. I'd rather my finger be chomped on than my nips

yepyepsms · June 2014

Neosporin on the nipples just like you do the lanolin helped mine turn the corner on healing. LC suggested it. But you have to wipe off the neo before nursing. Also I got the breast shells to wear in between feeding to cover my nips so they wouldn't stick to my bra and could "breathe". I also kept taking Tylenol or ib to help take the edge off the pain. Good luck! I had about a week of pain and nurses through it and all good now!!

yepyepsms · June 2014

The ones I had came with a little foam thing that were supposed to catch the milk. I haven't leaked much at all so I didn't have an issue and that foam was enough and I didn't wear pads. (Shields are medela) I could see if you leak a lot they might be a pain in the ass.

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