I want to quit nursing

Hurtuk33 · October 2015

I don't care what anyone says about correct latching, this hurts. A lactation consultant told me I was doing everything correctly but I still have extremely sore nipples and I'm yelping in pain when my LO starts feeding. Even pumping is hurting. Will I get used to it eventually or is it going to feel like this forever? Any tips for cracked/sore/tender nipples? I'm starting to dread feeding times...

ForeverEverAfter · October 2015

If there was a latch problem that's been corrected, it should be getting better as your nipples heal. If there's continuing pain, I'd get a second opinion or go to a LLL meeting (or call the local leader). It shouldn't be causing yelp out loud pain. Have you tried laid back nursing? Sometimes a different position takes pressure off the damaged area and is a bit more comfortable.

ktbkitten · October 2015

Do you use Lanolin? That makes a huge difference for me. Also you can get a nipple shield and wear it to keep them from touching things while not nursing. I had one the first time around and it really helped with the pain. Good luck. Do what is best for you. I think that I am moving to pumping only and feeding with a bottle. What is most important is a happy and healthy everyone, including mom. Take care of yourself too.

AndieTessie · October 2015

Baby V is a month old in a few days and we're still dealing with the pain. And same thing as you our latch is usually good, but my nipples are always sore. I switch between BF and pumping to try and get a break, but even when I'm not feeding I'm in pain. I think baby girl is just a strong sucker or I'm just sensitive. I've seen two LC and their only thing is that I might have a low supply but the solution to that is pump more. I just keep giving myself weekly goals to keep going. If baby girls weight gain isn't good at her 1 month appointment next week I might reconsider.

Yiggle09 · October 2015

Some people use a drop of the breast milk to help heal the cracked bleeding dry nipples. I havent found anything that helps the soreness, your breasts do get used to everything. I am 5 wpp. Up until recently there was still toe curling pain when he latched on the left side and that has now gone thankfully. I barely bf I usually just feed him a bottle. Its such a struggle it makes me cry and get frustrated. In the beginning I was dreading him waking up and I would stall when it was time to pump. Things have gotten much better. I am sure your tired of people saying just wait it out keep trying etch. I did get frustrated with advie and support eventually things did get better.

izzybella3 · October 2015

I remember feeling the same way as you. I was told her latch was perfect so it really shouldn't hurt, but it did, a lot. I used coconut oil and lanolin and eventually it got better. I would put a ton of coconut oil on a breast pad and wear it for a while and that seemed to help. They make gel pads too that you can use to ease the pain but I didn't like worrying about washing it off between so many feedings.

jacksonsmomma11 · October 2015

My midwife swears by putting warm, damp, camomile tea bags in your bra until they get cool, and then drying with a hair dryer on low. I've done it a few times and it feels good and makes my horribly cracked nipples feel ALOT better and heal quicker. And then the laid back "natural breastfeeding" positions help

kary12345 · October 2015

It hurt me to breastfeed in the beginning. Sometimes I would cry. However after I kept doing it, the pain went away. I used lanolin in the beginning but now I don't even use that. Now I pump and breastfeed and the pump doesn't hurt at all.

kmcshane0211 · October 2015

Are you just starting out? It took me a week to heal my blisters, cracks, sores, clogged ducts...my right nipple was especially painful. I had an intense stinging when my daughter would latch...and I have a pretty high pain tolerance.

A few things helped speed the healing process along...

Put a few drops of your BM on your nipples. Try to limit clothing touching the area for a few days (basically i was topless around my house!). Or Apply a cream after every feed: Earth Angel Mama Nipple a Butter is my favorite. Use gel smoothie pads but not with the cream.

It took about 5-7 days for that intense pain to subside. I'm a month into nursing (have a low supply so I pump and supplement my expressed milk) and my nipples are still sore everyday a, but nothing like that first week. Honestly, I think the pump makes them most sore now. That thing is powerful!!

Sweet Sadie Mae · October 2015

Get a prescription for Dr Newman's nipple ointment apno. It's the only thing that helped my nipples make it throughout the first week. Also pumping once in awhile helped toughen them up.I'm 3 weeks pp and doing just fine now.

Hurtuk33 · October 2015

Thanks everyone. I tried a bunch of things and it's a little better today. I think more than anything I needed support that I'm not alone!

Kayciejoe56 · October 2015

My little guy will is just shy of 4 weeks, and I totally feel your pain!!! We have had a few spans of good days, but mostly it hurts BAD! I have had clogs, blisters and most recently a petty serious Crack on one of my nipples. I use lanolin sometimes, but have found that breast milk worked best, along with not wearing a top when possible.

I am also starting to notice that positioning is having more of an impact than latch (all appears fine with latch and has since the beginning). When I don't have any pain with my feedings, I get lazy with my positioning, and within a few days I'm sore and cracked again. I finally am making a serious effort to always get a good position. The boppy is helping a lot. We are currently surviving our 3 week growth spurt with minimal pain!!!

GeorgiaDottie · October 2015

Everyone gave you great advice. Just want to say you have to do what's best for you. Your little one will be ok whether is from the breast, pumped or formula. Don't forget your needs too. You've already proven what a great mom you are.

lauramichelle58 · October 2015

Using a nipple shield saved me! It hurts so much less!

apetkus · October 2015

I second getting a prescription for APNO (all purpose nipple ointment). My milk didn't come in until day 5 and it caused a cascade of problems. Still dealing with some tenderness but my nipples have been able to heal without having to stop feeding. I also highly recommend using the gel pads. Ameda makes one called hydro gels and lansinoh makes one called gel soothies. They worked way better at healing than letting them dry out with breast milk on them. I keep them on my nipples 24/7 when not nursing and I don't think you have to wash your nipples after using them as a pp had said. I also have been putting a heating pad on them because when they get cold and my nipples get hard they really hurt. Good luck! I'm right there with you trying to make it through the tough times and hoping it gets easier. But it already is better at three weeks than at one week so I have hope!

rachellegiacco · October 2015

I was the same. I cracked and bled every time I fed her then I bought coconut oil and skipped a day of feeding or pumping. It healed my nipples and now they are less sore. I put it on before and after feeding. It's harmless for them to eat and it even kills thrush if your LO has it

Mufflerlove · October 2015

I didn't read the comments. You do get used to it. I had a brutal 8 weeks with dd1. Ask your doctor about prescription nipple cream called APNO. I am not positive they have it in the US though but it's a lifesaver.

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