January 2016 Moms
BarrettJ89
member
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Breastfeeding Woes...
BarrettJ89
member
So, baby girl is 3 days old now and she eats like a champ... but it's cluster feeding. She will eat (usually 20-25 minutes, sometimes both sides), fall asleep for about 5 minutes then demand more. Night time is the worst. She will only eat for maybe 5 minutes at a time, fall asleep, then wake up demanding to nurse for another 5, then repeat. All. Night. Long.
Within hours of having her, my nipples were bruised, cracked, and bleeding. It's only gotten worse. I can barely wear a shirt, it hurts so bad! I've been on the verge of tears/giving up for the last 2 days.
I checked the breastfeeding board, but I don't see anything relating to this (seems odd) and I like you ladies more
Has anyone gone through this? Any way to prevent it? Help ease the pain? Is it Ok for her to be getting small amounts of blood mixed with the colostrum/milk?
The LC at the hospital said that she has a great latch and I know she's getting something as there's white fluid coming out when I press, she burps after nursing, and she's peeing/pooping like a champ. But this pain seems beyond what would be "normal."
I'm at wits end, and walking around shirtless all day/night seems mildly inappropriate, especially once I get back out into public.
Within hours of having her, my nipples were bruised, cracked, and bleeding. It's only gotten worse. I can barely wear a shirt, it hurts so bad! I've been on the verge of tears/giving up for the last 2 days.
I checked the breastfeeding board, but I don't see anything relating to this (seems odd) and I like you ladies more
Has anyone gone through this? Any way to prevent it? Help ease the pain? Is it Ok for her to be getting small amounts of blood mixed with the colostrum/milk?
The LC at the hospital said that she has a great latch and I know she's getting something as there's white fluid coming out when I press, she burps after nursing, and she's peeing/pooping like a champ. But this pain seems beyond what would be "normal."
I'm at wits end, and walking around shirtless all day/night seems mildly inappropriate, especially once I get back out into public.
Re: Breastfeeding Woes...
It is a really sharp pain, almost burning pain not necessarily like a bruise.
I'm confused and in so pain. BF-ing didn't work at all with my son (he was lazy and refused to latch resulting in me not producing). I'm trying really hard to make it work this time... but blistered, cracked nipples?
BUT pain is not normal, especially not on that level.
If the latch is good, tongue tie (some are really difficult to spot even by trained specialists) could be to blame, but there's definitely something going on. I'd have someone else check the latch. Get in touch with LLL or any local groups. Get second opinions. A tongue tie could cause her to feed more often since she's not getting as much.
Also please be careful with lanolin (and whatever cream) since it can make the nipple a bit slippery and baby could be using a bit more gums than she should in order to keep the nipple in, thus causing further pain. Also, it keeps cracks moist and doesn't promote healing. A bit of your own milk and allowing them to breathe as much as you can is the most effective way to heal cracked nipples.
All this said, remember it's your third day as a mama (Congrats!) and her 3rd day as a nursling, you're both learning and this too shall pass.
My few tips (although I'm new at this too)
1. LC told me not to use lanolin (they don't recommend at my hospital anymore) because according to LC it can increase bacterial growth - they recommend organic raw coconut oil instead
2. Make sure your breasts air dry
3. My baby has a strong latch and gets plenty of food but it is shallow which is what causes my pain. I have to adjust her to make sure her lips are puffed outward and not inward.
4. Re the cluster feeding- I take her out of her clothes so she is colder and less likely to fall asleep. I also change her diaper midway to re-wake her up.
Hang in there!!!
I'd continue to see an LC for advice. Even if latch was good at hospital things are different at home between positions, pillows, etc
An LC also told me there is a prescription called Dr Newman cream that works wonders and may help you heal more quickly. You could ask your OB about it. Good luck!
I don't have any advise on using a shield but I would highly suggest you reach out to your local LLL or find a support group, as previously mentioned.
I think it was night 4 when I had had about enough. LO didn't seem to be satisfied and would cry and cry after pulling away from my breast, only to want to latch again 15 minutes later. This went on for about 4 hours....I was exhausted and hormonal and was just done. DH came over, gave me a hug and kiss, and reminded me that it may be difficult now, but LO is growing each day and will never be as tiny as he is in this moment. That no matter how difficult it may seem right now, there will be a better day and even a day when I look back and wish for him to be so small again. I really needed to hear that and I tell myself the same every day.
Good luck!
When I was nursing my nipples were getting SO chapped too and every time she latched on my freaking toes would curl and I'd shriek in pain. I'm almost thankful my milk never came in so I didn't have to be in such pain from BF anymore
I have friends who used the nipple shields and it seemed to help. I never tried them, just grit my teeth and hoped for the best. It took a week or so until the cracked/bleeding part was mostly over. I BF until DH was a bit over 2 years with no further pain.
As for tonight, baby has been in epic meltdown mode any time she's not latched. Even if she's not actively sucking. She refuses every pacifier I have (tons of them). It's been about 2 hours straight now. Ugh
I had a similar experience with DS. The first 3 weeks were awful. I took a 2-3 day break from nursing and EPed. Because the pump pulled in different places it allowed my nipples to heal a little. After 2-3 days we tried nursing again but I had a slightly different strategy. I did a couple things to discourage the cluster feeding (i.e. not allowing him to fall asleep) like tickling under his chin, switching positions, etc. That helped A LOT and allowed him and me to get more sleep because he was getting a full feeding.
This is such a tough time, but it will get easier. I agree with the others about making sure she stays awake for the whole feeding. I also encourage you to seek out a local new mom's group or breastfeeding support group or attend a La Leche League meeting.
As far as the pain and cracking, definitely either get some nipple cream or use coconut oil. Coconut oil worked great for mine. Also, when you shower, don't use soap on your nipples. Plain water will get them clean and soap will make them dry out worse.
I understand, when else would they tell you, it's not their fault or anything but honestly, can they just send me home with a PowerPoint or something?!
I even told the nurses at my birth center, "I don't think I'm going to remember any of this." And I barely do.
I talked to the pediatrician today. Her latch seems shallow, but she is definitely getting something! She didn't lose any weight at the hospital and has already gained 2 oz in only 4 days (and no signs of jaundice). He said that anything more than 20 minutes, is just her using me as a pacifier. After trying 5 different brands/shapes/sizes of pacifiers, I think I've found one she will take. Hopefully tonight will go easier, although I can't even begin to explain how sore and raw (and emotionally drained) I am right now. I'll be contacting the hospital LC tomorrow to see if we can fix her latch... My milk seems to have only come in on one side and I am not responding well to pumping. Boo...