Breastfeeding Woes...

BarrettJ89 · January 2016

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.

KFrob · January 2016

This is exactly what happened to me. Baby has a good latch. Second night in the hospital she feed from 10:20pm until 4:45am. Then a few days later and lots of work trying to regulate the cluster feeding my nipples were all cracked and sore. I ended up crying while nursing, my husband walked in and told me that I was torturing myself. That night we ended up using the supplemental formula samples we got and after a long parent talk and talking with the pediatrician decided that I would pump and bottle feed and supplement as needed. My sanity needed this to happen and I'm feeling much less overwhelmed.

Becky012016 · January 2016

Have you tried nipple cream? ive heard that helps with the chapped/dry/cracked nipples. FTM though so hopefully someone with more experience is better able to help you!

jessfrks · January 2016

My baby does the same thing! Not all the time. But at night a lot she'll do the cluster feedings and fall asleep and then wake up wanting more. Luckily my nipples haven't been really sore. She usually has a great latch so they don't really hurt. Make sure your baby had a good latch! And use lanolin cream!

jessfrks · January 2016

Mine is a little over 3 weeks old

kwentela · January 2016

I have had a similar experience in the first week with my son. My nipples were bruised and super painful. The LCs said he had a great latch, he's a peeing and pooping champ but he just has that strong of a suck that I get bruised as well as I'm a FTM so my nipples had some toughening up to do. For the soreness I've been taking ibuprofen, using lanolin a few times a day as well as using these gel cooling pads from Medela on my nipples which help some of the discomfort. I've been contemplating getting some breast shells to put in my nursing bras/camis bc they take the pressure from clothes off the nipple and give the nipple some extra air flow for healing so maybe that would help you. As for the cluster feeding, I feel you, it sucks, it's made me want to call it quits in the middle of the night when he won't lay down. After two weeks of night time cluster feeding I kinda broke down and was like ok we need a change. So I started doing a serious bedtime routine. Whenever he wants to eat between 7-9 I take him to the bedroom, turn down all the lights except one small one, put on lullaby music and feed him really quietly. When he falls asleep the first time I go take him to the nursery and change his diaper to piss him off and wake him up again enough to seriously feed instead of the every 5 minute stuff, then I swaddle him, feed again and rock him until he is in a deep sleep not just dozing and most of the time he will stay asleep... Every once in a while I have to "top him off" an extra few minutes. The routine has worked well for the most part, instead of cluster feeding every single night all night it's maybe just once a week where it's bad. Find a routine that works for you and check out those breast shells maybe? Breastfeeding is so much more frustrating than I expected but I keep hearing the advice "don't quit on a bad day" and I try and keep reminding myself of that. Sorry it was such a long reply

Leah6120 · January 2016

I know people have different feelings on these but I would try a nipple shield before I went to formula and see if that works for you. My best friend used one and it really gave her the assistance she needed for that first couple of months until things leveled out.

BarrettJ89 · January 2016

I've been using lanolin cream after every feeding. I've even tried pumping for the first time today. That made it feel even worse. I've got to think it has something to do with her latch, but the LC at the hospital, along with multiple nurses, said it was great. She nursed about 25 minutes on each side within an hour of being born... then a couple hours later did it again.
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?

CBWifey · January 2016

I've been here and I'm sorry, I think it's a rite of passage unfortunately. It gets easier and better within 2 weeks as far as pain and cracked nipples. All babies nurse differently. I recommend nipple cream. Lansinoh Lanolin nipple cream. On Amazon or local store, Walmart, pharmacy should have. And most importantly, lansinoh soothies gel pads (put in fridge, and then on your nipples, the cooling is amazing for pain) they are a life saver. Get 4 so you can rotate. This greatly increases healing time! Both products on Amazon for sure, but also in Walmart. I hope that helps! Hang in there! It will be worth it!

ekscopp · January 2016

While I'm a first time mom too and I have no personal experience, I would recommend going to an outpatient lactation specialist (u can call your insurance company to see who they will cover) and also try a breast feeding support group. My friend who was also a FTM said the breast feeding support group saved her and now she has been nursing excusively for 7 months. Best of luck!!

Grassieta · January 2016

I'm a LC. Cluster feeding is normal, feeding on demand is crucial especially in the beginning since it will help establish your supply.
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.

kayelah23 · January 2016

My son is 2 weeks old and he likes to cluster feed at night i solved this problem by pumping and bottle feeding he eats alot more at a time and sleeps longer but hes a chunk gaining an oz a day. We just had a 2week check up and hes 9lbs 6oz thats 4 ounces since monday!

perfectlyawful · January 2016

It gets better in a few weeks from what ive been told. Im a ftm and i literally writhe and cry in pain when my babygirl feeds due to my sore cracked nipples. I also use lanolin after every single feeding. Dont give up your nipples will toughen up!! But im right here with you i do not look foreward to feeds at all.

MssyMmmy · January 2016

I hear you. My nipples aren't cracked but can get really sore upon latching to the point of tears. My baby will cluster feed for a couple of days but then give it a rest for a day. I use an organic nipple butter called boob-ease that really helps. Also giving nips some air time. Once and a while I supplement with formula when the pain becomes too much. Baby does well but he gets gassy.

ChrissyD1203 · January 2016

Yes I'm having all the same problems as you. Everyone says it WILL get better - cluster feeding is temporary.

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!!!

apinkpelican · January 2016

I second the gel soothers. It's also helpful to Express some milk on them and then let them air dry. Close the windows and walk around topless for a day or two. I used a nipple shield for a few days/week to allow the nipple to heal and that was really helpful too. Then you can try again once healed wo the shields.
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!

SaguaroBlossmom · January 2016

I second the nipple shield, I had to use it with both my girls. My nipples too would get horrible blood blisters that would pop and turn my milk pink. Ugh.. I'm not looking forward to it again. I eventually did end up supplementing for everyone's sanity. Best of luck, let us know what ends up working for you! If it's bad this time around with me again I might just try to EP.

BBEA2006 · January 2016

I would use a nipple shield as well in conjuction with cream. The nipple shields saved my life with DS who was slightly tongue tied and had a terrible latch. They were amazing.

MissMheMhe · January 2016

We are currently 9 days old and the cluster feeding has gotten a bit better. We've figured out a sleeping arrangement that allows him to get about 3 hrs at a time, then he wakes to eat for about 30-40 minutes and falls back asleep, allowing me to get a good amount at a time. I think my supply has increased allowing him to feed until he's full and either falls asleep or is satiated enough to just chill and look around.
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!

SuperherosMom · January 2016

With my first I remember it being very painful for about the first 2 weeks ... definitely some crying from the pain even with tons of lanolin. Stuck with it and it got better. Nursed for 12 months and with my second baby no pain or sore blistered nipples

assuming by this time I have nipples of steel and baby #3 will be a breeze. .. hopefully

scornwell717 · January 2016

I didn't take the time to read all the responses so I'm not sure if anyone said this but when I was in the hospital the lactation consultant explained to me why they want to nurse more at night. If I remember correctly (it's all such a blur) she said that you produce more prolactin hormone at night and the baby senses it and takes advantage of it.
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

Rach8672 · January 2016

I too had this experience ! I decided to pump and feed and use supplemental formula. Best decision ever. I'm about 10 days out and my nipples pain is so much less. I've been using lanolin or hydrogel pads after feedings. I do a combination of bottle and breast feeding. This has actually allowed us to get 3 to 4 hours between feedings ! I feel your pain

OrangeFox · January 2016

I had a similar problem the first time around. The dry, cracked nipples were horrible. I remember crying during the night feedings a few times. I used coconut oil and Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple cream.

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.

BarrettJ89 · January 2016

Thanks, ladies! I'm trying really hard to stick it out. We bought the gel soothies, which feel absolutely amazing. I'm going to get a shield as well. I used one when I tried to nurse my son...

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

trixie429 · January 2016

I just went through this and turns out my baby has a tongue tie. Crippling nipple pain is not normal whatever anyone tells you. Hire a lactation consultant ASAP it should be covered by your insurance bc of obamacare although you may need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed. Feeding like you described can mean the baby is working extra hard to get the milk and not getting enough. Baby had her frenulum clipped today, 5 second procedure and is now feeding efficiently. My experience is mine and yours will be yours of course, but know that a consultant can help, whatever the problem is. Don't give up, you can do this, it will get better!!

Wicked4589 · January 2016

I am with you. It hurts so bad to nurse. LC told me I just need to move his head around while nursing so I wouldn't have the pain. No. They call him an aggressive eater. Every time he feeds I am crying or popping pain meds because the pain is excruciating. Contemplating switching to formula.

BabySeaTurtles · January 2016

**Lurker from Feb 16***
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.

Achae · January 2016

I agree with pp and want to add in to try and keep baby awake. At three days old baby just wants to sleep (even if they are hungry!). I would rub her back, place a cold wash cloth on her feet, etc. it pissed her off but kept her awake and feeding!

Life is Exciting · January 2016

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.

ashhsa · January 2016

Breast feeding is much more painful than id anticipated. Nipple shields have been a lifesaver for me- I'd recomend them before trying a bottle.

arghhhhhhhhh · January 2016

scornwell717 said:
I didn't take the time to read all the responses so I'm not sure if anyone said this but when I was in the hospital the lactation consultant explained to me why they want to nurse more at night. If I remember correctly (it's all such a blur) she said that you produce more prolactin hormone at night and the baby senses it and takes advantage of it.
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 love how they're always flooding you with information and you're like, I just gave birth, I'm exhausted and overwhelmed and in pain.

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.

BarrettJ89 · January 2016

So, last night was officially sucky. She was latched for over 3 effing hours, fell asleep for maybe 30-45 minutes, then woke up in complete hysteria and latched on for about 2 hours. The gel soothies are great for being at home as long as I can get her to let go! In public, it's a bit awkward to peel off a sticky in order to feed the baby.

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...

kaym6 · January 2016

Breastfeeding is going well during the day but at night he has a lot of trouble latching and gets frustrated because I get so full my nipples are impossible to latch on! The LC said I can pump for a few mins before feeding to soften everything up but I already have to do that in the morning and don't want to be doing that all night. It's only been 10 days. This happen to anyone else/will it get better??

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