[~*Bethy*~]

both nipples are now cracked and bleeding. hurts like a MOFO to even pump....what do I do?!



Ive had to resort to formula to feed to give my breasts a break. shes doing much better than in the hospital. Ive had to pump to keep engorgement from killing me. but it hurts soooo freaking bad to pump. both LC and midwife have said its because her mouth is super tiny and her latch will improve with growth, but I honestly dont know how much longer I can hold out. anyone have tips on a gameplan to help? Were going camping middle of next month and I REALLLY dont want to have to formula feed while out in the boonies. The thought of using cold water to mix her bottles makes me cringe!! I promise Im slathering on the nipple stuff, but even thats not helping!!

ok done whining now...

[Angelaosaurus-rex]

All I can really say is it does get better I promise! ((HUGS)) I am pretty sure in another post Kate recommended organic coconut oil as nipple cream.

[Babybear4]

I am lurking here from WTTC, but I remember being in your position so wanted to tell you what helped me.

For me, the only thing that helped was to rub breastmilk all over my nipples after each nursing session and let myself airdry for AT LEAST 10 minutes. The more air you get to your nipples the better. Also what kept me going was just knowing that it would get better. I remember the frustration and I hope you can figure something out that works for you.

[soImarriedAnerd]

IT REALLY DOES get better! I know we all keep saying that but I only know a handful of people who get past 6 weeks and still has nipple pain. Also can you try another LC, maybe a second look on things would give a new thought/plan?!
Hang in there!

[Trannyfromtheuk]

I dont have any advice but i just wanted to give you hugs and say your doing great!

[lauren in hi]

hand expression might be a little less painful. i had similar problems when joshua started teething. sorry it's so rough right now.

[~*sierra*~]

everyone has great advice.....when the nips are feeling better you can always try again.

[Mars]

I too can say that it does get better. I never took a break though but mine was never nearly as bad.

How long will you take the break for?

When my breasts were cracked and bleeding slightly, I did not stop. The reason I'm asking, is I'm wondering if it the break will make it harder. I don't mean this to come across as you shouldn't take a break, you seem like you're in so much pain. I'm just wondering if it'll be like having to start the process all over again when you go back?

Maybe someone who has taken breaks and then went back can offer more suggestions.

I'm really sorry it's been so awful so far.

[szczepanski]

Did you get breast shells? I'm telling you, when my nipples cracked, it took 3 days for them to heal using the breast shells in between feedings. I took tylenol, I'm not going to lie, and I cried a lot but we got through it. The breast shells and lanolin got me healed up.

You can also do a warm sea salt soak in between feeds to get them healing as well.

It WILL get better - the 6 week mark is like MAGIC. Once you hit it, it's like everything clicks and things are better. And I'm not just blowing smoke up your ***...we went through EVERYTHING - inablility to latch, oversupply, weaning off the nipple shield too early, sore nipples than cracked nipples, shallow latch, nipple confusion, BLISTERS from his crappy latch, nipple compression (to where my nipples where WHITE with a white stripe going down because of the oversupply issues), nipple soreness so bad they BURNED after he ate and when I got cold I was walking around rubbing them because it hurt so bad. Then we hit 6 weeks and it was a few days later that I realized he was just latching himself!

The first 6 weeks SUCK so bad but after that it truly becomes nursing and is so easy. I'm so proud that we stuck it out and I will tell everyone who listens, haha. So you can do it Beth!!! I remember how much it blows but it gets SO MUCH better, I swear. You are both learning how to breastfeed, they may say it is natural but I was told...it's the most UNnatural natural thing you will do! And that is SO true! *hugs* x 1 million.

[soImarriedAnerd]

somewhere I read this great article about BFing and comparing it to learning to walk..... (the not as eloquently written version is..) that when we learn to walk its very hard, its not natural feeling, it can be very painful but we don't give up because we can't imagine our life not walking. BFing is just like that
I wish I could find that article because it sounds so much better when she said it! LOL

[Chelnae6]

I feel your pain. It wasnt until Lani was close to 6 weeks that it no longer hurt when she latched on. I never had my nips bleed but they did crack before. It was really frustrating me so I just resulted in EP. Although on rare occasions I'll put her on the breast.

But rubbing breast milk and letting it get as much as as possible as someone else said helped me. You'll probably have to suffer thru the pumping for a while or maybe just hand expressing for a few days until your nips return to normal.

And dont feel bad for using formula. As long as she's getting fed from somewhere, you should never feel bad for having to result for that measure whether it be temporarily or permanently.

[.Brandi.]

I've got no advice expect to lather those babies up in Lanolin!!! I'm so sorry Bethy!!! I hope your boobies start to feel better and you get a second (better) opinion on Bella's latch!!

P.S. I would also try the breast shells that Angela and Heather both mentioned!

[~*Bethy*~]

Well I can nurse her off my evil right breast now, but not my left one - that is I haven't tried since she drank blood practically yesterday on it Im getting that white nipple with the line down it like yous aid heather, is that due to oversupply? I ALWAYS have milk in my breasts even if I pump and she eats.

So I guess this is a turn around? I cant let them air dry since I am watching my friends kids during the day lol God I hope this is the light at the end of the tunnel! Ill look for thoes shells - can I get them at target?

[Mars]

You're doing a great job so far. I imagine how hard it must be but you've been sticking to it. Hang in there.

[midnight_starr]

(((HUGS))) I hope it gets better soon!

[KatiInCT]

No advice other than what others have already said but I just wanted to cheer you on!

[~*Bethy*~]

Thanks! I've been able to nurse her off both breasts today without much pain. She even latched on herself (it was crappy) but she's slowly figuring it out. I'm feeling really good about sticking it out and I love the comments I get when I say that shes ebf. Thank you guys for your endless kind words and suggestions

[Frozendesire]

So glad things are turning up!!!!

Make those nipples flat and stuff it in her mouth!! hahahaha. That's my advice! Nice pancakes haha

[..Penelope..]

Yay!!! So glad to hear!!

[melandherboys]

Popping in from WTTC to say it DOES get better! I promise! Just keep doing what you're doing! GL!