i', trying to breast feed but it hurts So bad can i do anything different?

Answer 1

Oh, honey, I am so sorry you are having a hard time. Breastfeeding is painful at first I was cracked and bleeding when I was feeding those first few weeks my toes would just curl up. I found that I was holding the baby too low and that wasn't helping so I got a pillow to put in my lap and that really helped. They now have a C shaped pillow, I can't remember what it is called, it helps you hold the baby up at the right level and then they aren't having to pull on your breast as well as suckle. You can also buy a breast shield it looks kind of like a bottle nipple only wider and it covers the nipple so you can heal. I didn't have much luck with one but some people love them. For the pain, and I know this sounds old fashioned, the best thing is a product called "Bag Balm" it was invented for milk cows and to my surprise my OB/GYN suggested it. You can ask you pharmacist if he can order it for you if he doesn't carry it, if not call your local veterinarian. I know this sounds odd but it works miracles and I promise it won't make you Moooooo! Good Luck you are doing the best thing for your baby and soon you will cherish this time with him.

Answer 2

I know that your nipples may bleed, crack, and scab. But think of your baby and how much pain you are still going through so that your child will have the best start at life.
You can buy lasinoh products, cooling breast pads, even cabbage leafs, helps soothe your nipples.
i'm glad you've made the choice to breastfeed. It's easier, with no mixing of formula and keeping bottles fresh and at the right temp.
But the best thing, is the bonding experience.
I know a few women who've stopped breastfeeding because of the pain, and postpartum depression. Please try for a few weeks, and if it don't feel right, then do exactly what you feel.
Contact LaLecheLeague. I almost gave up too. Until i got help and support.

Answer 3

Everyone tells you that if the baby is latched on correctly, breastfeeding won't hurt. That's just not true - I've breastfed all 4 of my children and it hurt like mad for the first 2-3 weeks. I used a chamomile nipple cream to soothe the pain a bit (if you live in the UK, buy some Kamillasan, it's great).

But in each case, the pain subsided by itself eventually. I know it's hard, but try to grit your teeth and persist. It WILL get better and you will be so glad you stuck with it - breastfeeding is so much less hassle than bottle feeding... and so much healthier for you and your baby.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I know some are against this but a "nipple shield" worked miracles for me and my baby, she had a weak latch and with the shield she latched properly every time and it saved my nipples from ever getting sore. We used it for 6 weeks straight and then I weaned her, now she is nursing bareback with no pain, pefect latch, and she is 3 months. You can do it! Don't give up, talk to a lactation consultant first and despite what anyone says, you were born to breastfeed! Women were made for this, we just were never informed about how hard it can be! You are doing great and someday you will look back on this after you have been nursing a few months and will be so proud of what you have accomplished!

Answer 5

How old is your baby ? If you have a newborn, my only advice is that it will hurt for about 2 weeks, but don't give up. I promise it will get better. You can take Tylenol to ease the pain . You can try warm compresses. If you are engorged try to express a little milk before your baby latches on. I know this goes against everything you want to hear, but nurse often. Also check to make sure you don't have cracked nipples, but if you do you can try some of that lanosh creme. Also check to make sure you don't have blocked milk ducts. You might have thrush. It's a yeast infection that you and your baby pass between each other. Check the inside of your baby's mouth for white patches. I had this with my second baby and it make my toes curl every time she would latch on. If you do have thrush your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic that you will put on yourself and inside your baby's mouth that will clear it up. Good luck !!!

Answer 6

Maybe your baby is latching on incorrectly it is usually painful when this is the case. If you are a first timer it helps to put a warm cloth right before you feed the baby over them. It will make the milk come out a bit easier.. ( it worked for me) you can find some awesome info on the net about positioning the baby make sure the entire area is in his mouth, usually you can tickle baby's chin and he will open up his mouth really big. Keep trying and dont give up. it is a wonderful experience. :) La leche league is usually a good source for info

Answer 7

GO TO THE STORE AND BUY SOME LANOLIN CREAM!!! You can get it in the ilse of WalMart, or Target, or any drug store where breastfeeding supplies are sold.

When I had Maya one of my friends told me it saved her life. I was thinking Maya was latching on incorrectly, but it was actually that my nipples were so dry and sore that anything hurt. I began using Lanolin cream reccomended by la Leche League, and within two days I felt better.
Also, contact your ped. They should have a lactation cunsultant on staff. If they don't , call around for a new ped. Take advantage of this since insurance pays for it!

Also, contact your local La leche league! These women are amazingly supportive.

Answer 8

Your baby is having a problem with the latch..breastfeeding wont hurt if your latched correctly. You NEED to see a lactation consultant right away so you dont give up! They offer free appt's at the hospital where you delivered...just call and ask for an appt. Dont give up! Just get help...you can also contact your local la leche league for support, advice, and sometimes they will even come out to your house to help...hang in there! It is totally worth it. I had the same thing at the beginning and now my daughter and I have an awesome breastfeeding relationship...

Answer 9

I have a similar story as "faithiegurl." I too had lots of pain, so we used a nipple shield to improve my baby's latch. But before getting a nipple shield, I HIGHLY recommend calling your local La Leche League. They will at the least give telephone advice, but they will most likely be willing to come to your home and help you out. That's what I did and it helped a lot. The pain will go away eventually - just make sure that you're not tramatizing your nipples (the nipple shield would help with that). Whatever you do, don't give up! There are lots of people out there who have been through this and will help you out. It's worth it - and it will get better!

Answer 10

Is milk coming out? The reason I ask that question is when I wanted to breastfeed my son, it hurt like the devil, too. He would suck and suck and nothing came out. My milk never dropped and at that point was when, well hell, now we have to buy formula. Your doctor can provide you with a prescription to dry you up as well as some cream to ease the chafing.

Yeah, you could try various angles and see that your baby is getting a good grip, but it sounds like the grip isn't the issue here. I believe there are some women who were born to breast-feed and others that weren't. I was one who couldn't.