I breast fed without much problem really and I so want her to keep at it as I know they will get better and it is really is a fantastic experience.Any tips?
2006-10-15 10:20:08 · 23 answers · asked by Andrea 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Kamilosan cream may help.
The most important thing is to ensure that the baby is latched on well as if he "nipple sucks" rather than has the whole areola in his mouth soreness will occur.
Try to avoid pulling him off as this will also make for sore nipples release the suction first - better still let the baby decide when to come off!
If she uses cream wash with water and a plain soap prior to feeds and if she is really sore try nipple shields but only in the short term. Utilise the advice of HV and also the NCT. Most important don't give up, breast feeding is inportant for babies health if at all possible, if she has to resort to bottles she may be able to comfortably express breast milk so baby still has the benefits. If all else fails formula, she has obviously fed for the first few days and baby has had the all important colostrum.
Good for you for supporting her she is lucky to have you to care.
2006-10-15 11:11:08 · answer #1 · answered by Lynne W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nipple pain that occurs between feedings or that continues during the entire feeding is not a normal part of the breastfeeding experience. Tell your lactation consultant, La Leche League or Nursing Mothers’ Council helper, or your health care provider if your nipples become cracked or blistered. Breastfeeding assistance from a knowledgeable breastfeeding professional can often correct these problems.
Most nipple injury results from a poor latch. Effective latch on insures that the most sensitive part of the nipple tissue is pulled deeply into the baby’s mouth. The tongue is forward over the lower gum to help cushion the compression.
When a baby is incorrectly latched, the baby grasps just the nipple shaft rather than locating the gum compressions on the breast itself. Mothers can identify a shallow, improper latch by removing the baby and checking the shape of the nipple. If the nipple looks creased, or drawn into a point (like a new lipstick), this is a sign that the baby is compressing the nipple shaft. Cuts can form across the crease line, as well as at the base or junction of the nipple and areola.
If the milk flow is pinched off due to a nipple latch, if the milk supply is low, or the breast is hard to draw in because of engorgement, the baby will suck harder to get milk. This extra strong suction applied to such a small surface area can cause blistering.
Solutions:
Seek help (see Medela’s BNN) to correct the latch-on and positioning problems that cause sore nipples. Often, simple positioning changes can fix the problem.
Manage engorgement or low milk supply problems.
Gentle cleansing is good first aid for any cut in the skin surface. Wash your nipples with a mild, non-antibacterial soap during your daily shower. Rinse well.
Your own milk feels soothing to sore nipples.
If the nipples become too painful to allow breastfeeding, hand expression or a gentle, effective breast pump will protect your milk supply and provide milk for your baby until healing takes place.
Broken skin can become infected. Your health care provider may recommend a safe, topical medication to resolve the problem. If mastitis (breast infection) occurs, oral antibiotics can be prescribed that are safe for use by breastfeeding moms.
Other suggestions for preventing sore nipples:
Avoid early use of bottles and pacifiers.
Frequent breastfeeding (8-12 feeds per 24 hours) will prevent the baby from sucking too vigorously due to hunger.
Soften engorged breasts with hand expression or pumping to help baby latch on. A brief warm shower before expression might be soothing to some moms.
Express a little milk first to stimulate the let down reflex before latching.
Use relaxation techniques before and during feedings.
Check the baby for conditions such as tongue-tie that can contribute to sore nipples.
Breastfeed on the least sore side first. Limit feeding time on the sore nipple if necessary. (Finish emptying the breast with hand expression or a breast pump).
To remove the baby from the breast, place a clean finger between the baby’s gums. This will prevent the baby from clamping down on the nipple.
Avoid synthetic bras and plastic-lined pads.
Use care when applying herbal preparations. Some can be toxic to the baby, or have strong odors that lead to breast refusal, or can trigger allergic reactions.
-Avoid the use of Vitamin E on the nipples. This can be toxic to the baby.
-Many ointments or creams can cause allergic reaction when applied to broken skin. Consult your health care provider or lactation consultant.
Keep pads and bras dry. Drop bra flaps and allow air to circulate.
Multiple-hole breast shells hold fabric off of sore nipples and allow air circulation.
2006-10-15 10:51:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely get Lanisoh or another lanolin product which is available at any pharmacy. Also, make sure that she is latching the baby on correctly -- most probelms with sore nipples are due to an incorrect latch.
Good luck! Congratulations to her for giving her baby the best start in life.
2006-10-15 10:23:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a wonderful aunt. You are doing the most important thing she will need. You are being her support!!! When we have nursing issues we really need a cheerleader...and I am normally the most anti cheerleader person. I agree with PP. Use Lanolin to protect, soothies gel pads to heal, and medela breast shields to give instant relief and time to work on the latch. SHe will only want to use the shields till the soreness has healed and she and baby has perfected their latch. If you can't find these items locally, email me and maybe I can help.
2006-10-15 12:54:13 · answer #4 · answered by jessashare 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a variety of lanolin-based remedies that are good. Aside from that, sore nipples usually go away after about a week. Make sure she washes then with warm water- NO soap, and let them air dry. Expressing a drop of milk will help keep them moist also.
2006-10-15 10:31:57 · answer #5 · answered by suninmyskies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a student nurse and I had a placement with the health visitors in Boonyrigg. They always advised the women to rub their own breastmilk on their nipples when they got sore, red, painful or cracked. I hope your neice keeps up with the breastfeeding as it has so many benefits for both her and her baby.
Hope this helps xxx
2006-10-15 10:29:51 · answer #6 · answered by moominjen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some moms don't get the nipple all the way in the baby's mouth and this will lead to lots of soreness. She ought to call the La Leche league volunteer in her area - and keep getting good support from you.
2006-10-15 10:33:33 · answer #7 · answered by cassandra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will have to perservere with it, I had a nightmare with mine, sore cracked bleeding. The main cause seemed to be that my daughter wasn't latching on properly so it was a bit of a vicious circle but really wanted to carry on breastfeeding and they got a lot better with this cream I got from the chemists. Sorry can't remember the name but it was really good. She can also get nipple shields but I didn't find them very good to be honest.
2006-10-15 10:24:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I never experienced this issue, tell her to avoid pulling her nipple from the baby's mouth, instead put her finger inside the side of the baby's mouth to break suction. Also wash with soap and water and allow to air dry after each nursing session avoid towel drying this may cause irritation. this may be very helpful. Good luck and God bless.
2006-10-15 10:34:21 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pure Lanolin. It comes in a purple tube at Wal Mart
2006-10-15 11:55:36 · answer #10 · answered by Blondi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋