I was only able to feed my first from the breast for a little while because my breast became raw and it was agony to feed or pump from them.What can I do the second time around to toughen the skin on them so I can feed longer?
2006-11-11 19:05:54 · 9 answers · asked by Direktor 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You may have your baby positioned wrong. Make sure that alot of the dark circle around the nipple is in the mouth and that the babies lips are curled out. When you are at the hospital, ask them for some cream that you can put on your nipples. Hang in tough, girlfriend, it won't hurt forever. I have 6 kids and have nursed for a total of over 8 years, which means I am breast cancer free! (7 years is the minimum to be breast cancer free) Be sure to ask for help from a lactation nurse at the hospital too, they can give you lots of info too.
2006-11-11 19:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by Faith 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain! Literally! Breastfeeding was AGONY for the first month or so with my first son but I was determined to stick with it and managed to get past it. I did not, however, have raw nipples, so I support your decision to stop last time. I can't imagine wanting to toughen the nipples, but using 100% pure lanolin will keep them supple and protect them from chafing and bleeding! Incidentally, lanolin also tastes appealing to newborns. The Lansinoh brand of lanolin is sold all over, including at K-mart and Wal-Mart. A little goes a long way and it's totally worth it. In addition, your hospital should be able to provide you with a pair of nipple shields. They didn't work super well for me but it did help some in those early days. Also, take Tylenol. That may sound overly simple, but it's a pain reliever that is inexpensive and effective.
Remember, if you can tough it out for the first little while and get the support you need (try joining your local La Leche League Int'l), the benefits will be tremendous to your baby! After a while, breastfeeding actually feels good. Lastly, if you have problems and have to stop breastfeeding, you can know that you at least gave your baby the best start with the colostrum you produce for the first few days of his or her life. Formulas are getting better and better all the time and although "breast is best," you can only do what you can do. Good luck!
2006-11-12 03:15:17 · answer #2 · answered by thyladydulcinea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you and your babes! Breastfeeding is so good for mom and baby. You don't need to toughen the skin on your nipples!
You might want to start attending LeLeche League meetings in a few months, those ladies can help out with a lot of problems. Also, try to find an IBCLC-lactation consultant before the baby is born.
it sounds like your problems may have been caused, in part, by a bad latch.
Introducing a bottle can have a negative effect on breastfeeding and latching techniques, so avoid it for as long as you possibly can.
2006-11-12 03:22:32 · answer #3 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Positioning, Positioning, Positioning. #1 Keep your baby her belly to your belly. #2 bring the baby to the breast not the breast to the baby. #3 cont to breastfeed through the soreness I promise it will go away use the creams that the other women have recommend like the lanisho creams. But the only way to toughen them is by feeding through the pain and position the baby properly on the breast.
2006-11-12 03:52:07 · answer #4 · answered by melissa m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told to wear my clothes without a bra to toughen up the nipples, also scrub them with washcloth when bathing
I was told to wash my breasts before each feeding but I didn't
because they weren't dirty and I never got chapped
There isn't anything better than breast feeding
Good Luck
2006-11-12 04:55:00 · answer #5 · answered by Loollea 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While showering you take a wash cloth and soap and wash your nipples with it in circularly motion will toughen your nipples and it needs to be done from the beginning of pregnancy Bless you through your Parenting...
2006-11-12 03:14:30 · answer #6 · answered by patricia 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I use Lanisoh its cream you can put on your nipples and it really helps and its safe to put on before you breastfeed.When I first started breastfeeding I couldnt go without it.
2006-11-12 03:11:54 · answer #7 · answered by honeybee5484 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
when my mom was breastfeeding for my youngest siblings, she used to put warm teabags on her nipples.. i dont know what in them helps, but it seemed to help her because she breastfed for about 2 years and no bottles
2006-11-12 03:10:44 · answer #8 · answered by theMRS.asof11-25 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
more foreplay
2006-11-12 03:13:39 · answer #9 · answered by hell oh 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋