I have been nursing now for almost 4 wks and my nipples are still sore and I dread each feeding. I have gone thru 3 lactation consultants to check latch on and read many internet sites on it and went to a group meeting -- will it ever be painless as some seem to make it seem?
2006-12-22 08:26:53 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
ouch! I feel for you. Mine hurt the whole time I nursed my kids. I tried everything, but the one thing that worked for me was the nipple guards. You can get them at Target. I almost gave up, and I am ssssooooo glad i didn't because that bond is just totally awesome. Don't give up. Try that nipple guard, it was so awesome for me and hopefully it works for you. I also used that lansinoh nipple cream while i was using the guard and it seemed to help. I'm proud of you for sticking with it. Good luck, God Bless, and Merry Christmas., OH, and Congrats on the little blessing.
2006-12-22 08:33:31 · answer #1 · answered by mcentiremadness 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good thinking to have an LC check the latch - I think its just a matter of time right now. Nipple shields may help, and the new ones made of silicone are not supposed to cause any problems - and as such can be used all the time - I just wanted to add that Lansinoh is made from lanolin and if you are allergic to wool this is not for you!
2006-12-22 10:26:17 · answer #2 · answered by motherhendoulas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I breastfed my last baby for a whole year and I don't remember it ever being truly painful unless he was latched on wrong or biting down. The baby's mouth should be around the areola and not just the nipple. Also your nipples do not callus, that's awful. It may be a little tender the first few weeks as you get used to it but never really painful.
2006-12-22 08:36:13 · answer #3 · answered by Tlee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It took me 6 looong weeks. And this was my 3rd baby that I had breastfed but he has a much stronger suck than the girls did. A couple of things that did help were to make sure that your breast is supported well( especially if your are larger sized) because then the baby is pulling at you and that can make you even sorer and also the Soothies gel pads. I only used them for 5 days before I started to not have pain while feeding my son. Don't know if it was a coincidence or not but it's worth a try. Good luck!!!
2006-12-22 16:25:32 · answer #4 · answered by ♥♥♥♥♥calimama♥♥♥♥♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh don't I know it nursed five of my own and when they latch on they really latch on.
It should last no more than a month. Here are some helpful tips:
Massage your nipples before and after each feeding.
Invest in breast shields
Apply breast cream incase of dryness and cracking before and after each feeding.
I did all the above except the shields. After awhile the tenderness goes away.
2006-12-22 08:34:59 · answer #5 · answered by Laela (Layla) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it will be. It takes time, each person is different, and each baby suckles differently. Just make sure he's latched on correctly EVERY TIME, and give yourself some grace, they will stop hurting eventually.
Youre building up "callouses" on your nipples, much like you would on your hands or feet from use, each person does that at their own rate.
Some it only takes a couple weeks, some its a couple months.
You'll get there.
You can get shields from your doctor if theyre so cracked and painful that you cant bear it. Just make sure you keep nursing even when sore.
2006-12-22 08:31:41 · answer #6 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you... I've been there! I just made a commitment to myself to get through the first 30 days... and it did slowly start to get better after that. The first month and a half were rough. I am still breastfeeding at 10 months and nothing could be easier at this point... NO PAIN! We've had our rough patches (mastitis twice!) but we got through it and I'm so happy I stuck it out. You should be very proud of yourself. A lot of women would have already thrown in the towel. Hang in there... it gets better!
2006-12-22 09:19:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it does take time, your nipples arent used to this, before i knew i didnt even feel it anymore, but it took time, just dont give up, if you know for sure that you are latched on right, then try icing them after, and use some nipple cream. it is easier said then done, but try not to tense up when you are nursing try to relax. it might help, but i remember thinking at like 3 months wow you know what it doesnt hurt anymore! i know it stopped hurting before this point, but that is when i realized it! it does get better, just hang in there! good luck!
2006-12-22 09:33:15 · answer #8 · answered by kristine J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's either latch or thrush.
Does your baby have white patches in his mouth? Are your nipple pink? (pinker than normal) Does your baby have a diaper rash that won't go away and is redder than normal diaper rash with bumps? If so it's thrush--go see your doc and get some anti-fungal cream for your nipples and your baby's ped can give him some oral medication.
2006-12-22 15:29:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it will get better...in fact you are right at the stage where the soreness will probably start to let up. Hang in there and go braless as much as possible to let your nipples air dry. also use lansinoh lanolin for bf mothers. It really helped me!! Good Luck and Congrats!
2006-12-22 09:31:15 · answer #10 · answered by 4 Shades of Blue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋