How long do sore nipples last when breastfeeding?

Question

I'm a new mum of a 2 week old. We had attachment problems with her latch in the hospital which ended up with me having cracked nipples. We've fixed the latch problems now, but my nipples are still sore when she latches on, but then they are fine throughout the feeding. How long does this take to heal? I am using Lansinoh cream which is helping a bit (I think).

Answer 1

Mine took a good 2 weeks to heal, I had cracked nipples too! I know how you feel! Make sure you air out your nipples for a while in between feedings and when ever your nursing pads are wet change them right away! Mine were so bad I ended up pumping for entire day and giving my son my milk through a bottle and that did the trick by getting a break for a day. Good Luck it will get better just hang in there!

Answer 2

Now that your latch issue has been addressed, you should notice it easing up in a couple days to a week. Just make sure she's latching correctly each time and you should start to notice the difference right away. Use nipple cream in between feedings to help, or express some milk and dab it on your nipples and air dry after a feeding to soften and heal the skin.

Answer 3

My daughter is 8 months old and I have breastfed since hour one. Sore nipples in the beginning are normal, but soooo painful. I used Lanolin on them. You can get it anywhere you get breastfeeding supplies. Just put a little bit on your nipples after your shower and before bed and it really helps take away the soreness. The baby can even nurse with it on the nipple since it natural and nontoxic, but my baby didn't like the stickiness on her lips. So when it was time to nurse, I got a warm, wet cloth, wiped it off, and reapplied when she was done. It only took 2 days for the soreness to disappear. Good luck!

Answer 4

I breastfed both of my kids, and with the first one it took a couple of weeks before the worst of it was over. With the second, I really had no problems. I guess that's because my nipples were tougher, I don't know. But keep using the lanolin cream, it really does help!! Even after the initial soreness is over, you could still get dry cracked areas later down the road, so taking good care of your skin is vital to prevent the same problems from re-developing. Good luck with that little one!! Before you know it, she will be so big you can't believe she was ever so tiny. Enjoy and savor your time with your baby, you only get to enjoy her like this once.

Answer 5

My daughter latched fine, but my nipples hurt for the first 3 weeks.

Answer 6

*IF* you have the latch issue down it should be better in less than 5 days *IF* the cracks aren't infected. I had a bite that wouldn't heal, then I used polysporin (wash your nipples before feeding).

However if the pain isn't getting better, or is getting worse it doens't hurt to see a lactation consultant (may cost money) or La Leche League -free www.llli.org

Answer 7

i had them until a proper routine was established, around the fifteenth to twentieth day of nursing. it's a pin, but congrats for trying to stick with it, a lot of moms give up by now!

Answer 8

i nurse my 6 week old daughter... sometimes she just sucks too hard and it hurts... or in my case she has teeth already (born with 2) and she chomps down then yanks off... that will cause a lot of pain.

Answer 9

i think it huggies that makes a nipple cream that works wonders. it has no taste and no odor. good luck and congrats on the little girl.

Answer 10

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