I had my 1st baby 5days ago. He seems to be a vigorous eater and moves his head a lot and arms which make it hard to get his positioned correctly to breastfeed. It went alright at first, but now when he first starts nursing the pain is pretty bad, and I now have small scabs on parts of my nipples. Is this just something that happens to first time nursers? Do they just have to "toughen up"?? Using lanolin doesn't help too much. And also is it normal to have your entire breast feel sore? My actual milk didn't come in until 2 days ago. Is it just them getting used to being full of milk? And will they always be this big and tender as long as I breastfeed? Any and all advice would help! Thanks!
2006-12-26 04:07:21 · 14 answers · asked by Melissa t 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Here's a couple of suggestions I got to help w/ breastfeeding pain:
After nursing (or pumping), put hot (not TOO hot). steeped black tea bags on your nipples for 10 minutes. This will help toughen the skin on your nipples.
Get Soothies Gel pads. They're these little cooling gel pads that help w/ swollen & blistered nipples. I never used them, but every nursing mother I know that has tells me they were a godsend. Read the directions to know when to put them on.
Good luck, and if all else fails, consult a lactation specialist for some help!
2006-12-26 04:35:51 · answer #1 · answered by luvablelds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you for sticking with this! Your breasts are sore all over because they are adjusting to having milk in them. This is called engorgement, and it shouldn't last longer than a week or two. Try taking a hot shower, or putting a warm washcloth on them to help with the pain. You might start leaking milk as well, but this is also just a temporary thing.
NOTE: If you feel a hard spot where your breast is sore, if it is warm to the touch, or if it is red, you might have a breast infection (mastitis) and should call your doctor.
As far as the scabbed nipples - this is normal, but NOT how breastfeeding is supposed to be. Your son is not latching on properly, which is why it hurts so much. Your doctor's office or the baby's pediatrician may have a nurse that is also trained as lactation consultant that can help you. Or, you can contact your local La Leche League (www.lalecheleague.org), and they will send someone out to your house to help get you guys nursing properly.
Good luck - you have made an important choice in your babies health. There are so many resources to help you through this, be strong and don't give up!
2006-12-26 12:21:41 · answer #2 · answered by baby_savvy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is very painful and not fun in the beginning. Hang in there, it gets better and is an incredible bonding experience for you and your baby, not to mention the health benefits. It is all a little strange to start with, but you will adjust - promise. For your sore nipples, try leaving a little milk on them and letting it dry. For some reason that is one of the things that can help along with the lanolin. Thinking back, it was about the first 2 weeks that were hard and then it was smooth sailing after that. If you feel lots of pain I would check with your doctor or a lactation consultant to make sure your don't have a clogged milk duct or any other issues. Good luck and congratulations on your new baby.
2006-12-26 12:21:05 · answer #3 · answered by mom-knows-best 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will get better! Stick with it. I remember the pain very well, and it was 4 years ago. I was ready to quit, but I didn't, and it's the best decision I've ever made.
One thing I remember that really helped that hasn't been mentioned here yet: I made sure the my baby was exactly perpindicular to my body when he was nursing. When he was straight across (without his feet sagging) it really helped ease the pain. Prop his feet up with a pillow, or use a Boppy pillow. Also, nurse in a different position everytime you do it. This will ensure that you're not putting pressure on the same areas over and over again.
It will get better! One day, the pain just goes away. Your skin toughens up. I remember the scabs, and I remember them breaking open and my son actually having blood mixed in with his spitup, which was shocking, but harmless.
And no, they won't always be so big and tender. The size will change as your baby nurses more or less.
Good luck to you, and CONGRATULATIONS! Stick with it!!! You can do it.
P.S. All of the other answers are great, too. Try them out.
2006-12-26 12:41:03 · answer #4 · answered by Emily 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
www.lalecheleague.com
www.kellymom.com
I'm nursing my 1 month old and it was really hard for the first 3 weeks now i have been breastfeeding without complication for 3 weeks my advice will be nurse on demand if you feel engorgement pump that really help massage your breast before pumping breath deeply while pumping that helps too at the beginning it will see like there always eating and sometimes they do but it all going to get better by this time the go throughout a lot grow spurts like 7 to 10 days 2 too 3 weeks 5 to 6 weeks so they will nurse more so nurse and nurse and nurse and it all going to be fine the lying in bed position really helps on nights you can rest more than siting and your baby eat well don't supplement as soon as i stop supplementing my body started to make more milk because the baby was demanding more that can take only 2 to 3 days at the most a week but don't panic everything will be fine soon you are only in the beginning
2006-12-26 12:54:31 · answer #5 · answered by user 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can totally relate. When I nursed my first son I was just about in tears. Your baby might not be latching on correctly. Try getting him to open his mouth a little wider when you start. You might also want to try the "football" hold. If he is wiggling around a lot I would swaddle him snugly in a blanket. Make sure that when he is nursing his entire body is facing your breast (so his head isn't turned). As far as feeling tender, this will get better as the days go by. You mentioned scabs...probably cracked nipples, oh my gosh that hurts so bad, call your O.B. they can recommend a cream. I would also invest in a good breast feeding book "the art of womanly breastfeeding" was really helpful for me.
Good luck.
2006-12-26 12:30:21 · answer #6 · answered by B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OH, Bless your heart!!
You're doing a great job by breastfeeding! And, yes, the early weeks can be uncomfortable, but if the pain is really bad, then I would HIGHLY suggest finding a lactation expert in your area to consult with. You need someone to observe your babies latch on, and to give you ideas about resolving issues that cause pain.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience when it goes the way it is intended to. I suffered with my first, and gave up early on. I now wish that I had been able to have that bond with my oldest like I did with the other five.
Yes, hang in there, but also get HELP!!!!! You really don't have to suffer! :-(
2006-12-26 12:47:01 · answer #7 · answered by Momofsixblessings 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When your milk comes in your boobs will be full and engorged, for me this was painful for only a few weeks. However, if it's only one boob that hurts it may be mastitis. Try massaging your boob in a warm shower to help loosen up any blocked ducks. Your nipples will more than likely begin to get better very soon, the first few weeks are the toughest! Good luck and congratulations on breastfeeding, it'll only get easier from here on!
2006-12-26 12:22:32 · answer #8 · answered by dolly 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It takes awhile for your nipples to toughen up but they will! They won't be this tender as long as you breastfeed. For me I had to use a pump to get used to the pain. He may be latching on wrong so maybe get a professional lactation consultation. Hope this helped!
2006-12-26 12:31:10 · answer #9 · answered by Leslie N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure your baby latches on properly? He should hold the nipple and part of your areola in his mouth. check www.babycenter.com for pictures on steps of how to feed.
The breasts usually hurt when they are too full of milk.I usually pumb and store the milk for late. Also, make sure there is no pinkish or red spotting on your breast as it might be an infection that you need an antibiotic for. Usually, its accompanied by fever. you shouldnt feed your baby from that breast in that case. always check with a dr for advice anyway. Good luck.
2006-12-26 13:18:54 · answer #10 · answered by bangles121 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋