ishe is about to give up on breastfeeding, the baby is 4 days old and she says she is in deep pain. her nipples cracking ect, whats an ointment you can use to help this ? or any other suggestions to my daughter would help...
2007-02-11 05:00:21 · 18 answers · asked by flowerlegz 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Oh, I feel for your daughter! Tell her that it will get better. The first weeks are so difficult, but she will be so proud of herself for continuing and it is the best nutrition for her baby. Because many new mothers do not get adequate training, there can be a lot of pain in the beginning, but it's really not supposed to be this way. I had the same problem & many new mothers do too. There are so many resources out there. I would first suggest checking out this website...there is SO much helpful info. here and there are also videos here to help your daughter with any latch difficulties. Latch issues are the biggest source of nipple pain. I have not found anything else more helpful on the web and where else can you find videos??
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml
Also, many insurance companies cover 1 visit from a lactation consultant. This is also a GREAT help for breastfeeding issues & she will feel so much better after she sees a consultant. They are usually very understanding & will visit at home. She should call her insurance company to see if she can get this.
As far as ointment, the lanolin creams are helpful.
Best of luck, congrats, and hang in there!
2007-02-11 06:52:27 · answer #1 · answered by Reenie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
100% Lanolin ointment - get some fast it is fantastic and it is safe for the baby to drink from the nipple.
After the baby has fed gently wash the nipple with warm water (NO SOAP - soap drys and cracks the nipples even more) .
Pat it dry - then apply a thick layer of lanolin ointment - also try to get Hard Plastic Nipple cups to keep the clothes off the nipples - I thank God for those nipple cups.
Also, during the day when she has time after one feeding - wash the nipple with water, gently pat dry and express some milk onto each nipple then let it air dry and leave her top off for about 30 minutes - breast milk is an amazing ointment for burns and cuts.
Once it is dry apply the lanolin ointment and put on the nipple protectors.
It will take about 2 days till you feel better but just keep up the routine.
2007-02-11 05:09:49 · answer #2 · answered by fizzents 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://www.lalecheleague.org/
http://www.lllc.ca/
Join a breastfeeding group to get help with technique and treatments etc. If you cannot find one, call your local midwife for advice or reference.
Usually lonin is used on nipples for cracking etc.
http://www.lansinoh.com
Can be found everwhere breast pumps etc. are found.
There are also things called nipple shields which are a learning tool for the new baby/mother if the baby if they are having trouble due to non-erect nipple, but talk to a local someone who knows about these things; midwives the best source.
Pain is usual for new mothers, my wife was the same and said that you just have to push through it and eventually it will get better. Pain is usually due to improper technique as bothte mother and baby must learn the technique. Basically she said that most women give up too easily. She was in pain for at least a month straight with cracking etc. and the pain never went fully away, but what's the alternative? No breast milk? It's all about either being selfish, or suffering a bit for your child. If one can get through painful child birth, painful nipples arelow on the scale. For her the answer was clear.
2007-02-11 06:39:41 · answer #3 · answered by Scocasso ! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lanolin. It's safe to use and really helps. I had that problem in the first few days and I used that and have already gotten better (now 12 days post pardum). I've been told that the soreness is common. I was like that the first few days. I kept thinking we weren't doing it right. Well, you have to think though that both mom and baby are leaning (if it's mom first time breastfeeding) and it takes time. I can tell at only 12 days post pardum that it's gotten better. I'm still a little sore but it's definatly gotten better. Another thing to try is nipple shields to wear over the nipples between feedings. They seem to help. I wear them during the day and take them off at night. My only complaint at first was that I would leak in them and even with pads over the shields I would end up getting milk all over my shirt. I learned to roll up the nursing pads and put them right into the shield though and haven't had a problem with that since. Hope this helps.
2007-02-11 08:11:37 · answer #4 · answered by ktpb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have her meet with a lactation consultant to ensure that she's latching on properly. The nipple should go far into the mouth, and the baby should be latching on to the breast, not the nipple.
Lanolin cream is great (the stuff recommended for nursing). Also, warm compresses can help. She should never put her bra back on while her nipple is still moist. It would be better if she feels comfortable going completely topless.
Even doing all that, however, the first few weeks can be painful for a first-time mother. I took prescription-strength ibuprofen that my doctor gave me - not for postpartum pain as prescribed, but because nursing was so painful!
It does get better. And it's worth it. I promise.
2007-02-11 10:35:47 · answer #5 · answered by stormsinger1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USE ONLY PURE LANCINOL!! Do NOT use anything with any other ingredients in it. I totally can relate. I was ready to give up to but here is what to do.
Take a shower to get clean. Apply pure lancinol (sold pretty much anywhere.. looks like petroleum jelly) and put on an old t-shirt. This stuff will stain so make sure it is an old t-shirt. Do not use the stuff that Gerber puts out that has alcohol in it... it will only make it worse.... not to be repetitive but ONLY PURE LANCINOL.
Also, don't give up! Keep pumping or feeding even if it hurts. It does not take long for that stuff to heal your cracked nipples. It works like a charm but don't stop using it as soon as they get better!
Good Luck.
2007-02-11 05:12:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
breast feeding can be difficult for the first 2 weeks while she is learning how to breast feeding. but it shouldnt be that painful. it sounds like the baby isnt latching on correctly. she should seek a lactison. availabale at the hospital where she had the baby. also there is ointment you can put on the nipple, i also cant remeber the name but its yellow and starts with a L. you can find it at target and probably walmart, in the infant isles.
2007-02-11 05:10:19 · answer #7 · answered by jjsoccer_18 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vitamin E, and there is a creme in the baby isle at all stores that you can purchase for the dryness and cracking. It is next to the box of breast pads. Good luck and don't give up.. this is just a minor set back.
2007-02-11 05:11:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lanolin cream for sure!
She needs to make sure baby's latch is good. Go see a lactation consultant. They are wonderfull!
She can also try a different hold. Football hold really helped me when I was sore. Hold the baby on the side of the body just like a football.
Tell her to stick to it! She is doing WONDERFULL!!! Breastfeeding is the best thing for the baby. Good job!
2007-02-11 05:42:49 · answer #9 · answered by Angela G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lanioish or something to that effect.... I cant go get it 'cause my little one is sleeping. but it's pure lanolin, and isn't bad for the baby to ingest at all. it helps. Also they have those gel sticky disks that you put in the fridge that helps. But mostly, my girlfriend got nipple shields and was sure to wipe off your nipples after feeding is finished, old milk and spit dries them out. (like if you are always licking your lips) Dont give up!! Formula is REALLY really expensive and time consuming. Boobs are baby food all ready warmed up and ready to go!!!
2007-02-11 05:14:20 · answer #10 · answered by cindy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋