Sore nipples.... HELP!!!!?

Question

I have been breastfeeding for three weeks and my nipples has been sore ever since my baby latched on for the first time. It is so bad that I want to scream every time he is sucking. It makes breastfeeding so unpleasant! Is there anything I can do? I've been using Medela lanolin for cracked nipples, but it doesn't help at all.

Answer 1

Lansinoh - It is worth its weight in gold. It is even okay if Baby accidently ingests some of it.

I attached a web addi so you can see the pic. You really need to get this - any drugstore, walmart, some supermarkets.

A couple of thing you need to pay attention to...

#1 have they been sore all along? If yes, then it is likely cracking. This will heal and you will feel a million times better. The skin toughens and you won't really have a problem again - until second baby... though I went in the hospital for a week and when I got out, I had to desensitize my nipples again. The more fair your skin/eyes and hair colour combination, the more likely you are to have cracked (even bleeding nipples)

#2 if things were okay, but are now sore, you need to see a doctor. You could have thrush (a yeast infection) and you and Baby can keep passing it back and forth until it gets cleared up.

#3 Do you have a fever? If yes, go to a doctor. There could be a serious infection.

#4 Baby's latch. Don't be afraid to look for a support system in your area. IS she being lazy? Her mouth should cover most of your areola because that is where the milk sacs are that Baby squeezes when she nurses. If she is suckling only the nipple, you need to help her latch this way...
a) hold your breast around the areola between your finger and thumb
b) direct your breast to her mouth, as you get close, ensure that your thumb makes contact with her lower lip
c) as she closes her jaw, gently push her chin with your thumb so that it holds her jaw open a bit longer until she can get more of the areola.

You can try this in the football hold, too, as the change in position will help her have differing pressures on your nipple.

#5 always keep your nipples dry - breast pads if needed. Mosit warm areas build germs which could lead to infections or thrush.

Finally, PLEASE do something nice for yourself. Breastfeeding is really hardwork. You need to be congratulated for sticking with it through the hard times - buy yourself a book, movie, flowers or something to help celebrate the good that you are doing.

Don't give up - you will be the one encouraging other soon enough.

Answer 2

Well if its been sore form the VERY first moment I would go get some help because he's probably not latching on correctly and needs to be taught to do it right so he won't be hurting you.

The BEST thing you can do is go here:
www.lalecheleague.org
and find a support group nearest you. They are Huge and ALL over so there is probably one near you!
These groups are lead by trained nursing professionals (who have all nursed themselves) They are Free to go to, you can bring your child and there are many other nursing parents there also (a great place to meet new moms)
They will help you with EVERY aspect of nursing you could imagine.

However to be honest there is a period of bad pain when adjusting to nursing. This is usually like your nipples getting raw from all the nursing before they start to build up a callous. (though they don't actually get a callous per say, that's just an example, but they do adjust to it) During that the only thing that worked for me was Lanolin, non-stop lanolin!
PLEASE don't give up. get some help and give your sweet baby a chance and you both can get through it!!! :)

Answer 3

Chances are that your baby is not latching on correctly. I know that when i breast fed my nipples actually bled and scabbed over a couple of times until i realized she wasnt latching on correctly. here are a few things you can try.

1. DO NOT WASH YOUR NIPPLES WITH WATER AFTER EVERY FEEDING!!!!!(you'll only be washing off natural oils that your nipples/areolas produce when nursing)when your done feeding express some milk and allow it to dry on your nipples. If at all possible walk around with out a shirt once in a while.this getting rid of friction against your clothing can help.

2. they do sell gel packs those may help. I personally didnt care for them. i used a warm compress every now and then.

3 go to www.lalecheleague.org there you might
be able to get some helpful tips and information that other people cant provide. I know that la leche league helped me a lot.
good luck and don't let the sore, cracked nipples discourage you from breast feeding.It gets better with time just remember your doing this for your baby. My daughter just turned 1 on the 17th and she is still a healthy breast fed baby.

Answer 4

Use Lanisoh lanolin, I liked it better.

Trust me...I know it hurts ( I used to cry everytime he latched on)... It will get better

Aside from the Lanolin I don't think there is anything else you can do besides wait...

I've been breast feeding exclusivly for four months today, and it doesn't hurt at all anymore...It hasn't hurt in a long time...

Use the lanolin and make sure you use a good bra for support, it will get better with time mamma

Congratulations by the way!! And good luck!!

Answer 5

I did what the nurse at the pediatric office told me. She said to skip the creams and all that, just to get a soft wash cloth and wash the nipples after each nursing session. Just use the wash cloth and plain water and then allow them to air dry. It really helped me, plus time helps too as your body becomes accustomed to the breast-feeding. Good Luck, I hope you can stick it out because it's best for you and baby!

Answer 6

Call your Dr's office and get a referal for a lactation consultant. She will be able to help you make sure your baby is latching on properly and find relief for your sore nipples.

Answer 7

I know what you mean!! Just keep at it and use the lanolin. Your nipples will get tougher and not hurt anymore. This always happens to me when I have a baby. My nipples get soft again and I have to spend some time getting them tougher.

Answer 8

At three weeks i definately think this a latch problem....invite over someone who has nursed their own babies....or see if you can find a La Leche League leader in your area to call and get some free help from.....Lactation Consultants can be pricey....call your health ins. co. and see if maybe they will cover a visit....They are fantastic ...but be prepared for the cost....

Answer 9

Have you tried the nipple shells? I heard those help out alot...... I am due in 3 days and i plan on grabbing some before i leave the hospital. Also I heard that the cool gel pads help alot too. Sorry I cant tell you from experience but I am fixing to find out for myself!

Answer 10

It's possible that it is thrush, and that needs a doctor's attention. Otherwise, I remember that feeling. Your nipples need to get used to it. After each feeding, wash with water and make sure they are dry. If you are comfortable with it, walk around topless so they get more exposed to the air. You are taking a part of your body that is used to being covered up and suddenly exposing it to air and mosture; it will take time and all of a sudden, it won't hurt and you'll be like, "oh wow!"
Good luck, and stick with it!!!