2007-02-27 10:11:43 · 15 answers · asked by socorro0745 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Make sure your baby is latching on properly-this is the most common cause of cracked and bleeding nipples. If you do have a problem Lansinoh cream is good-you don't have to take it off for the baby to nurse. La Leche League is a great resource and LLL leaders will make hospital or house calls to help you get off to a great start!
2007-02-27 10:17:28 · answer #1 · answered by n2mama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't listen to that first guy! I didn't bleed with my first, or my twins, which were three and four for me. I only bled with my second because he got thrush. Get some lanolin. It's a bit expensive, but worth it. The hospital can probably give you some small sample tubes as well. Get a nice tight bra, and GOOD nursing pads. I suggest Johnson and Johnson's. They're already rounded, and don't show like the other ones do.
Next, don't forget that it's a learned progress! You AND your baby will both have to learn how to nurse. Take advantage of a lactation consultant at the hospital. Proper latch on is the most important thing to keep nursing from being painful.
If you have any additional questions feel free to IM me, it's all on my answers profile!
2007-02-27 18:20:45 · answer #2 · answered by Patty O' Green 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact LeLache league for help if this does not work.
First you have to toughen them up before birth. Use a lanolin cream and twist and tug on them. You can buy this at the store.
In the hospital I had to "air them" several times a day. Don't keep the pads on after the first 6 weeks.
Expose breasts to the sunlight, or a heat lamp, with the lotion.
After 6 weeks your milk will be established and you can throw the pads away if you start to use this technique when the baby is born; When you feel the "Let Down" Prickly feeling, cross your arms and press against your breasts- no one will know what you are doing, but you are stopping the leaking thru your clothes.
If you do this right from the start, it will save in pads too.
2007-02-27 18:23:31 · answer #3 · answered by northville 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am currently breastfeeding my son(about 2 weeks old).
It does kind of hurt at first, until the nipples toughen up. Then it just feels normal. I never bled though. The best way to prevent discomfort is to keep at it, rub Lanisoh creme on your nipples, and to make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Sometimes I make a cup of tea and put warm tea bags on the sore nipple. I'd also invest in some washable nursing pads, and wear them at night. Maybe even put a towel down on the sheets when you sleep. Nothing is worse than waking up in a flood of breastmilk.
2007-02-27 18:21:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It'll probably happen, but the best advice I got was from a nurse at the Pediatrics clinic. She said to always make sure to wash the nipples with a soft wash cloth, dampened with water only, no soap. Then she said to let them air dry for a minute or two. I was miserable with the cracking, it hurt so bad, but as soon as I started doing what that nurse told me to do, the problem cleared up in no time. Those creams and stuff they sell did not work at all.
2007-02-27 18:17:33 · answer #5 · answered by nimo22 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You best bet it to make sure that you are getting a good latch. Have the lactation nurse help you get the best latch. Don't get frustrated it. Breastfeeding is a learned behavior for both you and your baby. Take your time and enjoy the experience and it will go well. Good luck.
2007-02-27 18:16:41 · answer #6 · answered by mktk401 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most important of all is make sure you put a finger in the babys mouth to break the suction. Don't ever try to pull the baby off your breast without doing this it's quite painful!!! Avoiding soaps on the nipple (they are very drying) is also helpful. Rubbing a few drops of milk in when you are finished feeding also helps.
2007-02-27 18:16:02 · answer #7 · answered by Proud Mommy of 6 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I only breastfed for 2 months but I never went through any cracking or bleeding.. I used a Lanolin ointment and it worked great.. you can start using it before the baby is born to condition your nipples.. it worked wonders for me.. and you dont have to wipe it off before breastfeeding which is good too.. it's called Lansinoh.. good luck with it though!
here's their website.. http://www.lansinoh.com/
2007-02-27 18:30:43 · answer #8 · answered by CSS 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to bleed - it gets easier with practise. Just make sure the baby latches on properly and you'll be fine. It's getting the hang of it that's the problem, sometimes.
And just when you think "I can't do this anymore" then hey - you've got it!
2007-02-27 18:22:59 · answer #9 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it is Gerber who makes a chap-stick like tube that you put on right after feeding. I used it until that phase when by. It is even safe to use and not wipe off in between feedings. Just don't use Ice, Ice can sometimes reduce your milk flow.
2007-02-27 18:15:37 · answer #10 · answered by lilly j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋