Breastfeeding pain.....?

Question

My son turned 2 weeks old on saturday and I am trying to breatfeed him. He sucks so hard he has worn a blister on his upper lip and has caused me a great deal of pain. I have been pumping on the times that he is not breastfeeding and I am getting so discouraged because of the pain taht I think I want to just give him a bottle from now on. I have tried all the ointments and creams and nothing seems to be helping. When I asked my lactation consultant about it she said he was latching properly and that some babies suck harder tahn others. Anyone have any advice for me?????

I have an appointment at the doc about his blisters for him today. I am trying to find out how to make my nipples quit hurting so i can continue breastfeeding and not give up completely on pumping and give him formula.

Answer 1

Despite the fact that your LC said he's latching properly, it sounds as if that might be the problem.

Truly, if nursing hurts, then something is wrong, even with a hard suck. The baby isn't sucking on the nipple, but is latching on behind the nipple including much of the areola and then compressing the milk ducts behind the nipple. Also, check to make sure that his lips aren't rolled inward around the nipple. They should be turned out. This can cause pain even with a good latch. When you latch, wait for him to open wide and then aim high so he gets as much of the areola as possible.

A milk blister on a baby's upper lip isn't uncommon and goes away fairly quickly.

I would go back to your LC and have her watch you nurse. Try out different positions and make sure that he is latching well behind the nipple. Check to make sure his lips are out.

I know it can be trying at times, but try to stick with it as best you can. It gets easier the longer you do it and it's a great choice for your baby. You and he are still just getting to know each other and working out all the kinks.

Answer 2

If you can..try and stick it out. I promise it will get better. The first few weeks are tough but it takes a couple of weeks for your nipples to get used to it. Try using nursing pads with lanolin in them....this will help with some of your discomfort. Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, but it definately takes time and patience. Also, pumping is nice, but it may cause you more discomfort in the first few weeks. I don't care how great or expensive the pump claims to be...there is nothing like a the suckling of a real baby...breastpumps work great if you wait until the initial discomfort subsides. I have breastfed all of my children and had a different experience each time but with all of them I found that pumping works best after the first 4-6 weeks. Even then, my nipples would still get a little sore and purple but would subside fairly quickly.
As long as you are sure that your little one is latching on properly, just try and stick to it.
The blister on his upper lip is normal and happens with most babies....it will get better.
Good luck and Congrats on your new arrival!

Answer 3

It sounds as though he isn't latching on right if he has a blister on his lip. Make sure his mouth is wide open when he latches on. It does take some practice working on the proper latch on. But once you both get it, it goes much better.
Don't give up, I know it is painful (I'm currently breastfeeding my 3 month old daughter). But it is so worth it once you get into a groove with him. It's such a rewarding and bonding experience. Don't give up.
Call you lactation consultant again.
Go on line to www.lalecheleague.com.
Check out breastfeeding support groups in your area - a good place to find them is through WIC or though your hospital.
Good luck!
Don't give up!
You've made it two weeks!
You can do it!

Answer 4

Have you tried nipple shields? Medela makes them and you can get them at target. They gave me some at the hospital and I used them for the first three weeks. After that though, he was sucking so hard my nipple was coming out the little hole at the end and that hurt more! I probably would have given up if I didn't have them. My son is 4 months old now and still has a very vigorous suck. I do still have bruising and the pain comes and goes but you get used to it and the benefits are well worth it. It's much healthier and think about how much you are saving on formula!

Answer 5

First, of all the blister on the top lip is normal. I think most newborns get it from breastfeeding. I am assuming your lactation specialist checked you for infection and cracking. My daughter was a strong sucker too. Someone suggested to me to wet tea bags and place them on my nipples. I found it to be very soothing. Also, vitamin E worked great. Try and hang in there it will get easier. It took about a month for my breasts to stop hurting. The following websites are really helpful. The second one includes instructional videos.

Answer 6

when i first started breast feeding, i was in a lot of pain too, but i stuck it out and eventaully as me and my baby got the hang of it it stopped hurting so much. youve only been at it for a couple weeks, so pain is normal, as long as youre not bleeding. after the first month you should be good. since breast feeding is the best thing you can do for your baby i strongly reccomend you stay the course because you will have a healthier baby and you and the baby will be bonded faster and sloser than if you do it by bottle. also, when i was pumping it me even more sore than just the baby, so try to stop pumping. also if you still want to give your baby breast milk but s/he's just sucking too hard for you, just keep pumping and then give it to him in a playtex bottle, that way he will still be getting the benefits of breastmilk and you can have time to heal from all the chapped skin and soreness

Answer 7

Lets start with the easy one first. The blister on his lip is normal.

The hurting nipples are not normal. I would not pump between feedings let them nipples have a rest.

Have you called a La Leche League Leader in your area?
She will be happy to talk to you on the phone and possibly help you in person. YOU can look on www.lalecheleague.org
Or call in the US 1800-laleche

Your latch on is not right. Or your nipples would not be hurting.
Here are a couple of good links to help with latch.
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/a-when_latching.html


ANd here are some Video Clips that are extremly helpful to many moms. http://www.thebirthden.com/Newman.html

Email me if you need more help than I have given here.

Answer 8

it sounds like he has a 'nursing blister' which is a clear 'bubble' on baby's lip...bottle fed babies get these too , its very common and painless for baby. If the latch is right, then its just a matter of time...are your nipples cracked and bleeding? if they are i do recommend Lansinoh (if you are NOT allergic to wool) but if they are just sore...dont put any lotion or oil on them at all.... time will cure this, lay off the pump and feed your baby and soon this latch-on pain will end

Answer 9

You could have a blocked milk duct, thus makeing him suck harder becausse the milk is not coming out. Try massaging your breast or placing a warm compress (dish towel works well) on your breast about 10 min before nursing. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Honey, There is nothing wrong with bottle fed babies, just more trouble. The new formula is powder and you just mix with tap or bottled water. When you have reached your limit with the pain, just switch. One other note, the sooner you switch, the easier it will be to take the bottle. God Bless.