Breastfeeding mommy in need of some help!?

Question

So I have been breastfeeding for 5 weeks.It was going so good and I was really encouraged.

Now all of a sudden, on my right nipple there is a little crack and looks like it is bleeding....it is extrememly painful to nurse on that side so I pump, and even that is painful but not so much.

I am wondering if it is normal to have it be going good and then take a step back like this?

And would it be terrible if I just pumped this side while I heal?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplehealing.html

Follow kellymom's directions from the page above. You can absolutely pump until you're healed BUT pumps are not as efficient as a baby's suckle so you could have your supply decrease on that side. So just keep in mind that you *may* (or may not..) have to work a bit to get it back up to snuff when you're done. OR you can try her steps (pain med, ice, creams, different holds, etc) to see if you can still nurse and that won't be a concern. ;-) Trust me, I know your pain- I had a rather large blood blister the FIRST night I nursed and went on from there to have 6 wks of injured nipples. What saved me was adjusting latch, lansinoh and bm on the nipples (express a little, rub in and air dry) and taking ibuprofen. So, I'm not saying this lightly. Also, if you do keep nursing and your baby spits up "blood tinted" breastmilk don't worry! It's OKAY for them to ingest a little blood- it won't harm them.

Answer 2

Cracking is normal. Make sure you're helping the baby to latch properly. Try to coat your nipples with Lansinoh lanolin after every nursing session. It's not harmful for the baby to ingest and will help the sore to heal more quickly. Apply a warm compress afer nursing as well. Find a lactation consultant so you can get the support and advice you need. Find a La Leche League meeting near you as well so you can connect with other nursing mothers and have a supportive community. Our culture is unfortunatly not a breastfeeding-friendly culture, though we have made some progress. Make sure you surround yourself with a network of people who can encourage you and offer you advice when you run into problems. You will run into problems. Every nursing mother and child do at some point. Stick with it so you can sustain your nursing relationship for as long as you and your baby want and need. The bond you'll create with your baby is an amazing and immensly fulfilling feeling beyond any description. Nursing is good for your development as a mother and your child's physical, mental and emotional development. Don't give up on these things because of one little set back. Good luck!

Answer 3

Cracks and bleeding are normal! There is a breast cream that you can buy at any of your local stores, it's over the counter, no prescription needed. You can apply it and still nurse off of that nipple, it doesn't affect the baby. I had some of the same issues...one day I'd be fine and the next I'd be in pain. Noah is almost 9mths now and we're doing great.

Answer 4

You need to get lansinol breast cream. It is a miracle. The same thing happened to me and I healed in 2 days. I continued to nurse on that breast because I felt like I had to but pumping would probably be good too. Just be careful that you don't get the other breast sore also by only offering that one to your baby. You will feel better as soon as you start using the lansinol.

Answer 5

this is very normal but well done to get this far however dont let this put you off i breast fed till my child was 18mths. you can buy nipple sheilds for this sort of problem and also nipple cream to help heal it up also you can wipe a tiny amount of you milk around the area thats cracked and that helps to heal as well. hope it goes well for you, good luck.

Answer 6

Put some lanosil on it and keep pumping that breast so it doesnt dry up on you. When you think you can go ahead and put the baby back on it.

I had to go through that with my daughter, but the skin on my nipple was broken due to my daughter being born with 2 teeth.

Answer 7

It's totally normal, and yes its okay to pump. I'm suprirsed you've gone this far iwth no bumps! Lucky you!

Get some lanisol (i think its called) cream to speed the healing.

Answer 8

It's normal, and it's fine to pump while you heal. Use some Lansinoh on it - that will speed the healing and also ease the pain.

Answer 9

i dont have to tell you to buy the nipple creams i'm sure you already know but while your pumping you can use a nipple sheild that will also ease the pain. I have seen it at babies r us, they even have different sizes, with little holes around the nipple.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2585694&cp=2255981.2256161.2256173&parentPage=family

Answer 10

yes its totally normal, my left breast became completely engorged and then cracked.. soooo painful, but i held in and i hope you do to! its alright to pump as long as your consistant i'd think.. you don't want your milk to dry up on that one side. get some lanolin, i think thats what it's called, its safe for the baby if you deside to feed on that side and will help you heal. .