Sore nipples and aerola during breastfeeding?

Question

I have a 1 month infant and one of the breasts is more sore than the other. The nipples have healed and I think my baby is latching fine as well. During latch the pain is quite a bit and also I notice that the aerola is also sore where the jaws of the baby are. Has anyone experienced this. I spoke to the lactation consultant and the were not sure why the aerola would be sore as well.
I do have a very sensitive skin.

Answer 1

I had this too. I found it was on my one breast that had a faster flow then the other. So maybe the baby is having to suck more vigorously on that side to keep up. It also tingled and stung a bit when it letdown.

Answer 2

Sorry. I don't know what's wrong with you so you should check with a doctor. In the meantime, however, there's an old wives' tale which I'm told DOES work for sore nipples. You get a fresh cabbage leaf (a clean one), stick it in boiling water for a few seconds so it goes all floppy and then, when it's cooled down a bit but is still hot, lay it over the nipple area and leave it there for a few hours. Use an old bra to keep it in place. Repeat daily. Good luck

Answer 3

Sounds like there not latching on properly. When they go on to feed it shouldn't hurt at all. Have a word with your Health Visitor but stick with it if you can. Having breastfed both my babies (first for 13 months) I would say it takes abour 8 weeks or so to feel really confident about latching them on and getting them fed properly each time. You could try nipple guards (not sure how these work but it might help till they heal).

Good luck with it and keep at it...

Answer 4

sounds like baby might not be opening mouth enough, therefore making you sore. Could try looking up le leche league - they offer fab advice for breastfeeding mums.

Also try putinng cabbage in fridge and then putting cold cabbage leaves in old bra - odd but works!

Answer 5

It could be thrush, is the nipple more pink/red than the other?